For Tarandeep Shoker, Stanislaus State became the place where community, confidence and ambition came together.
A first-generation college graduate from Livingston, Shoker will earn her degree in business administration with a concentration in marketing with a 3.9 GPA. She said the people she met shaped her experience as much as the classes she took.
“Looking back on my time at Stan State, I’m so grateful for the incredible community I was able to build,” Shoker said. “From the friendships and connections to the shared experiences, every moment helped shape something truly special.”
Those memories include late-night study sessions, moments of laughter and support, and the everyday interactions that helped make campus feel like home. For Shoker, finding her community was not something that happened by chance. It was something she chose to pursue.
“What I can tell you is this: your time at Stan State is truly what you make of it,” Shoker said. “When I first started, I wasn't sure where I belonged. But I made the choice to put myself out there, to try new things and to actively look for my community. And I found it.”
Shoker said she chose Stan State because of its welcoming community and the opportunity to grow both academically and personally while building meaningful connections that would shape her future.
“I was looking for a community that would support me, challenge me and help me become the best version of myself,” she said. “Stan State felt like that place from the very beginning. It had a welcoming atmosphere, dedicated faculty and a sense of possibility that really resonated with me. Looking back, choosing Stan State was one of the best decisions I have ever made.”
Her impact on campus has also been visible to others. As a Road Warrior student assistant, Shoker has welcomed prospective students and families to campus, representing Stan State with professionalism and cariño. She also served as vice president of the Communications Club and as a member of the Student Center Board of Directors.
“Taran is an exceptional leader in our office,” said Hannah Esquivel, administrative support coordinator in Student Recruitment and Outreach. “She serves as a valuable resource for prospective students visiting our campus and consistently creates a warm environment that positively contributes to our campus community.”
After graduation, Shoker hopes to become a marketing director for Apple. She knows the goal is ambitious, but she said her time at Stan State gave her the confidence and drive to pursue it.
“I plan to use my Stan State degree to bring creativity, connection and opportunity to our region,” Shoker said. “My degree isn't just a steppingstone for my own career; it's a tool to make life better for the people and the place that helped shape me.”
#StanGrad File
Name
Tarandeep Shoker
Hometown
Livingston, CA
Degree/Credential
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Marketing
What memories stand out most from your time at Stanislaus State?
“Looking back on my time at Stan State, I’m so grateful for the incredible community I was able to build. From the friendships and connections, to the shared experiences — every moment helped shape something truly special. Along with that amazing community, I’ve also carried with me so many beautiful memories, late-night study sessions, moments of laughter and support and all the little everyday moments that made my time there unforgettable. Those people and those memories are something I’ll always treasure.”
Which faculty or staff member had the greatest impact on you, and why?
“Katherine Sheldon and Rocio Luna are two of my biggest supporters and motivators. They are such strong women in power who inspire me every single day to become like them one day. Their guidance, encouragement, and belief in me have made a lasting impact on my time at Stan State, and I hope to carry their strength and leadership with me as I continue to grow.”
What advice would you give to current and future students?
“Find your community. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there and try new things. Your experience at Stan State will be what you make of it, so make it a great one. Surround yourself with people who lift you up, like I was lucky enough to find the strong women who pushed me to be better every day. Step out of your comfort zone, build those beautiful memories, and trust that the connections you create will stay with you long after you leave.”
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.
