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
“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
Paige Davis
Sophomore, Sociology Major with LGBTQ Studies Minor
“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
“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.”