First-Generation Students

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Meet UA First-Gen students

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Hakem Altawil 

Biomedical Science | Chemistry minor

1. What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?

It means dedication, pride, and motivation, but most importantly, it gives me the excitement I desire. being a first-generation college student means that I want higher education and that I am willing to do anything to achieve that        

2. What motivated you to pursue higher education?

Many of the smart people I know have graduated College. I believe that for a person to excel in their community, one must have a college education. My high school was also a motivator as it had many opportunities such as the PLTW Biomedical Sciences program which prepares students for college.         

3. Who inspired you to go to college?

My father is the person who inspired me to go to college, he never attended college as he immigrated to the U.S. at a young age and had to work a job the minute he arrived here. He makes it clear that college education will make my future filled with opportunities which he wished he had at that time.       

4. What was a challenge you faced as a first-generation college student and what resources did you use to overcome it?

There were a lot of things that I did not know such as my future plans or what I should be doing as an undergraduate, what really helped me was attending appointments with my advisors, they were knowledgeable and very helpful as they dedicate their time for students with questions.       

5. What advice would you offer a new first generation college student?

Be patient and active, work for your future but do not overwork your mind over the future, it can be very overwhelming to think about your next semester and/or finals, but just have faith in yourself and in your abilities.

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Jessica Arena   

Early Childhood Inclusive Teacher Preparation

1. What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?

Being a first-generation college student means overcoming obstacles and challenges that you may face. By becoming a first-generation college student, I am modeling to my own two children how essential higher education is and that having the will to succeed will take you farther than you could ever imagine.

2. What motivated you to pursue higher education?

My motivation to pursue a higher education with The University of Akron is the desire to better myself and become more successful. I want to be a positive role model to my children. With this degree I will be able to pursue more opportunities and follow my heart into education.       

3. Who inspired you to go to college?

My drive and my inspiration to pursue a bachelor’s in education are my children Carson and Callie. My children are my biggest motivators in life and influence me daily to be the best version of myself.          

4.What was a challenge you faced as a first-generation college student and what resources did you use to overcome it?

Becoming a first-generation college student has been difficult to navigate independently because I initially had no support from my family. I have struggled financially over the years and have had a difficult time adjusting to the modernization of schooling. However, I have been able to utilize resources such as scholarships, personal loans, and federal aid to help pay for my college degree. I have reached out to Akron University Staff for guidance numerous times and have been able to overcome any and all challenges along the way.         

5. What advice would you offer a new first generation college student?

One piece of advice I would offer a new first generation college student would be to not become discouraged and stay the course. There are many people willing to help you succeed, take advantage of it.          

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Avery Bishop   

AYA Integrated Language Arts

1. What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?

For me, it means setting a new precedent for success and accomplishment within my family and community. Being able to proudly express and explore my educational achievements and opportunities means the world to me.    

2. What motivated you to pursue higher education?

Before college, I always knew what I wanted to be when I grew up. I knew I wanted to be a teacher, but I was not sure what I would teach, what grade I would be involved in, or where to even begin in the first place. Nevertheless, I was motivated by the inspirational educators that I had in elementary, middle, and high school. Without their encouragement to pursue a degree, explore new horizons, and obtain my dream job; I would not be here today.        

3. Who inspired you to go to college?

As expressed above, many of my past teachers from K-12 inspired me to pursue a higher education. It was my honors language arts teachers in middle and high school that encouraged me further, as they express how language arts was my specialty and how I could be a great educator and mentor.

4. What was a challenge you faced as a first-generation college student and what resources did you use to overcome it?

As a first-generation college student, I faced many challenges and obstacles before I reached where I am today. Graduating high school and entering college in the midst of a pandemic was a difficult task. I was not able to take the dozens of tours one would take during the senior year, and I did not know very many people who were already enrolled here or would be enrolling with me. However, I was encouraged to participate in several parts of campus that helped me overcome this. Between taking summer classes and then joining the Marching Band, I was able to familiarize myself with the campus grounds and make un-breakable friendships that last to this day.        

5. What advice would you offer a new first generation college student?

If you are entering college, no matter what university you choose, I encourage all first-generation students to not be afraid to participate and take part in any activity, club, or sport that interests you. Before college, many factors can discourage participation like this in high school (for example) for a number of reasons. Here on campus, all of us choose to be here because we believe that we can contribute so much to the world. So, with this, do not be afraid to join something, express yourself, and make relationships that can last a lifetime - you will not regret it!         

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Mija Clanagan    

Primary Inclusive Teacher Preparation

1. What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?

"Being a first-generation college student means that I am the one who can bring back hope and inspiration to our family. This has not been an easy road and working towards getting this degree has been my goal since I was 18 fresh out of high school attending my first college class summer of 2013 failing all classes. This was an eye opener for me.

2. What motivated you to pursue higher education?

"What motivated me to pursue higher education is growing up watching my family struggle because they weren't able to pursue their education. I knew I didn't want to struggle when I had my own family. I decided that education plays an important role in my life. Once I had my children, they really motivated me to continue to further my education.           

3. Who inspired you to go to college?

I've had many people who helped inspire me to go to college. Once I had children, they are the ones who really inspired me to finish my degree.

4. What was a challenge you faced as a first-generation college student and what resources did you use to overcome it?

One challenge that I faced as a first-generation college student is that I had my children at a young age which affected me being able to attend college full time. I wasn't able to complete my program as fast as I wanted to because I had to work multiple jobs to provide for my family.  

5. What advice would you offer a new first generation college student?

"Some advice I would offer a new first generation college student is you are going to experience some trials and tribulations on the road, but you have to be able to overcome those in order to get to the finish line.  It doesn't matter how long it takes you to get there, just make sure you get there. That degree is yours and you are going to get it!

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Emeria Magia Eldritch  

BS Middle Level Education Dual- Language Arts and Math

1. What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?

Being a first-generation student means, to me, working to better my position in life moving forward.

2. What motivated you to pursue higher education?

The Covid-19 pandemic left me with a lot of time to think about what I wanted out of life. I decided I didn't want to do retail and food service until my body was too broken to function. So, I thought long and hard about what I wanted to pursue as a long-term career. Then with a goal in mind, I am pursuing it.

3. Who inspired you to go to college?

Myself. I decided I deserved better than what was available to me.        

4. What was a challenge you faced as a first-generation college student and what resources did you use to overcome it?

Finances mostly. We're making by with the scholarships we were provided and student loans, but only just, and with significant help from our friends and partners. I'm fortunate for them because otherwise I'm not sure how I'd make this work.           

5. What advice would you offer a new first generation college student?

Have a goal going into College. Something that, at the end of your studies, you feel confident about pursuing.    

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Garrett Farlow 

History

1. What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?

Being a first-generation student means a lot for me. I am very proud of myself and others who have helped me along my journey towards the college path. It means a lot to mean because I know I have a privilege that many others do not have.    

2. What motivated you to pursue higher education?

I just really wanted to improve my life and become successful. Three years ago, they told me I’d be a drop out. Now I am a history major hoping to become a lawyer.

3. Who inspired you to go to college?

My dad and my grandfather both brilliant men and lovers of history.     

4. What was a challenge you faced as a first-generation college student and what resources did you use to overcome it?

So far, the work has been challenging but it’s nothing that I couldn’t handle. The great teachers and advisors around me have helped me a great deal though.            

5. What advice would you offer a new first generation college student?

Just remember actively going to college means you are half-way there.  

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Ayden Hassertt

Criminal Intelligence Analysis

1. What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?

Some people are born with an edge in life, some people are not.  What being first gen means to me is that we have to fight extra hard to reach a slightly more level playing field in a system designed to keep people where they are born.  

2. What motivated you to pursue higher education?

Part of my motivation comes from a desire to not be like my father, life wasn't “life-ing” for him and I didn't want to be like that.          

3. Who inspired you to go to college?

A lot of my former teachers and some of my family inspired me to.  My teachers, like my XC coaches, band directors, English teachers, all the teachers I made connections with showed it could be actually worth the money, and my family had some expectations for me to live up to involving higher education.    

4. What was a challenge you faced as a first-generation college student and what resources did you use to overcome it?

A challenge I had was learning how to function on a college campus.  I did CCP, but not in-person and even then, it would've been a transition of learning how to act.  I had no real frame of reference for the new social environment.  I went to the club fair thing my first semester here and found a club to join where I could also be myself without fear of judgement.  I may not go in person a lot, but I've made a few friends and found a way to socialize, not fully isolating the entire time.     

5. What advice would you offer a new first generation college student?

"First of all, if whatever advice you find or are told doesn't work for you, you're not weird, broken, doing it wrong, etc.  Things work differently for everyone, nothing is one-size-fits-all. If you think it will help, find an outlet for yourself.  I mess with my records and cassettes and play an obscene amount of Tetris and other games as my primary outlets.  It gives you something to vent into, and it can help you find a support system."       

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Anisha Lingden   

Political Science - Accelerated B.A./J.D.

1. What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?

For me being a first-generation college student means having an opportunity of a lifetime.  An opportunity which my parents did not have the luxury of even dreaming about. An opportunity towards a clear pathway to success.    

2. What motivated you to pursue higher education?

The want to see the progress of my community. I come from a community with low literacy rates, we are refugees and have little knowledge regarding American laws and regulations. My father told me once that our people live in constant fear because they do not know what is allow and what isn't under the law. He recommended that if I was to study law the whole community would benefit from my knowledge and that I would be doing a service to my community. Since then, I have pursued an education in the legal field in hopes of aiding my community. I alone cannot be much, but it would mean a lot to be able to contribute to my community.

3. Who inspired you to go to college?

My parents inspire me to go to college are my greatest source of motivation. My mother has never set foot in a school and my father has secondary level education, they often tell me stories of their difficult life in rural Bhutan and then the refugee camps as a result of the inaccessibility to education. For them proper education is the highest honor and the correct way to achieve success. Having well educated children is a symbol of their success and I intend for them to keep their heads high in society.

4. What was a challenge you faced as a first-generation college student and what resources did you use to overcome it?

The biggest obstacle for any first-generation student is having to do things and learn things on your own. My parents were not aware of the procedures one needs to take to apply to college, FAFSA, and scholarships, it was difficult to navigate such things on your own especially when you your yourself do not understand how to and you can't ask help from your parents. But if one is willing to seek assistance there are resources such as councilors who can help to overcome such obstacles.         

5. What advice would you offer a new first generation college student?

The heaviest burdens are sometimes the best source of motivation.    

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Alice R Macdougall      

Anthropology | Art History minor | Field Archaeology certificate | Museums & Archives Services certification

1. What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?

To me, being a first-generation college student means that I am forging a new path not only for myself but for my family.           

2. What motivated you to pursue higher education?

I was motivated to pursue higher education because that is what being an archaeologist (my dream job) required.         

3. Who inspired you to go to college?

I was inspired to go to college by my mother, she wanted me to have ample opportunities especially the ones that were unavailable to her when she was my age.     

4. What was a challenge you faced as a first-generation college student and what resources did you use to overcome it?

A challenge I faced as a first-generation college student was not always knowing what to expect and not having someone in my family to ask, this was also a positive effect in some ways because it forced me to be comfortable with asking my professors questions.         

5. What advice would you offer a new first generation college student?

Advice I would give other first generation college students would be to utilize your advisors and professor’s office hours especially if you're stating to fall behind or struggling, they're there to help you! 

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Ella Mitchell                

Communication- Media Studies | Interpersonal/Group Communications minor | Professional Social Media certificate

1. What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?

I have some very big shoes to fill, which motivates me to continue to push myself in the realm of academics and extracurriculars. As a first gen, I view myself as a sort of role model for others who want to dedicate themselves to higher education. I prove to these prospective students that their families do not define their futures, and that college is something that is accessible to anyone.  

2. What motivated you to pursue higher education?

I've always had a love for learning- a lot of things spark my curiosity, and I am definitely a prime example of the whole "lifelong learner" image. To me, learning is fun, and I think higher education such as a college like the University of Akron is a great, fun way to expand on your knowledge in a very hands-on way! I've learned so many cool things at UA that I would have NEVER imagined!

3. Who inspired you to go to college?

Myself, honestly! I wanted to challenge myself and make something of myself, and college seemed like the best way to achieve this.      

4. What was a challenge you faced as a first-generation college student and what resources did you use to overcome it?

I was a freshman during COVID-19 back in 2020, so there was A LOT of hurdles to jump through. I had a great support system of professors and friends, though, which helped me a lot in the long run. ZTV was especially helpful, it introduced me to an awesome network of people and gave me a purpose to work towards... eventually, it would help me decide my major!          

5. What advice would you offer a new first generation college student?

As cliche as it sounds: believe in yourself and keep your head in the clouds. You are allowed to dream big, and you should never let someone else try to get in the way of your goals! Plus, if you don't believe in yourself, who will?

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Dayvion Mosley-Wesley

Communication- Media Studies | Business Administration minor  |  Entrepreneurship certificate

1. What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?

Being a first-generation college to me means I am able to do something members in my family didn't get the chance to, I am beating the odds and I have to put in two times the work to make sure I succeed.

2. What motivated you to pursue higher education?

I always wanted more for myself. I wanted to experience life outside the community I grew up in and I always wanted the college experience.    

3. Who inspired you to go to college?

I don't have a person that inspired me to go to college it was just something I knew I wanted for myself and something for my little brother to see he can go to college if he wants to.          

4. What was a challenge you faced as a first-generation college student and what resources did you use to overcome it?

One of the biggest challengers that I still face every year is the money. I work hard to find scholarships so I can be able to go to school so during the school year and summer I apply for scholarship and reach out to the school financial aid and scholarship departments about grants and scholarships that the school has to offer as well.      

5. What advice would you offer a new first generation college student?

First thing I would tell them is do not let the classes and workload intimidate you. There are so many resources on campus that can help you find them and use them. I would also tell them to remember the reason they came to college that is what keeps me going and remembering what it took for me to get here.            

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Chloe Nickson  

Biomedical Science 

1. What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?

Making my family proud and providing better for my children than what I came from.    

2. What motivated you to pursue higher education?

My children, having son in my arms and wanting to give him world. Without higher education a strong, positive start for him didn't seem possible.         

3. Who inspired you to go to college?

My son. I wanted to pave a path of opportunity for him.

4. What was a challenge you faced as a first-generation college student and what resources did you use to overcome it?

My first challenge was sounding like a college student. I'm from Rural Ohio and my mother from is rural Michigan. I didn't know how to construct profession emails or phrase myself properly in an essay format.  At the beginning I struggled but my English Composition Professor was patient and kind and gave me suggestions and comments and it help me to develop a better vernacular. "       

5. What advice would you offer a new first generation college student?

"Don't give up. It's not easy, it's a culture shock and you will struggle. But struggling means effort and effort breeds change.  One college educated person can change the trajectory of an entire family, and this is you proving it can be done."          

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Macon Plecha  

Psychology | Child Development minor

1. What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?

Being a first-generation college student means two completely different things to me: excitement and fear. The fear comes from not knowing what I was walking into, and still not knowing how I'm going to walk out of it. There's no one in my close family who can tell me what I'm doing or walk me through how to do different college stuff. I have to figure it all out myself, or with strangers, which of course makes me nervous, even though all of my advisors have been absolutely incredible. It puts a lot more pressure and anxiety on me to try and figure this all out by myself, on top of doing the actual classes and working to pay for it all. Despite all this, though, there is still the other part: the *excitement*. It is amazing that in spite of all odds, I get to go to college and have the opportunity to experience this. I get to have the opportunity to pursue something I really love, and I get to experience the college life. And, almost above all, I get to make my mother so proud of me for everything I'm managing to accomplish that she never could. I'm doing this for me and my future, of course, but I'm also doing it for her. 

2. What motivated you to pursue higher education?

There is of course the boring, dull answer of raising prices and the need for a good income. However, there's more to it than that. As I mentioned before, I wanted to make my mom proud of me; showcase to her what I can really do with my intelligence. My intelligence itself is another motivation: I've always gotten good grades, and I've always known I would be wired well for the college experience. On top of all of this, though, was the motivation to pursue something greater; something I would really want to do and love doing. I want to help people, explore the brain, and express the empathy I've always had for people who are neurodivergent or in need of help emotionally and mentally.     

3. Who inspired you to go to college?

I had several inspirations for going to college. The top person is my mom, who has supported my blooming intelligence since I was in preschool. She has never pushed me to go to college, only giving me endless love and support, which made me even more determined to go. Another inspiration was my high school teachers, specifically a lot of my female English teachers. They were all amazing in guiding me through preparations, like writing essays for scholarships or deciding on a major. They also helped me to become more confident and happier with myself as a person, which is an important piece of my independence. My guidance counselor in high school was also a massive inspiration, thanks to all of her guidance in actually submitting scholarships and applications to colleges. She was also a huge emotional support piece as I became stressed with the process, which I could never thank her enough for. A final small inspiration was my grandmother, who was always cited as the person I got my intelligence from. She'd always wanted to go to college, but she never had the money, and she started having children too early to ever justify going. I sort of feel like I'm giving her a piece that she was missing. I hope she's watching me pursue this from wherever she is now, as she passed before I even graduated high school.

4. What was a challenge you faced as a first-generation college student and what resources did you use to overcome it?

The biggest challenge I have faced as a first gen college student is the fact that I had no one close to me who knew what the college process looked like. I had to do the entire process on my own, including basic things like filling out a FASFA. My best resources for this were the other people around me. It took a lot of my confidence to actually start talking to people, but once I did, it became easier. My high school guidance counselor and all of the wonderful advisors here at the University of Akron have been especially amazing at walking me through things and making sure my stress levels didn't go through the roof.         

5. What advice would you offer a new first generation college student?

The best advice I can give a new first generation college student is to not give up, and to make good connections. College is scary, and overwhelming, and the new environment mixed with possibly being on your own for the first time ever is a lot for anyone. I get it. But it is so important for you to keep going. Talk to people. Manage your stress. Make connections with guidance counselors, teachers, advisors, and anyone else who can help you. Don't be afraid to ask questions; it's expected for you to not know! College can also be really fun and exciting. The independence can be a freeing experience. You can make so many new friends! Please, don't give up on this dream. Just talk to people and remember that you are not alone as a first gen. P.S., use it to your advantage: there are so many scholarships available for us! ;) Good luck!    

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Rachel Stephens          

Criminology & Criminal Justice

1. What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?

Being a first-generation college student means that I have overcome all obstacles that I have faced in my life and have successfully come out a better person on the other side. Every individual has faced some sort of adversity in their lives, no matter the degree of severity. Your accomplishments are important and valuable. Don't sell yourself short!        

2. What motivated you to pursue higher education?

The motivation to pursue higher education comes from a primal desire to support myself and my family. I want to live the best version of my life comfortably, and my education will allow me to do just that. Education, in my opinion is priceless. It enables you to think critically, and to be able to make educated decisions throughout your life. 

3. Who inspired you to go to college?

In high school, college was not in the cards for me. It was during my gap year that I was introduced to the college community and lifestyle by my at-the-time best friend. I realized that I was missing out on an experience to connect and grow with others my age. And in the fall of 2016, I applied to the University of Akron. 

4. What was a challenge you faced as a first-generation college student and what resources did you use to overcome it?

In the beginning, I did not take my academics seriously. I didn't have anyone behind me, micromanaging me. I had to figure out how to navigate college and being solely responsible for my education and the financial commitments that come along with it. I was dismissed after my first full year at UA, and that was the wake-up call I desperately needed. I appealed my dismissal, re-enrolled, and made it my mission to never put myself in that position again. I utilized my on-campus resources. My academic advisor, student counseling center and my professors to prove not to just the university, but also myself that I can and will be successful. Since, I have maintained at least a 3.5 semester GPA.

5. What advice would you offer a new first-generation college student?

The advice I would offer a new first generation college student is that the sky is literally the limit. You are capable of anything you set your mind to. Apply for scholarships, work full-time during school, and get those straight A's. Strive for the top because it's yours for the taking. This is the time in your life where you grind and work hard, so that later you can play hard. Nobody talks about what happens after college. When you are expected to now be an adult, finding a job/career, and being financially responsible. Being a hardcore partier in college does not translate into long-term success. You can indulge, just do not let it take over your life. I promise it is not worth it, and extremely easy to get caught up in.   

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Katie Timmerman        

Criminology & Criminal Justice

1. What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?

To me, being a first-generation college student means being the first in your family to achieve something no one else has. You are creating a path for younger generations to follow and helping them have a role model. You, yourself, did not have that, but you are providing it for someone else.    

2. What motivated you to pursue higher education?

My motivations for me to pursue a higher education were my passion for my major.  I love my major and everything that it involves so being able to learn more about it made me excited.           

3. Who inspired you to go to college?

My family inspired me to go to college. They inspire me to be a better person and to do that, you have to keep learning and keep growing as a person. they have always been my biggest supporters when it came to achieving everything and anything. They never held me back from achieving everything I have, and they supported me all the way through.            

4. What was a challenge you faced as a first-generation college student and what resources did you use to overcome it?

A challenge I faced while being a first-generation college student was financial problems. My parents both work and I also work a part-time job so being able to pay for college was a challenge, but in high school I worked very hard and received many scholarships to help pay off a proportion of my tuition. My parents also helped me pay the rest and I am very grateful for that.       

5. What advice would you offer a new first generation college student?

Advice I would offer to a first-generation student is to know yourself and what works for you. If things do not make you happy or you do not enjoy it, let it go and find something new to try. It never hurts to try, and if you fail then you move on and try the next thing. It may be scary or intimidating at first, but you have to try it in order to know what works best for you.

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Janei Wright      

Criminology & Criminal Justice  |  Sociology minor

1. What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?

Being a first-generation college student to me means setting the pace. I am the oldest out of all my sibling and going to college and striving for the stars is something that I want my sibling to take into account. I strive to be their role model and someone that can guide them through anything in life.

2. What motivated you to pursue higher education?

My family and where I come from motivates me to pursue a higher education. I come from a low-income neighborhood where many of people in my neighborhood have not been encouraged or wanted to take that next step to be greater in terms of education.  

3. Who inspired you to go to college?

My aunt Nicki inspired me to go to college. She graduated from the University of Akron and seeing her ways of handling business and life situations helped me to understand adulting.

4. What was a challenge you faced as a first-generation college student and what resources did you use to overcome it?

As a first-generation college student there was not a challenge that I faced that I could not overcome only because my mother instilled in me confidence and knowledge of utilizing my resources. I also had an aunt who graduated college that I often would go to.

5. What advice would you offer a new first generation college student?

Utilize every resource that is offered to you. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Get to know your professors and advisors. Join campus organizations and activities.         

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