Note: This article is part of the StanGrad series highlighting Stanislaus State students who are part of the Class of 2020. Read more StanGrad profiles.
Mei Curry has always had a passion for speaking out and helping others, but at Stanislaus State she learned how to channel that passion into acts of advocacy to make a difference in society.
A criminal justice major, Curry came to Stan State five years ago from her hometown of Santa Cruz. She quickly met Liberal Studies Lecturer Brett Ashmun and fellow student Gloria Vallin, both of whom she credits for teaching her how to advocate effectively for others.
“Brett and Gloria taught me how to give back to my community and advocate for other people through different methods,” she said. “Brett reminded me that doing small acts and just talking to people can be rewarding, while Gloria showed me the value of marches and lobbying to get people’s voices heard.”
Curry has been active in several causes over the past few years. She participated in a three-day march for immigration reform and to give DACA individuals a pathway to citizenship. She also worked as an intern for Students for Quality Education, rallied for debt-free education, pushed for the creation of Stan State’s Diversity Center and championed improved lighting and other safety measures on campus.
“The most rewarding part of advocacy is working with the community and encouraging others to voice their opinions or concerns,” she said.
While Curry thrives on being strong for others, she hit a few personal rough patches while at Stan State and found that she could always count on support from the LGBTQ+ Mentor Program and her mentor, Assistant Professor Jon McFarland.
“He and the other mentors have been there to support me through tough times by just listening to me,” she said. “I would call them my on-campus family because they accept me as me.”
With her bachelor’s degree in hand, Curry hopes to travel a little and eventually return to Turlock.
“I want to stay in the area. I love the community and have great memories because of the relationships I made here,” she said. “I don’t know what is next for me. I know that I want to get my master’s in the future, but I want to wait a year to explore the world.”
#StanGrad File
Name
Mei Curry
Hometown
Santa Cruz, CA
Degree/Credential
Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice, Forensic Science Concentration
What memories stand out most from your time at Stanislaus State?
“My time with the LGBTQ+ Mentor Program and getting involved with the clubs on campus.”
Which faculty or staff member had the greatest impact on you, and why?
“The whole campus community made an impact on me in some form, but four people had the most impact are: Dr. Jon McFarland, Dr. Clarissa Lonn-Nichols, Andy Klingelhoefer and Dr. Christine Erickson. All four of them helped me in different ways, but all of them knew how to put a smile on my face and answer my questions. They all listened to me when I needed them and accepted me as Mei. Importantly, they all supported me and gave me words of encouragement.”
What advice would you give to current and future students?
“No matter what, you can do it. There are people out there to help you even if you don’t vibe with them. The school administrators and faculty members are very nice people. I have made some great relationships with them.”