Enjoy this throwback post from 2021!
November 9, 2021
Neither of my parents completed elementary school, and that made me part of the First Generation (FG) students around the world. While everyone in my family faced challenges by far much greater than being FG, it is undeniable that the journey through college could get steeper and complicated for FG students. But at the same time, it brings ample opportunities for growth. In general, the lack of resources helps you develop strengths and new abilities, which otherwise might not necessarily grow to their full potential.
If you are FG at MSU, you can use those strengths and abilities to succeed. And your success will be your own accomplishment. We all at MSU are here to provide you with guidance, support, to help you map your road to success, and to make you feel at home. Here are two tips:
- Meet with your advisor and instructors regularly. They can provide you with the best hints for personal development and academic success. They are a lot more approachable than you might think.
- Get involved on campus: Join (and lead!) a student organization.
These two tips will also keep you well-informed about not only the many ways in which MSU can support you, but most importantly, how you could help others on campus and the community. FG is a unique opportunity.
Jorge Rebaza
Associate Dean, College of Natural and Applied Sciences