First-Generation Students Celebrated in ‘I AM FIRST Week’

Kent State University will celebrate its first-generation students this week with a series of events and programs to spotlight and encourage current students who will be the first in their families to earn a bachelor’s degree. 

The purpose of the week is to increase campus awareness and engagement of first-generation students, as well as staff and faculty who were first-generation, and to promote resources, programs and services that support first-generation student success. 

In addition to recognizing students, the university will celebrate staff, faculty and advocates for their accomplishments and support of the first-generation student journey. 

Events will be celebrated on various Kent State campuses. More information on I AM FIRST Week, including a list of all activities, can be found here. The week is sponsored by Academic Diversity Outreach within University College.  

To kick off the week, Kent State Today is featuring some first-generation students who share their stories in their own words: 

Isabel Bolaños 

Junior, General Business Major 

“As a first-generation college student, there is no one you can go to for help in your family. I remember trying to enroll as a high school senior and getting very frustrated because I had to figure out everything on my own. Navigating the college environment has made me a ‘go-getter’ and really independent. As a first-generation college student, I learned that I was the one that needed to make things happen and that I can push myself to do anything because I am capable of anything I set my mind to.  

“The One Stop (for Student Services) really helped me with financial solutions and my academic advisors were also very helpful. I would advise first-gen students to never hesitate to ask for help. There are always people who are willing to help, all you have to do is ask. There are also lots of resources on campus, you just have to put yourself out there. Lastly, do not forget your purpose and stay focused.” 

 

 

 

 

 

Josie Vano 

Senior, Integrative Studies Major with Disability Studies and Community Inclusion Minor 

“One of the biggest issues I've had is not really knowing how everything works when I need something. I can't go to anyone in my family to get advice about navigating the complexities of university life, internships, course selections, etc. My advice for first-generation students is you can do this! It's going to feel overwhelming sometimes, especially if you feel like there's no one you can go to for advice in your family. But you can find those people at school: professors, advisors, staff, graduate assistants, even upperclassmen are willing to help you move through this experience. They can understand your struggles and worries better than you might imagine, and they can be a great source of support. They want to see you succeed, and they'll do what they can to get you there.” 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Paige Davis 

Sophomore, Sociology Major with LGBTQ Studies Minor 

“The biggest challenge I faced as a first-generation college student was not only finding financial support but also finding personal/emotional support. Through Upward Bound I was able to apply for a scholarship and I was awarded full tuition. Upward Bound also helped me fill out and submit the FAFSA application (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).  

“Finding that personal/emotional support was very difficult because I am the first person in my family to graduate from high school and attend college. I ended up believing in myself and pushing through the negative environment that I was in, relying on outside resources and my friends to help me emotionally get through the application process and my first year of college. I would tell first-gen students to work hard and ask for help when you need it.” 

 

 

 

 

 

Amy Rose Dudycz 

Senior, Integrated Social Studies with a concentration in History 

“As a first-generation college student, I struggled with the transition from high school to college. When I first came to Kent State, I had no idea what to expect from a big university or how to manage classes on top of working, and I had never lived away from home before. In order to figure out what my new life would look like for the next four years I really utilized all the amazing resources available to students. My RA (resident assistant), my academic advisor and One Stop helped me see all my possibilities.  

“My advice to first-gen students is to not be afraid of what you don’t know. Kent State has so many helpful resources, please use them! You will be in a much sounder place to thrive here if you're not afraid to ask questions. Adapting to the new demands of college was daunting but Flashes take care of Flashes, and I am so glad I chose to be a student here.”