Despite starting college during a pandemic, Marisol Garcia has managed to excel academically, get involved on campus and build a robust network.
The first person in her family to earn a college degree, Garcia will walk the stage with the Class of 2024 with summa cum laude status.
“My goal after graduating is to work abroad and make a positive impact by supporting local communities or teaching English,” Garcia said. “My dream is to travel and immerse myself in diverse cultural settings that broaden my perspective and help with my personal and professional growth.”
She plans to put her degree to work by addressing social issues and advocating for those who feel like they don’t have a voice.
“I believe that promoting inclusivity and encouraging different perspectives can help us reach an understanding that fosters positive change,” Garcia said.
Before attending Stan State, she was involved in various clubs and played on her high school softball and golf team. She was always open to trying new things and enjoyed being an active member of the community. However, Garcia had trouble doing this after the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I felt stuck in my shell. I’m very ambitious and it was frustrating to experience how difficult it was to put myself out there,” Garcia said. “I had trouble speaking up in class and would often doubt myself.”
She became a Stanislaus State College Corps fellow and joined the Anthropology and Language clubs. She said attending activities and meeting new people helped her expand her support system.
“I made several new friends while participating in club events and activities, which allowed me to serve the community while gaining valuable work experience. I’ve been continuously stepping out of my comfort zone, gaining confidence and meeting amazing people along the way.”
#StanGrad File
Name
Marisol Garcia
Hometown
Riverbank, CA
Degree/Credential
Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology with a concentration in Cultural Anthropology
What memories stand out most from your time at Stanislaus State?
“I’ve enjoyed many of the hands-on anthropology courses, such as when I created an ethnographic documentary in Steve Arounsack’s Visual Anthropology course. I learned about the filmmaking process and worked with a group to create a documentary about first-generation college students. It was incredible. Handling artifacts in Jennifer Ringberg’s Museum Collections Management class was a great experience. These memories stand out because we were able to practice what we read about in a real-life setting.”
Which faculty or staff member had the greatest impact on you, and why?
“Associate Professor of Anthropology Jeffrey Frost of the Institute for Archaeological Research had the greatest impact on my academic journey. I frequently attended his office hours, and he encouraged me to explore anthropology as a major. He went above and beyond to support me with my personal and professional goals. Looking back on my time at Stan State, I can say that Dr. Frost believed in me before I believed in myself.”
What advice would you give to current and future students?
“Get out of your comfort zone and try to participate more in class. Try joining clubs, attending events and connecting with your professors. Try new experiences and be patient with yourself. Also, practicing self-compassion has taught me to be nicer to myself and motivates me to keep pushing forward rather than dwell on the past. Remember to be kind to yourself and enjoy the journey!”
Note: This article is part of the StanGrad series highlighting Stanislaus State students who are part of the Class of 2024. Read more StanGrad profiles.
