Michele Curiel

Research Project:

"Unbreakable Bond? How Life Imprisonment Affects the Lives of Loved Ones on the Outside”

Faculty Mentor:

Doris Schartmueller, PhD | Professor and Criminal Justice Program & Internship Coordinator, Department of Political Science & Criminal Justice

Interview with Michele

A brief bio (including your major, year, and any extracurricular activities)

• “Hey there! My name is Michele Curiel, and I am in my Senior year at Chico State! I will be graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology along with a Minor in Criminal Justice in the Spring of 2025! I am a first-generation college student! My Dad only got as far as the 6th grade in Mexico and my Mom received an AA degree at Butte College. I am also a single parent to two amazing young men, Efren and Noah. Efren is a freshman at Butte College and Noah is a junior in high school. I currently serve as a school board member for Live Oak Unified School District. I am incredibly passionate about student potential and hope to continue making a difference in the lives of students and staff! I am currently filling out grad school applications which is pretty exciting! But first, I have to pass Bio Psych…Pepsi and good vibes are welcome over here, just sayin’!”

What inspired you to join the BSS Future Scholars Program?

• “During my time at Chico, I often heard Professors talk about their research projects, some of which were super fascinating to me, and they would mention working with current students. I never really had the confidence to ask them how I could apply to be a research assistant because I had no experience to showcase. I received an email from the BSS Future Scholars Program and saw this as my window of opportunity to have a reason to ask a professor about working with them on one of their research projects because prior experience was not required! I also entertained this program as a chance to get some experience under my belt in case I decide to pursue a Doctorate in the future.”

What has been your most memorable experience in the program so far?

• “I would definitely say the Mentor-Mentee portion of the research project. I am currently working with Dr. Doris Schartmueller and I have enjoyed every minute of our “Tuesday walks” from class to her office. During that 5-10 minute walk, we talk about our families, college experiences, and even football! I enjoy being able to relate to Dr. Schartmueller and appreciate the validation I receive when she talks about her own uncertainties during her time as a student in college.”

How has the program impacted your academic and personal growth?

• “This program makes me feel like I belong. As a Mexicana, I am aware that higher education is not readily intended for nor expected of someone like me. But thanks to programs like this and HSI’s like Chico State, I have every opportunity to excel academically and build a growth mindset. This platform has ignited a confidence in me to be brave, challenge myself to do what my parents likely never dreamed of, contribute my own ideas, and learn the ins and outs of research. This program has also inspired me to entertain the possibility of a spot in the research field and maybe one day become Dr. Michele Curiel, PhD!”

What are your future goals and aspirations?

• “My future goals are to attend grad school here at Chico State and become either a Licensed Marriage-Family Therapist or Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I also plan to continue working with my mentor, Dr. Schartmueller, on this project in the Spring!”

Any advice you would like to share with fellow students?

• “As a kid, I can vividly remember watching the movie “Stand and Deliver” and hearing the message Edward James Olmos’ character, Jaime Escalante, cautioned his students about as they prepared for the Calculus state exam in California. “You already have two strikes against you: your name and your complexion. Because of those two strikes, there are some people in this world who will assume that you know less than you do.” Unfortunately, at 17, an adult told me I would not need to worry about going to college because I was going to wind up pregnant and living at home with my parents anyway. The expectation and assumption that I knew less than those deemed “qualified” for college was exactly what Jaime Escalante warned his students about. And for 15 years, I abided by this expectation inequitably placed on me at 17. But Jaime Escalante also told his students, “You're going to work harder here than you've ever worked anywhere else. And the only thing I ask from you is ganas. Desire.” I am 39 now, and have worked tremendously hard to get to this position, potentially graduating Cume Laude with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology! So, my advice to students is, the expectations placed on you from others do not have to be yours. You are the decider and implementer of your potential. Imposter syndrome can be a real feeling, but it is not a defining one. You are here because you have the ganas (desire). And I promise you, during your time here, you will find this journey comes with passengers (fellow students, professors, or program coordinators), who will champion for you and remind you to ECHALÉ GANAS!”