[Read more…] about 2023 First-Generation College Student Celebration Days
Sergeant E6 (Rtd), Reserve
Branch of service: Army
Years on Service: 5 years (Active), 7 years (Reserve)
MSU Class: Graduate
Major: Criminology
What was your role in the Army?
I started my service in the army as a military police officer. As a military police officer, I was tasked with enforcing military laws. Then I transitioned to human resources while in the Reserves.
Why did you decide to study Criminology?
It stemmed a bit from my fondness of the true crime genre. I have also been interested in the intricacies of the criminal justice system and then began researching on the psychology of high-profile criminals. I was intent on understanding what drives them to such actions.
How does it feel to be the first member of your family to attend college?
It has been an exciting ride from my undergraduate up until this time. This is my last semester in graduate school, and I have been grateful for the journey. My major motivating factor is knowing that my family is cheering me on and looking up to me being the first. Also, I have observed that my thinking patterns have changed after my exposure to education.
What piece of advice would you share with current/incoming first-generation college students?
School is tough, schooling is challenging. You will be subjected to a lot of rigors but in the end, it is highly rewarding.
Sergeant E5 (Veteran), Individual Ready Reserve (IRR)
Branch of service: Marine
Years on Service: 5 years (Active), 3 years (Reserve)
MSU Class: Sophomore
Major: Computer Animation
What was your role in the Marines?
During my active years in the Marines, I held the position of an Administrative Specialist. This involved a lot of documentation and creating processes to enhance efficiency in our daily workflow. I was also responsible for some other activities including managing travel pays and orders.
Why did you decide to study Computer Animation?
I had always desired to pursue a career in art. This passion was particularly instilled in me by the influence of my incredible art teacher in high school.
How does it feel to be the first member of your family to attend college?
Being a first-generation college student has been challenging. I was faced with the hurdle of inadequate guidance in the beginning. Fortunately, I got a lot of help from the VSC, Raeleen, Nicole and other veteran students like me.
What piece of advice would you share with current/incoming first-generation college students?
Never be afraid to ask questions and seek advice, even from the people in high positions. Always seek out tips and tricks to progress in your college journey. Celebrate your small wins.
Enjoy this throwback post from 2020!
November 9, 2020
I am a first generation college student from my family. I grew up in a small community in northeast Iowa. My father never graduated from high school but my mother graduated from HS earned her RN from a local hospital. My father worked his entire career as a linotypist for a publishing company while my mother worked as a nurse. Hard work was always expected. [Read more…] about Dr. Tammy Jahnke, College of Natural and Applied Sciences
Enjoy this throwback post from 2020!
November 9, 2020
Although I thought I was studying and doing well, I received a C at midterms in one course during my first year and was completely shocked. I was always a straight A student in high school. I started to wonder if I could even be successful in college. I had so much self-doubt and felt so much pressure to do well. My sister had dropped out and I was the youngest so it was all up to me! [Read more…] about Tracy Stout, Head of Research and Instructional Services