#StanGrad: Against All Odds, Heather Oram Rises Above Life’s Obstacles to Thrive in Sociology Studies

Heather Oram acknowledged that the odds of returning to school and living comfortably weren’t in her favor. 

Before 2017, Oram never earned her high school diploma and had to navigate addiction, incarceration and housing insecurity. Ultimately, brain injuries and chronic pain hindering mobility inspired a change. 

“After regaining my ability to walk, it occurred to me that life is precious and that I need to take advantage of the opportunity to live it fully,” Oram said. “I could make a list of variables that I have stacked against me that statistically make me less likely to achieve all that I have thus far. What statistics do not account for is that no amount of data can take away one’s drive to rise above.” 

Oram’s journey included Oroville Adult Education Center and Modesto Junior College. In junior college, Oram learned insurance had approved a trial procedure to help manage pain. From that point, the possibilities began to expand, and Oram was led to Stan State. 

“The thought of attending Stan State was something so far from my peripheral, I didn’t even consider it,” Oram said. “A former employer who I admire greatly was attending Stan State, and the conversations I had with this person not only made it clear that it is something that I can do but even presented me with information on how to apply.” 

Applying proved successful, and it was Stan State’s student resources and support of faculty that helped Oram thrive as a sociology major. “With a campus like Stanislaus State that is filled with staff and faculty that want you to succeed, the possibilities are endless,” Oram said. 

Oram found community in Project Rebound, a program supporting formerly incarcerated students, as well with Disability Resource Services, which promotes independence and academic excellence for students with disabilities by reducing and eliminating barriers. Oram also served as an intern with Students for Quality Education (SQE), becoming involved in social action and advocating on behalf of students on campus and at the state capitol.  

Oram’s passion and dedication to creating a more inclusive and compassionate world were evident in their studies. In fall 2025, Oram designed a research study on the experiences of transgender, non-binary and genderqueer students on campus, collecting data this semester and presenting preliminary findings at the annual meeting of the Pacific Sociological Association in Long Beach.  

“This was not a project they put together to fulfill a course requirement — they wanted the experience of conducting research, and they followed through every step of the way,” said Jennifer Whitmer, associate professor of sociology and research supervisor. “I've been so impressed by the initiative and drive that Heather has shown in conducting this study, and although they are still completing data collection, their preliminary findings indicate that support for trans, genderqueer and non-binary students needs to be better integrated into the structure of the university in order to foster belonging, as students' sense of belonging currently is very uneven depending on major. 

“Heather has been an intellectually curious and passionate student the entire time I've known them, but it's been such a joy to see them grow in their confidence and conviction over the past two years.” 

After walking the Stan State commencement stage, Oram will head to Sacramento State to pursue a graduate degree in sociology before pursuing a Ph.D. 

“I plan to continue expanding my ability to conduct social research in an effort to create social change and use my education to improve community solidarity in the Central Valley,” Oram said. “I plan to pursue a career in education. I am a firm believer that quality accessible education is a reflection of the state of society. I want to give back to communities that have given to me.” 

#StanGrad File

What memories stand out most from your time at Stanislaus State?

“I have so many amazing memories at Stanislaus State. The underlining theme of the most positive memories is faculty and staff believing in me and my ability to thrive more than I believed in myself. I think about all the support I have received starting at Stan State orientation. There, I was introduced to Project Rebound, and I cannot begin to express what the club has meant to my experience at Stan State. I have made some amazing friendships and have had some fun adventures. The support I have received from Disability Resource Services (DRS) is something I didn’t even know was possible! I have also had a great experience with Students for Quality Education (SQE) at Stan State through the CFA Stanislaus chapter. Seeing all what education means to Stan State faculty and staff for the student body leaves me with no doubt that, no matter how challenging the times may be, Stanislaus State has people that want the best for the students.” 

Which faculty or staff member had the greatest impact on you, and why?

“I cannot thank Dr. Jennifer Strangfeld enough for the positive impact she has had on my experience at Stan State. As my advisor, a professor and a key figure to my internship, I can say without a doubt that faculty like her make Stan State a quality University.  

“When Dr. Jennifer Whitmer introduced me to the opportunity of presenting at the Pacific Sociological Association conference; this was more than just a roundtable presentation, this was a monumental experience of realizing that I am not just working toward a specific place- I am working hard and I am at this place right now.  

“Missy Lebray is the coordinator of Project Rebound, and it’s truly inspirational to see her commitment to the student members of Project Rebound. Some of my greatest times in connection with Stan State were because of the effort she put in to make it happen.  

“Marsha Bond-Nelson, I cannot thank you enough for helping me with my journey of self-discovery and my efforts to applying to Sacramento State and getting accepted into the M.A. of sociology program!” 

What advice would you give to current and future students?

“My greatest piece of advice I have for current and future students is to get active on campus! Interact with faculty, staff and student organizations. There are so many opportunities and resources at Stanislaus State, and it is important to make the effort to access them! Attending Stanislaus State can be so much more then attending class and turning in assignments, and I can say wholeheartedly that my time here has been so great because the efforts I have made to make that mean something.” 

Note: This article is part of the StanGrad series highlighting Stanislaus State students who are part of the Class of 2026. Read more StanGrad profiles.