This week, an often-forgotten group of college students who face a different set of challenges will get the spotlight on campus.
The University of Wyoming celebrated First-Generation Students Day Monday, Nov. 8.
The day marks the 56 anniversary of the passing of the 1965 Higher Education Act, which allocated financial resources and support to students entering post-secondary school.
According to the First-Generation Students office, Nov. 8 is a day to celebrate first-generation students and the unique perspectives they bring to UW classrooms.
According to enrollment data, the current percentage of first-generation students is around 30-40% of the student population.
Current support for first-generation students includes peer mentoring and academic resources such as Student Success Service (SSS), the LeaRN office, McNair Scholars, and UW TRIO programs.
LeaRN program manager, Makayla Stewart, has said that one of the main goals for first-generation students is to expand peer mentoring support to reach a larger percentage of first-generation students.
“Being first-gen it can be really difficult to navigate college and know all the answers,” First-Gen student Rachel Tracy said. “To some people things like FAFSA and things of that nature were obvious, but for me and my family it wasn’t so obvious.”
Tracy is a peer mentor to other first-generation students.
“Always remember you belong here and you deserve it,” Tracy said. “Don’t ever let someone make you feel otherwise, or ashamed because you may not know everything right off the bat.”
Peer mentors help first-gen students with academic and personal goals.
“I wanted to be a peer mentor because I struggled with finding my identity coming to a new state that is very different from what I experienced growing up,” First-Gen peer mentor Daniel Carrillo said. “I think it’s very important to be more than a student and find your passions outside of the classroom by getting involved on campus.”
The First-Generation Students office will be holding a variety of activities throughout the week, including the “Why I’m First” Campaign this Monday and Tuesday.
First-gen students will be able to share their stories about why they chose to be the first in their families to attend college.
“I have benefited most from finding and building a community of first-generation students, like me, that I could turn to for anything,” First-gen graduate and education consultant Alison Grendahl said. “Having friends to turn to, who totally understand the confusion and challenges in navigating college, has made all the difference.”
Grendahl says that the “Why I’m First” campaign is an opportunity to highlight what first-generation students have accomplished.
“I hope students will share their stories and highlight the impact we have on our communities,” Grendahl said.
The Coe Library will showcase first-generation authors and first-generation stories throughout the month of November.
Tuesday Nov. 9, a “Lunch and Learn” virtual panel will take place in the Coe Library from 12-12:45 pm.
The panel will, “provide a foundation of information and inspiration that will prompt larger conversations,” the First-Generation Students office said.
The Coe Library will also host a Virtual Celebration for first-generation students at 5 p.m.
The Virtual celebration will feature a live DJ and a social media challenge with prizes and gift cards.
More information on the week’s events can be found on the UW First Generation Students website here: www.uwyo.edu/firstgeneration/
