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Starting college can be a nerve-wracking experience. The journey can be even harder when you’re the first in your family to navigate this new world. Knowing what academic resources are available is a mystery. Filling out the FAFSA is a challenge. The unspoken stigma of being a first-generation college student is a reality.

As a first-generation college student coming from Wisconsin, I found the college experience nerve-wracking, especially after I got to �鶹��ѡ. I didn't have anyone nearby to support me, and I didn’t know anyone who had this shared identity.  

�鶹��ѡrecognizes these unique challenges we face, and they do a good job of reaching out and providing resources and help.

"I Am First Week" honors us and our struggles. This past week events such as alumni and graduate student panels, educational workshops and the �鶹��ѡmen’s basketball home opener game recognized first-generation students.  

On Nov. 7, first-generation students were specifically honored for their achievements at the “I Am First” celebration. Other first-gen students and I were invited to provide our testimonies at this event.  

The “I Am First” celebration started with a ceremonial speaker and students, faculty and alumni receiving awards.  

Yvonna Washington-Greer, Ph.D., assistant vice president in the Division of Student Life – a first-generation student herself – was the keynote speaker, who shared words of advice.  

“Imposter syndrome is real,” she told the assembled crowd, “but you are not alone, and others are trying to figure it out too.”

Josh Eckford, Shane Reese and I then shared our testimonials in figuring college out as first-gen students.

Each of us were given prompts to conduct a five-minute speech giving us the ability to reflect on our journeys, which is usually quite different from the majority of students. Being a first-generation student holds a lot of weight, and the title unites a group of students achieving the same goal of obtaining their degree.  

Being invited to give a testimonial was a chance for me to share the advice I wish I heard from someone during my freshman year.  

“My advice to other first-generation students is: when college gets hard, don’t stop, keep persevering,” I told the attendees from the stage. “There have been so many times where I’ve felt burnt out or too tired to continue. Prioritize yourself but remember your goals and keep striving towards achieving them.”

Eckford returned to college at �鶹��ѡafter receiving his associate degree from Tri-C in 2013.  

“You can’t compare yourself to others when everyone’s journey is different,” Eckford said.

Reese, a senior finance major, received the Undergraduate Student Award. 

This award recognizes a first-generation student who “has demonstrated an unwavering determination of overcoming barriers in pursuit of their education, and whose scholarship, leadership, and/or service to the university are reflective of the university’s mission.”

“Shane is a passionate, driven and remarkable leader who is an active participant in TRIO Student Success Programs,” Khalil Looney, academic program coordinator for Student Success Programs, said.

Other student award winners recognized include:

• Undergraduate Alumni Award: Latasha Jones
• Advocate Award for Faculty: Debra Clark
• Graduate Student Award: Oluwaferanmi Akinyemi
• Graduate Alumni Award: Siobhan Hicks
• Advocate Award for Staff: Breanna Buckner

After all the awards were handed out the celebration continued at the Center for Undergraduate Student Excellence.  

We were able to participate in photo-ops and line-dancing, and connect with other first-generation students and advocates.  

Brittany Lucia, a sophomore advertising student, told me about her experience as a first-generation student. “It’s a difficult experience but rewarding in the end,” she said. “There are many opportunities to branch out and get those connections even though you don’t come in like most other students do.”

Those connections range from other first-generation students, faculty, staff and advocates for first-generation students.

My advocate attended the celebration as a way to support me. Having that network now means a lot to me, knowing that they care about my education.  

“First-generation students are integral to the �鶹��ѡcommunity,” said Megan Leissner, a senior fashion merchandising student and a member of the Honors College. “Being a first-generation advocate is making and keeping university spaces accessible and inclusive, and supporting them in their journey.”

Having an advocate to listen to the first-generation individual can make a world of difference because it’s hard navigating the journey alone.

“Remember your reason why and be confident knowing you’ll find your stride. Own your first-generation status proudly,” Washington-Greer said.

See all the I Am First Week Celebration Events.

Caitlyn Soya is a first-generation college sophomore majoring in public relations with an event planning minor from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She is in her first semester at Flash Communications.