Enjoy this throwback post from 2020!

November 8, 2020

My father enlisted in the U.S. Navy when he graduated from high school. As a farming family, my maternal grandfather did not attend schooling past the sixth grade and did not value the importance of formalized schooling. My mom had always wanted to be a teacher but without the support of her family, she took a position at a local bank. She has always regretted not taking the leap of faith to further her education.

As a young girl, I did not know that going to college was an option. On many occasions, my parents would say, “..and when you go to college.” Even as a high school student, I assumed that most of my peers would continue their educations in a vocational or 4-year institution which was not the case. In the Fall of 1992, I started as a freshman at Southwest Missouri State University, feeling very alone. Only one other student from my graduating class in a small local high school started at SMS.

After graduating from SMS, I began teaching in a local school district and a year later began working on my Master’s degree. Fast forward to now, I am a Clinical Instructor in the Childhood Education and Family Studies department and have the privilege of working with teacher candidates. Hard work, determination, and the support of my parents were the key for me to be successful in a time where there were no additional supports to first generation students. With the additions of many great resources for First Generation students, I highly encourage them to take advantage of the opportunities and take a leap of faith. It is worth it.

Robin Koerber, Clinical Assistant Professor

Childhood Education & Family Studies