#StanGrad: Jennifer Frisk Turns Persistence and Mentorship Into a Passion for Teaching

Nearly 20 years after stepping away from college, Jennifer Frisk returned to the classroom determined to build a different future for herself and her family.

A first-generation student parent from Ceres, Frisk transferred to Stanislaus State and found a campus environment that encouraged her to pursue opportunities she once believed were out of reach.

"My experience at Stan State has taught me that my identity and story are strengths," Frisk said. "Persistence, community support and mentorship can completely change the trajectory of someone's life."

Throughout graduate school, Frisk immersed herself in the psychology community, serving as an officer for Stan State's chapter of Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology.

"What I most value from my experience is the sense of purpose and belonging I gained from being part of this community," Frisk said.

She also collaborated on interdisciplinary projects with faculty in geography and psychology. Her nominator, Professor of Geography José Díaz-Garayúa, praised her initiative and dedication to scholarship.

"In 10 years at Stanislaus State, this is the first time a student asked me to experience grant writing," Díaz-Garayúa wrote. "Jennifer is the type of person who makes a difference."

Two faculty members in particular played major roles in Frisk's academic journey: Díaz-Garayúa and Professor of Psychology Gary Williams.

"Dr. Díaz provided me with research opportunities and advocated for me to be paid for my work as a student researcher," Frisk said. "Dr. Williams has been my advisor, mentor and role model for what it means to be an educator."

Frisk said the support she received from faculty often extended far beyond academics.

"Whether it is inviting my family over for dinner, encouraging my kids to participate in our research projects, or offering to help me prepare a CV, Dr. Díaz is always there for me when I need him," she said.

As a mother of three children, Frisk said that Stan State's supportive, teaching-focused environment made higher education possible while allowing her to remain close to her family and community.

"I've come to understand the unique value of attending a smaller, teaching-focused university like Stan State," she said. "The meaningful relationships with faculty mentors and the sense of belonging have meant everything to me."

Graduate school also changed her outlook on asking for help and accepting support from others.

"I've always been someone who is more comfortable taking care of others than accepting help myself," Frisk said. "But I learned that I can't do this alone."

Now preparing to graduate, she hopes to become a university instructor supporting students from historically underrepresented and nontraditional backgrounds.

"I want students to know they belong in higher education and that their stories matter," she said.

#StanGrad File

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

"My favorite memories are connected to the psychology community at Stan State and my involvement with Psi Chi, which gave me opportunities for academic and professional development. What I most value is the sense of purpose and belonging I gained from being a part of this community."

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

"Dr. José Díaz-Garayúa and Dr. Gary Williams both had a profound impact on my life and academic journey through mentorship, encouragement and opportunities for research and leadership across multiple disciplines at Stan State."

What advice would you give to current and future students?

"Get involved. Some of the most meaningful opportunities in my life came from saying yes to experiences that initially felt intimidating or outside my comfort zone. Community is not something you find. It's something you have to help build."

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.