If you’ve spent some time on a college campus or in a lecture hall, you may have heard someone use the term “first-gen.” If it doesn’t apply to you, then you carry on to your next class or activity. Or, your eyes may have widened knowing that the term very well describes you. At the John Chambers College of Business and Economics, we’re bridging the gap.
According to the Center for First-Generation Student Success, one-third of all college students in the United States are first-generation students.
So, what does that mean?
A first-generation college student is the term used to describe a student who is first in his or her family to attend a four-year college or university, in hopes of earning bachelor’s degree.
While it’s an accomplishment to be proud of, so many first-generation students often feel socially isolated on a large campus or have a hard time balancing college, work and a social life.
We sat down with a few of our faculty and staff members who were once in their shoes and asked them what it was like being a first-gen student and why, now more than ever, they want to give back.
Get to know our Chambers College first-gen community.
Kelly Nix, Ph.D.
What does the term “first-generation” mean to you? A New Beginning. My parents didn’t go to college. I’m the youngest of 5 siblings and all but one started college but ended up taking a different path in life and didn’t finish.
When and why did you decide College was for you? I decided college was for me my Senior year in high school. My best friend and I decided to do it together. I knew I wanted to become a teacher.
Do you have a favorite story you can share with students about your time/experience as a first-generation student? When I graduated, my parents and siblings were there and could not have been more proud.
What is one thing you wish you would’ve known starting college as a first-generation student? There is plenty of support on campus. Meet with an advisor a least once a semester and find a mentor - someone that has been through the college system and understood the challenges students face mentally, emotionally, physically, financially, etc.
What is your advice for a first-generation student? Find a mentor and don’t hesitate to ask them for advice frequently. Get involved in activities that bring you joy. Find friends who are good for you and do not drag you down. Take care of yourself (exercise, eat healthy, plenty of sleep,….). Realize that sometimes learning on your own is the best way. It’s not easy to learn the hard way but it helps build character, stamina and is rewarding to no end to have made it “on your own”.
Associate Dean for Undergraduate and Graduate Programs
Where did you attend College and what made you choose your alma mater? I began my undergraduate career at the University of Tulsa (TU) in Tulsa, Oklahoma. It’s a small, private, liberal arts institution and I loved it. As the daughter of a single mom with two kids, I was fully funded through scholarships, grants, and a very small Perkins loan. My mother had been laid off the year before I graduated. She went to a local technical school to get her clerical skills so that she could leave factory work and move into office work. My mother remarried and I lost my funding. Due to federal regulations, I had to claim my step-father’s income on my FAFSA, even though he was not contributing to my education. My family’s income tripled and I lost everything; now I was only eligible for loans. I transferred to a regional state school with tuition I could afford, without taking loans. I worked full-time every summer and then part-time during school.
What support did you have as a first-generation college student? I received no financial support from my family. We didn’t have the resources. While they didn’t understand higher education, they were supportive in other ways. During my first two years at TU, I did not have a car. I depended on my roommate for rides home. When I had to transfer, my grandparents allowed me the use of one of their vehicles so that I could get to work (from campus) and back home to visit.
Do you have a favorite story you can share with students about your time/experience as a first-generation student? I just want to stress that things aren’t always going to go your way. It’s hard. I was devastated when I had to leave the school that I loved. But I didn’t give up. I didn’t quit. I found a place I could afford and transferred. We have to be resilient. To get this far, we’re fighters. Don’t ever quit.
Why do you think it’s important that these students get connected with other students, find a club, and attend campus-wide events? Engagement is important for all students. Students who are not connected to campus will leave at higher rates than those who are involved. It’s a catch 22. Students who are working often don’t have time to be involved on campus. On the one hand, they are making the money necessary to pay for tuition. On the other hand, they are often not connected to peers outside of classroom activities. First-gen students need the opportunity to talk to others like them – their age and mentors as well. They need to see that it can be done. They need to know they are not alone.
Any specific resources you recommend? Don’t be afraid to use your advisor as your resource for all things academic. If they don’t know the answer, they will know who does. Our advisors have walk-in hours every day. Get to know your advisor. He/she is your best resource.
Gary LeDonne
Associate Professor of Accounting
What does the term “first-generation” mean to you? The opportunity to achieve something important that your ancestors didn’t have the opportunity to pursue.
Do you have a favorite story you can share with students about your time/experience as a first-generation student? When my intermediate accounting professor offered me an internship. It changed my life.
What inspires you to support these first-generation students? Giving back – it’s why I teach at WVU – paying it forward.
Why do you think it’s important that these students get connected with other students, find a club, and attend campus-wide events? They need a support system that their’s families can’t provide.
What is your advice for a first-generation student? You can compete with anyone. Don’t be concerned that you are not attending an ivy league school
Laurel Cook, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Marketing
What support did you have as a first-generation college student? There was no recognition of my role as a first-gen student. However, I received a number of resources designed to help me pay for and complete my degree. Many of these resources included scholarships and faculty mentorships within the business school. Plus, my entire family gave me the emotional support I needed to finish my degree on time.
What inspires you to support these first-generation students? I embrace a pay-if-forward mentality. I was helped by mentors who patiently and generously shaped my life. I have always wanted to play a similar role for today’s students.
Why do you think it’s important that our College, and our University as a whole, supports the future of first-generation students? First-gen students are uniquely vulnerable, but no less capable of getting a degree. Avoiding a one-size-fits-all strategy for first-gen students will increase student motivation and decrease attrition. The Chambers College should recognize how valuable first-gen students are to the business world. These students often have characteristics that, when coupled with the training and guidance our faculty can offer, will provide a substantial competitive advantage. First-gen students are resilient, creative, and hard-working. They have diverse backgrounds and offer diverse perspectives to business problems. First-gen faculty that serve as mentors will make goal-pursuit more salient.
What is one thing you wish you would’ve known starting college as a first-generation student? I wish I had known about a network or group of other people like me. At the time, no such network existed. I felt alone and struggled to find my identity as an aspiring business woman. For this reason, I’m incredibly grateful and encouraged to see an institutional effort at WVU (and in the Chambers College of Business) to include and support first-gen students today. I want to do everything I can to help with this effort.
What is your advice for a first-generation student? When you’re having a hard day, for whatever reason, talk to someone you regard as a mentor. The act of talking is cathartic, but- more importantly, you’ll receive the understanding and encouragement you need to regain your focus & motivation. At the end of the day, you’ll be more likely to recognize how small these bad days really are in comparison to the accomplishments and successes coming your way. Once you finish your degree, you are significantly more likely to achieve self-actualization in your career. Plus, the benefits of your hard work also have important and favorable implications for your future children!
Advising Specialist for Graduate Programs
Where did you attend College and what made you choose your alma mater? I earned both my BA and MA from WVU. I attended here because a friend was working on his BS here. It was imperative for me to have someone here that I could relate to.
What support did you have as a first-generation college student? I was fortunate to work as a work study student in the Fin Aid office. The staff there guided me away from making several mistakes as far as my fin aid was concerned. This certainly did help me along.
What inspires you to support these first-generation students? Aside from my co-workers I had very little support as an undergraduate. I strive to help as many students as I can in the hope that maybe I will be the determining factor in a student’s success at WVU which leads them to a better life.
What is one thing you wish you would’ve known starting college as a first-generation student? That I could go! My parents had no idea that there was money out there to help me with college. Thus, I was told that college wasn’t something my parents could pay for. I joined the Navy instead.
What is your advice for a first-generation student? Fight for your degree, let nothing or no one stop you from earning your degree. Life is tough, step back, reevaluate, and move forward. Seek the advice of the faculty and staff!
Read more faculty and staff Q&A's here.
SH and 11/03/22
CONTACT: Shelby Hudnall
Marketing Strategist
WVU John Chambers College of Business and Economics, Strategic Communications
Stoompa1@mail.wvu.edu
