It’s easy to feel lost as a first-generation student. I stumbled into college as a nontraditional first-gen student and had no concept of the resources available to me. I was also unaware of what a 15-hour course load would feel like, especially mixed with holding a job. It’s a confusing place find yourself in and can make you feel alone and eventually… fail. This is one reason why celebrating our first-generation students is so important.
The history of this celebration is fairly new but growing. Since the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) and the Center for First-generation Student Success launched the inaugural celebration in 2017, hundreds of higher education institutions, corporations, non-profits, and K-12 schools have joined together in recognizing the achievements of the first-gen community on and around November 8.
We celebrate on November 8 to commemorate the signing of the Higher Education Act (“HEA”) of 1965 by then-President Lyndon B. Johnson. This act created federal financial aid programs to fund students’ educations and made key investments in colleges and universities. Many of the HEA’s programs, particularly the Federal TRIO programs, promote postsecondary access, retention, and completion for today’s limited-income, first-generation college students.
The University of Arkansas celebrates the achievements of these students for a full week. The week is filled with workshops that cover everything from wellness to cooking on a budget. There are also resource fairs, advising, and celebrations. The week ended with a lunch with the chancellor.
On November 8, in the Student Union International Connections Lounge, the smell of freshly prepared Baba Ghanoush permeated the air. I made my way through the loud and crowded yearly celebration. The room was filled with food and organizations representing a large variety of groups which included the Honors College, Study Abroad and Pat Walker Health Center. Many of the tables were occupied by people who were also first-generation students.
The University Recreation table was staffed by Michelle Muzzillo, M.Ed. – Assistant Director of Outreach and Staff Development. She related her experiences as a first-generation student turned employee: “Coming to college not knowing what to expect was intimidating. I transferred my freshman year not knowing anyone or having ever been on campus – I truly did not know what to expect. Thankfully, I quickly found a sense of community, mainly through my employment with University Recreation. Here, I have been able to focus on my personal and professional development. Coming here has helped me in ways I would have never imagined. I will forever be thankful for the connections and development I have made in life through the university.”
UREC’s Wellness Coordinator, Sarah Werner had this to say: “I think that it’s really awesome seeing the emphasis placed on first-gen students. I think that it’s great to gather around and provide resources for them, because I know that it’s often overlooked. I got a lot of support in high school to be a first-gen college student, and a lot of times you get to college and it’s like, okay you’re here, and you don’t know what to do now. So, it’s really cool to see everybody rally around and provide their resources, so that first-generation students can succeed. It’s really cool.”
I stopped by the Offices of Career Connections’ table and Emerald Hames said, “As a first-generation Razorback myself, any additional assistance and visibility, for first-generation support is always a wonderful opportunity to let our students know that we’re here to support them and all of the unique opportunities and perspectives that they have.”
The students happily snagged t-shirts and important information, while enjoying the refreshments provided. For more than two hours, the room was filled with excited first-generation students learning how to prepare for their futures on our campus.
Taylor Bugh, first- gen student and Graduate Assistant for New Student Programs, said: “First-generation students are expected to know how to navigate the ins and outs of college. However, without previous knowledge or support, it can make their experience more difficult. Creating a week where we can provide resources, support, and goodies for first-generation students is so impactful.”
Some students excitedly talked about the feeling of acceptance they received at the college. Sophomore, Chloe Pinner, had this to say: “I love being a first-generation student at the University of Arkansas because even though it’s such a big school, I have felt super welcomed and super open. I have been helped tremendously being a first-gen student and not coming from parents who went to college.”
It’s important to remember that although we celebrate first-generation students around November 8th each year, the resources are available year-round. The university created a web-page aimed at helping and inspiring our first-gen population. The website contains links to resources, inspiring stories, upcoming events, and attractive downloads showing off your first-gen spirit. The drive to create a world that is accepting and less confusing for our first-generation students is ongoing, but it’s one that we will continue.