First-generation college students are pioneers for their families in the strange land of higher education. I was the first person in my family to attend and complete college. My parents both have 8th grade educations from a one-room country schoolhouse. [Read more…] about Celebrating First-Generation College Students by Dr. Cindy MacGregor

My name is Christina Bowles, and I am proud to be a First-Generation college graduate. When I graduated from high school, I had no idea that I would eventually go on to receive two Master’s degrees—I didn’t even know what a Master’s degree was! Since neither of my parents went to college, they offered me a lot of support, but often didn’t have the answers or advice that I desperately needed. Thankfully, I was able to connect with faculty and staff on campus who guided me along the way. [Read more…] about Christina Bowles, Academic Advising and Transfer Center

I grew up on a family farm in New England. My father was one of the hardest working individuals I have ever met. He and my mother provided for 8 children and worked 7 days a week, 15-18 hours per day. He would always encourage my siblings and I to get an education. None of my siblings pursued advanced degrees beyond high school. I am the youngest of family and when I showed an interest in going to college he and my Mom were excited. [Read more…] about Dr. Ronald Del Vecchio, Darr College of Agriculture

When I entered college, “first-generation college student” was a term that I had never heard. I had grown up in a single-parent home and witnessed my mother leave the house by 5 a.m. every weekday to work in a minimum-wage, physically demanding job at the Big Smith factory and come home with her fingers stained blue from sewing back pockets onto jeans and overalls all day. I don’t remember how old I was when I realized her options were limited because she had only a high school diploma. However, I intuitively knew that a college degree would be my means of escaping a similar fate of living “from hand to mouth.” [Read more…] about Valerie Turner, Career Center

Regardless of all obstacles and challenges, being the First Gen. in my family has been my strength that I harnessed to pursue my education and set a good example for others. [Read more…] about Shami Tarlanov, Disability Resource Center