First Generation Students

Belonging and Support Services

• Academic Achievement Center: Tutoring, Writing, Advising
• Career Center
• MOSAIC Multicultural Center
• Center for Student Leadership & Engagement
• Access & Equity (Disability Services)
• Parent resources

Affording Your Dream

• Financial Aid
• Scholarships
• Student Employment

Additional Resources  

• College Terms Explained (to be added)
• Mentorship Program (to be added)
• First Year Seminars (to be added)

Cultural Celebrations

• November 8: National First-Generation Celebration Day
• Commencement stoles

Student, Faculty, and Staff Testimonials

Student Testimonials

My experience as a first-generation college student has been both difficult and fulfilling. Being the first in my family to seek higher education meant navigating unfamiliar ground, sometimes without the advice or support that many of my classmates received. I had to navigate the college application process, financial aid, and academic standards mainly on my own. While independence encouraged resilience and ingenuity, it also introduced uncertainty and confusion. One thing I wish I had known from the start that would have helped me excel in college is the value of seeking out mentors and support groups. Having someone who knows the difficulties of being a first-generation student and can provide help and support would have been really beneficial.

Wimily Lugo
Business Administration (BBA) ‘25

Faculty Testimonials

I went to school more than three hours from home and knew no one there. I had no idea what I was getting myself into and lacked organization, focus, and a holistic perspective on what I was doing at college. It took a few years (too long) to gather that experience, perspective, study skills, and focus. I wish that I knew that faculty wanted to help me succeed. I was afraid to ask for help, but I encourage students to do so now. Your faculty WANT to help you. We are happy when you come to see us! I also wish I knew the amount of time that was necessary to truly prepare for exams and create high-quality assignments. Time is necessary to truly learn things and make them your own and part of your world view. I graduated with a bachelor's degree, went to graduate school, and earned a PhD. Dedication and not giving up can be more important than anything else to success. 

Dr. Jack Tessier
Professor of Environmental Studies and Sustainability

As a first-generation college student, those around you may not always see your long-term vision and the benefits of self-education. You need to be a self-motivator and not get caught up with those who do not understand that vision. If they are not willing to wait, they were not worth it anyway. Also, there will be time for all those extracurricular activities when you graduate, focus on why you are here.

Donald Conklin
Assistant Professor in Computing and Technology

Staff Testimonials

I attended a liberal arts college in the Midwest. I had to learn to navigate financial aid, scholarships, and working part-time in multiple offices on campus on my own. I went from a large diverse city to a rural town atmosphere, so there was a little culture shock as well. I experienced bullying my first year in my residence hall, and learned about student services through that experience. I changed my major once, and also took summer classes. I experienced the death of my father my senior year and had to work with financial aid and faculty to continue on to graduation. I am now halfway to my doctoral degree.

What I wish I knew is that there are always offices and people on campus there to help you. I wish I would have been more aware of them from day one - that it would not have taken specific incidents to help me find them.

I learned how strong I can be when I believe in myself. There were so many times that I could have stopped out and gone home, yet I persevered. I learned to be proud of myself. Yes - it was worth it even when it was it was hard.

Carrie Fishner
Library Director

I remember being seriously concerned that I would not be able to be academically successful in college. In retrospect, I probably experienced some level of imposter syndrome. I also clearly remember suddenly feeling a great deal of uncertainty as to whether or not I would still be accepted by my family who did not go to college. Overall, I was able to find my way. I was successful as a student and was able to forge friendship that have endured.

I wish that I knew how brief that phase of my life was going to be, and that despite how quickly I was going to get through my undergrad experience, the choices I made then were incredibly important. I wish I knew that the opportunities I took, or did not take, were going to lay the foundation for the rest of my life.

I learned that the world is so much bigger and smaller at the same time than we think it is. I learned that we are connected to our past in ways that we often don't think about. I learned that I was, in fact, capable to do the work necessary to earn my degree. It was more than worth it in the end. I would not be me without having all those experiences.

Sean Babcock
Residence Life

It was very lonely. My experience was so alien to my mother, father, and siblings that they couldn't relate to what I was going through. I often heard remarks like, "How hard can it be? You're just sitting around all day" and "Why aren't you in school today?" On my days off from school, I frequently had to do my classwork away from home because my mother struggled to understand college schedules. Many of my high school friends were not much different. I was the only one among nine Brazilians at my high school who attended college. Both of my parents' highest level of education was the 4th grade. I have four brothers and two sisters: three of my brothers have a high school diploma, one stopped in the 6th grade, and both of my sisters have high school diplomas. I currently hold an associate's degree and am working towards finishing my bachelor’s degree.

I learned not to rely solely on my college advisors and to delve deeply into the classes and credits necessary for graduation. If I had a clearer understanding of the credit requirements, I might have finished my bachelor's degree on time. Additionally, it's important to prioritize attaining the degree rather than exploring various interests through a wide range of classes. While it's often encouraged to explore different subjects, I believe that this can be a luxury that some cannot afford. It’s essential to make a plan, focus on it, and stick to it.

Perseverance is key and surrounding yourself with people from whom you can bounce ideas and who value knowledge helps you navigate the tough parts. Education has enabled me to ascend to a social class far above the one into which I was born. Being educated and knowledgeable opens doors to many job opportunities that would otherwise be inaccessible. A college degree expands your career options significantly and is absolutely worth the effort.

Michael Rodrigues da Cunha
Infrastructure Technician

As a first-generation college student, navigating the college system and processes independently with minimal guidance was difficult. I also had to work full-time to support myself and pay my tuition after taking out maximum loans.

I wish I knew the meaning of credits and how course requirements change for two-, four-, and graduate-level degrees; for example, instead of focusing on major-specific classes in my first year, I should have taken all of my general education courses to get them out of the way. If you plan on obtaining a bachelor’s degree, you must take general education classes. I also wish I knew that when you transfer credits from one college to another, sometimes certain classes do not transfer because degree requirements and course descriptions differ from school to school, which can prolong your time to graduation and increase how much it costs in the long run.

Although I was always a hard worker, I realized that nothing could hinder achieving my goals. I encountered many hurdles along the way, but it made me more resilient, a stronger student, and a better advocate for myself and younger family members attending college.

Gabriella Vasta
Interim Director of Accessibility and Opportunity Programs

It wasn't easy. The largest hurdle is believing in yourself to get through. Being the first person in your family to go and complete college felt like a huge weight at times, especially when you didn't grow up with much, but I had to remember that I was there for me. I studied English because I love reading (not as simple as that of course), and then I decided to get a dual degree in Africana and Latinx studies to learn more about mine and other cultures, and how they have impacted where I live and the world. All the knowledge that I gained from college helped me become the person I am today and I am eternally grateful for that.

I wish I knew that people were more open to helping you than I thought. Over time, I met faculty and staff who genuinely cared about their students and did everything they could to help them. Finding them takes time, so don't be afraid to opening yourself up whenever it feels safe to do so.

In the end, I got my master's, and I am a librarian now! I learned so much about myself, especially advocating for myself and others. Overall, it was worth it, but you need to be open to allowing a new version of yourself to flourish in this space and not to be afraid of who or what you might lose because of it. My largest piece of advice is to hold space, compassion, empathy, and accountability for yourself and others. And of course, have fun!

Kaitlin (Kate) Medina
Student Success Librarian

I didn’t realize I was "first gen" until recently. I look back on preparation and my first-year experience away at college and it was difficult. I didn't visit schools to see what they were like; I didn't even know how to pick schools to apply to. My high school counselor helped me a little but I only applied to schools with free application. Once in school, I was not prepared for how different college learning was from high school. I did not know how to properly study or manage my time. For the first time ever, I was getting failing grades. I did end up changing my major, graduating with honors, making friends, and balancing work and school. It was just a hard transition that I was not prepared for.

I am actually thankful for my experience. I learned that I am way more capable of things I would have never given myself credit for. I ended up not only earning my bachelor’s, but also my master’s with honors. While extremely hard, my experience was well worth it and made me who I am.

Tracey Stefanelli
CADI Staff