This week we are celebrating students and alumni who were the first generation in their family to graduate from college. The Student Life staff members below shared their experiences on being a first-generation student.
Miami currently has more than 3,100 first-generation students! If you are one of them, please use #CelebrateFirstGen to share your personal experiences! And learn more about what Miami is doing for National First-Generation College Celebration Day (Friday, November 8).
“It wasn’t until I started working in higher education that I even knew what it meant to be a “first-gen” student. What does it mean to me to be a first-gen student? Practically speaking, it meant working two part-time jobs while taking classes to pay for my tuition, refusing to skip any classes, always sitting in the front row of class because I (literally) paid for the instruction I was receiving, and needing to frequently remind my family why I was sometimes more stressed or less available depending on the time of the semester. From a more abstract perspective, being a first-gen student instilled in me a sense of perseverance and tenacity that surpassed even my own expectations and a deep, persistent feeling of gratitude for the opportunities I received through higher education.”
– Steve Large, Assistant Vice President for Student Life – Health and Wellness
“As a first-generation college student, I tried to get connected to the university as soon as possible in order to benefit from all of the opportunities that were presented to me. Both of my parents did not attend college, but always encouraged my sisters and me to go for some sort of higher education. The summer going into senior year, I attended a program specifically for first-generation students interested in pursuing higher education at a local university. Programs like the one I attended were extremely helpful to my own collegiate journey. My undergraduate institution provided a lot of great resources for first-generation students. I completed my undergraduate degree in English at William Paterson University in Wayne, New Jersey. As a student affairs professional in the Office of Residence Life, I enjoy working with first-generation students to help them navigate their collegiate journey and hope to continue to assist them in the rest of their career at Miami University. ”
– Emily Bruno, Resident Director
“Being resilient, adaptable, open-minded and eager for knowledge…are the qualities I brought with me as a first-generation college student. If you are a first-gen student, and you are facing challenges, please know that you possess these same qualities due to your life experience. You are likely a creative problem-solver, a caring friend and family member, a conscientious worker, and a fiercely intelligent thinker. Always remember how much Miami University, and the world at large, needs people like you!”
– Tory Lowe, Learning Specialist Coordinator for the Rinella Learning Center
“Being a first-gen was scary, intimidating and frustrating because there was no guide and I had to find my own way. My first year of college at Bowling Green was a whirlwind of mixed emotions and I ended up transferring because I didn’t feel at ‘home’. I wanted a big-school feel but wanted to feel more than just a number. The experience impacted me as a professional in a number of ways. I always share with my students that I am a first-gen student when I welcome them to campus. It’s important for me to make sure my students feel supported and that they have someone who is a resource to them. My first-gen experience has empowered me to be resilient and to be a resource to all students, the kind I wish I had throughout my college experience.”
–Josh Longsdorf, Resident Director, Flower Hall
Hannah Frier | Marketing
