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At ���񱦵�, we seek to affirm the strengths and assets of our first-generation community members, including students, staff, faculty and alumni. Those in our first-generation community offer a unique set of experiences, strengths and aspirations. By centering on storytelling, we illuminate the knowledge first-generation populations bring into academics to carve out spaces of mattering while also promoting the contributions of these individuals.  

To recognize and celebrate these contributions, the First-Generation Programs and Enrichment Office offers a range of programs and events to help foster a sense of belonging through community building and individual support.  

Get involved with the first-generation community 

���񱦵�’s first-generation community impacts more than those currently identifying as first-generation students. Diversity in our community brings a richer experience for our entire campus. Faculty, staff, community members and other students can contribute to the advancement of first-generation students through advocacy, awareness and support of programming and resources. Here are ways to show pride and support as a first-generation student or community member. 

• Attend First-Gen Friday events: First-Gen Fridays take place most months on the first Friday to celebrate those who are the first in their household to go to college. Join us and meet other first-generation college students, faculty and staff. 

• Celebrate National First-Generation College Celebration Day: On Nov. 8, observe National First-Generation College Celebration Day, championed by the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) and the NASPA Center for First-Generation Student Success to bring awareness to the strengths and contributions of first-generation students, faculty and staff across the country. Join in celebrating each other and the many ways we contribute to campus and beyond with food and community on Wednesday, Nov. 8, from 6 to 8 p.m. 

• Participate in the First-Generation Faculty and Staff Directory: Students use the directory to find community, mentors and resources. Faculty and staff can join the directory to display their support and pride for the first-generation student population and better support students in their respective areas.  

A first-generation student perspective 

Yenyfer Antunez, a third-year Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences major, shares her experiences as a first-generation college student.  

In her journey to ���񱦵�, she found both ease and challenges. While she knew how to navigate the application process, she needed support from advisors to help her parents understand the process, highlighting the additional layers of complexity faced by first-generation students. 

After arriving at campus, Yenyfer discovered events like First-Gen Fridays through emails and flyers. She decided to connect with these opportunities to help her find individuals with similar experiences. These events provided a platform for her to learn more about the first-generation experience and connect what she learned at various workshops to her journey. 

Yenyfer faced challenges like needing help figuring out where to go for specific resources and found that support through the first-generation community. Being a part of this community has enhanced Yenyfer’s experience at ���񱦵�. She developed a sense of belonging through her first-generation mentor, who provided support throughout her college journey. This support enabled her to navigate challenges and grow personally and academically.  

Yenyfer offers advice for first-generation college students, “One tip I would offer is to get involved. It not only helps you make friends, but it is fun to see the different opportunities the campus can offer. You deserve to be on this campus, so do not be afraid to take up space. You worked hard to get here, so enjoy it.” 

Support for first-generation students 

The First-Generation Programs and Enrichment Office is a testament to ���񱦵�’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. As vital campus community members, first-generation students can find support, connection and recognition to enhance their academic journey and overall college experience.

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