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Class of 2023
What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?
First gen is so special!! I love the fact that I get to attend college and love being the first one in my family to chase my dreams.
What obstacles did you face in this context?
I think one of the hardest challenges you have to face is learning the language of college and how it works.
What advice do you have for other first-generation students?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions!! Find staff that you trust and you know you go can go to for help!! Also, learning where all the offices are is important!
What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?
Being a first-generation student is almost like a badge of honor. It is a representation of my hard work and my family's hard work. For my nieces and nephews, it is a reminder that they are next and that it is possible.
What obstacles did you face in this context?
As a first-generation student I faced many obstacles. I did not understand a lot of the language that was used on campus. I had a lot of questions about almost everything. However, I was lucky enough to have CAMP as my go to whenever I had questions.
What advice do you have for other first-generation students?
My advice to other first gen students is to have a mentor on campus. Whether it is a faculty or staff member, establish a mentor so that you have someone to go to when you have questions and someone you can share the good news of your achievements. They will open opportunities for you that you might have missed. They will challenge you to be the best version of yourself. Secondly, create friendships that elevate you; they have a direct influence on your daily habits.
What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?
It means being aware of the immense ripple I am able to create for my family. I am taking steps that were never accessible to anyone else- I am first! With great power comes great responsibility and its hard to wrap my head around why is it me who got these cards, but it is and I have to do well with the opportunities I am surrounded by.
What obstacles did you face in this context?
I faced a breaking of my worldview. If you're first, you probably are accustomed to a certain degree of struggle. And for me to be placed, or find myself in a group where college attendance and graduation is traditional, not the exception, was wild. Some people arrived already so comfortable with what it is that's going on here. the socialization, the familiarity of continuing something that's been done before by your family made me just so aware that i am lucky to be here, and that this new legacy of education begins with me. There's a lot of power in it. I want to do right for my kids where they do pursue education, and also never forget its real cost. We are so lucky to be here.
What advice do you have for other first-generation students?
I think you should be proud of the steps you've taken. You aren't alone here and you are doing the best you can with what resources you've had access to. Allow yourself to grow here on your own timeline.
What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?
I am a survivor! Over time I learned the difference between working hard and working smart, and that helped a lot. I have gained great appreciation for pioneers and I get a lot of personal satisfaction from being one.
What obstacles did you face in this context?
No one in my family grasped how hard or how long a college student needs to study to earn good grades. Also, none of them understood the importance of academic and social networking.
What advice do you have for other first-generation students?
Get to know your professors and start today! Find private places to study. Go out of your way to network with everyone around you while you're here.
Education
Youngstown State University 1981, Chemistry
What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?
Being a first gen means resilience. To me it means to strive for excellence, which takes courage. Being first gen to me means to honor your family and those who came before you. Being first gen allows me to feel proud of myself and my background. Coming from nothing and being able to achieve and purse an education is the reason why I get up every morning. As well as knowing I am setting an example for my younger brothers and bettering my family's future.
What obstacles did you face in this context?
Being first gen means having to take leaps of faith. It is challenging with being first in line and not knowing what to feel or do, yet that is normal. Being unbeknownst of how to apply to college(s), the "do's" and "don'ts" of getting older as a student, and having enough funds can make college difficult, but not impossible.
What advice do you have for other first-generation students?
It is normal to feel lost or feelings of guilty as a first gen, just reel yourself in and be confident in who you are.
What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?
As an immigrant from West Africa, going to college was only for the rich. Being able to attend college and complete multiple degrees for me, was breaking the cycle.
What obstacles did you face in this context?
Since my parents were not educated on college procedures, I found myself overwhelmed trying figure everything out on my own.
What advice do you have for other first-generation students?
Do not be afraid to ask for help. We are all here to assist/ guide you reach your end goal.
What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?
Being first-gen and working with first-gen students has taught me no two people have the same path to higher education. My first-gen story is a little different because I had siblings who graduated from 4 year institutions before me and I learned a lot from them. But I was the only sibling who left home, found her place working for orientation, and stayed at school almost year round working and going to school. I carved my own path and am proud of that chapter.
What obstacles did you face in this context?
My experiences in college were much different from the stories I heard from my sisters or saw on popular movies and shows. I had to figure out a way to craft my collegiate experience as my own, forging a different path and learning the intricacies of my college by myself.
What advice do you have for other first-generation students?
There's no one "right" path to graduation. Your road will be unique to you. But there are important opportunities to help you find your place. Use the help of your mentors. Don't have one yet? Let me know and we'll get you connected!
Education:
SUNY Oswego 2009 (B), 2011 (M), Adolescent Education and English (B), Literacy Education (M)
What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?
Being a first-generation college student holds profound significance for me. It involves overcoming unfamiliar challenges, both academically and socially, and learning to navigate the complexities of the higher education system without my family's guidance. It's about resilience, determination, and the belief that education can be a transformative force, not just for myself but for future generations in my family.
What obstacles did you face in this context?
The biggest obstacle is knowing that your family has no idea what you suffer alone. Imagine what I could be able to do, if my family could be my academic mentors in addition to being my loved ones. The transition of living in two worlds where in one there is education and in the other the word education is not even mentioned. A challenge that will make you feel two personalities in one more than once in your life.
What advice do you have for other first-generation students?
My advice to those students who when they get home must forget about English because their parents don't know the language. Don't give up, maybe the road feels long and it seems like you have taken the route less taken. Trust and believe that you will have your reward one day.
What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?
Opportunity.
What obstacles did you face in this context?
I grew up in poverty on a farm, deep in the mountains of Virginia. College was completely unknown to my family. When I decided to pursue higher education, I did so without any support from my family and against the direct guidance of my high school. Consequently, I was underprepared and underfunded. I had to academically catch up with my peers in college, who had taken calculus, physics and humanities in high school, while I focused on carpentry, welding and agriculture. My peers had time to study and enjoy downtime outside of the classroom, while I worked several jobs. Finding financial aid, unraveling bureaucracy, learning to study, and chasing sleep were barriers unique to my college experience as a first-generation student.
What advice do you have for other first-generation students?
I know it is scary, but talk to your professors. They want you to learn, and they care about you as a student and a whole person. Your life circumstances matter. I had a faculty mentor who saw unfulfilled potential in me. She made me think and filled me with inspiration. Academically, I am at this point in my life, writing these words, because she cared.
Education
Ph.D. (1999) Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon; M.S. (1993) George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia; B.A. (1991) George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia
Geography and Geoscience major
What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?
Being a first generation college student means breaking a cycle of poverty in my family and setting an example for my younger family members. It means that I am able to pursue my dreams despite all of the hardships that my family faced during my childhood and make my mom proud.
What obstacles did you face in this context?
I faced many obstacles when it came to the process of applying to college and to financial aid because my mom had never done things like that before. I remember crying at my aunt's kitchen table because she was the only one who semi-understood the financial aid process and my tax information was a disorganized mess. I also felt like I faced obstacles when it came to not getting along with my roommate. My family's first response to me being unhappy with my roommate was to tell me to transfer to a college back home so that I could commute but I knew that I could not let someone else dictate my experience going away to college and it was up to me to shape my own college journey.
What advice do you have for other first-generation students?
Stay true to who you are. It is easy to conform to what other people are doing when you are in such a new and unfamiliar environment but you will be much happier here if you just be yourself. Having a positive attitude towards college can mean everything to your success and mindset in college. People grow and change and it is okay if you are not friends with the people you were friends with during orientation.
Education:
SUNY Oneonta 2022, Psychology
Students
What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?
To me, being a first-generation student means you are breaking the cycle you were born into. It means striving to be the one to break the cycle for your family who didn't have the opportunities you had. To make the people who helped you get to where you are proud.
What obstacles did you face in this context?
Growing up, school always came easy to me and it became an expectation that I could just handle it because of that. My parents couldn't truly help me with school because they themselves struggled through it and never got a higher education. I did not realize this until I looked back on my life growing up when I got to college and realized I was a first-generation college student and how big of a deal that was.
What advice do you have for other first-generation students?
Embrace your past and visualize your future. Be grateful for your opportunities you have now, and be proud of breaking the generational cycle.
Daniela Suarez '25
What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?
To me, being first-generation means carrying the responsibility of being the first in your family to attend college. Having privileged opportunities and experiences that they did not get to have. Not having the guidance of family members because you are the first and carrying the expectations of everyone back at home. Knowing that you have a last name to represent and pride to be able to fulfill your family's dreams.
What obstacles did you face in this context?
Because neither of my parents nor grandparents finished high school, applying for college, financial aid and loans, and submitting all the needed paperwork without any help just to attend college was already difficult by itself. The college experience feels very lonely, and the initial asking for help is difficult because you have to accept the fact that you are behind your peers.
What advice do you have for other first-generation students?
Do not compare your situation to those around you. Utilize that feeling of pressure and divergent to your advantage as a motivator. You're already defying the odds by attending college, making your journey even more special, and every time you fail, get up and push through.
Tanya Reyes '24
What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?
It means giving back. I am doing this in hopes it is enough for the sacrifices my parents had to make in order for me to have this life.
What obstacles did you face in this context?
I have to deal with the pressure, I have expectations to live up to that I sometimes doubt if I can even get there.
What advice do you have for other first-generation students?
Breathe, and don't let the idea that 'what you're doing isn't enough' consume you. You're doing more than enough. You're doing it, you're a first-gen college student.
What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?
It represents something very important to me, since I am creating a change in the family and forming new paths for a better future. A future not only for myself, but for everyone in my family. I’m showing them that they can also attend university and make a better life for themselves.
What obstacles did you face in this context?
I have had many obstacles in my journey for a university education. I started my career in 2017 at a public university in my country, in Honduras, with little economic support. In Honduras, you cannot study and work at the same time. If your parents can’t pay for your education, you can’t attend school. I had to walk long stretches to be able to attend class, and I also sold chocolates to other students to pay for books and transportation. At my second campus, I suffered from rejection because it was a private university and I was not considered their equal. My social status was not like that of my classmates, but I still created ties with some of them. Last year, I transferred to the United States, which was very difficult for me since my language was different, and the way teachers evaluated was different, among many other things. I really appreciate all the support I've had throughout this process.
What advice do you have for other first-generation students?
I always advise others to not give up. I have fought since 2017 to obtain my degree, and I have not given up. It has been very difficult but really, whoever wants to, can achieve their goal. You just have to persevere to the end, and you will achieve everything you set your mind to.
What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?
The meaning for me of being a first-generation student is that I am the first person in my family that goes to university. My parents grew up in poverty in West Africa, so they could not finish their studies. America is my father's dream country, so he brought us, and through this achievement to arrive in the United States, my father's only objective was to see me succeed in my studies and go to college.
What obstacles did you face in this context?
The obstacles that I had encountered in this context were many because neither my father or my mother could help me on the plan of education when I needed them. So, I had to fight alone to succeed in my studies and to be there where I am today. And deep down I love to study despite some difficulties in my life, which was the stuttering that was part of me and I had to accept it. My nightmare started when I was a young girl in Togo. But today, I say thank you to God.
What advice do you have for other first-generation students?
The advice I have for other first-generation students is to never give up whether you're having a hard time as an immigrant or not. Tell yourself that you will be able to overcome this barrier that your parents could not because of certain reasons in life.
Alumni
What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?
Being a first-generation college student means perseverance. You have to do it tired. You have to get up and go to that class (even if you don't want to). You have to take advantage of the resources that surround you, and most importantly, you have to do the work. If not for yourself, for your family. It fills me up with such pride and joy to know that...I did it! Since I began my journey at SUNY Oneonta, I vowed to my family and myself that by any means necessary, I will graduate.
What obstacles did you face in this context?
After graduating high school, I didn't fully understand the meaning of attending a university. Both my parents attended college, however they did not graduate. In the beginning, around my sophomore year as a transfer student, I felt out of place. It was a new school, I switched my major, and I didn't really know anyone. My grades and mental health plummeted, and I found myself questioning if I made the right decision to transfer to SUNY Oneonta at all. Deep down, I knew that I belonged at SUNY Oneonta and grew committed to finding my purpose. I changed my major (again), studied immensely hard, made the Dean's list, and found "my people." Without my support system (family and friends), academic advisor, and use of all the resources this university has to offer, I wouldn't be where I am today.
What advice do you have for other first-generation students?
SUNY Oneonta has tons of resources (i.e. Accessibility Resources, the Student Learning Center, the Counseling Center, Office of Student Success, etc.), so don't be afraid to use them. There are people who have been in your shoes and who know what it's like to feel the pressure to "do it all by yourself." There is nothing wrong with seeking help because at SUNY Oneonta, there are people who want you to succeed. As a recent alum, I tell everyone going to SUNY Oneonta was one of the best experiences of my life. Your undergrad years you cannot take back. So when you cross that stage, receive your diploma, and make your travels back to wherever it is that you come from, make sure that you leave your newfound home with no regrets. My four years of college were truly the best years of my life.
What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?
In short, it means a lot, it means I get to be a role model for my younger sisters. Growing up, there wasn’t much pressure to succeed academically, and when it was time to consider colleges, there was not much support. I remember asking my grandparents if they could take me to see some schools, and I’m glad I did - they were a huge influence in pushing me over the “to go to college, or not to go to college” ledge. I hope being a first-generation college student inspires my younger sisters to continue their education in some way after high school.
What obstacles did you face in this context?
I had to navigate the college admissions process and pay for school on my own, those were the biggest obstacles. Due to my income, I was eligible for a lot of financial aid in the form of loans, grants, and eventually scholarships, but I distinctly remember a particular moment: I went to the Student Accounts office and told them I wouldn’t be able to cover my sophomore year. I asked for help, I pretty much begged, because I loved being in school and I didn’t want to leave. The Director of Student Accounts at the time, Sue Clemons, took me to her office because I was getting emotional and because I said I wouldn’t leave until I could figure out how to pay for school. She was wonderful, and she referred me to the Call Center, where I got a job soon after and worked for 3.5 years, eventually becoming the Student Manager. That conversation changed the course of my college career. Money can be a huge obstacle.
What advice do you have for other first-generation students?
Ask for help, it’s there. Even if you come from a family that doesn’t know as much about the college admissions process, your guidance counselor, college admissions staff, or someone else can refer you to programs for migrants and other historically excluded and marginalized students. Money should not be an issue, and if you are a low-income student there are many resources to guide you in the right direction. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, and make sure you get as involved in the process as possible - you’ll learn more this way, and be able to better represent yourself.
Amarii Smith '20
Anthropology Major Assistant Program Director for United Activities Unlimited, Inc.
What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?
Being a first-generation college graduate means a lot to me because coming from a family where college was either never finished or never started at all made me all the more determined to be the first to earn a four-year college degree. I’m proud to say that I was the first and that I will not be stopping there. I want to be able to prove to all the family that come after me that this is achievable, no matter the obstacles you are faced with.
What obstacles did you face in this context?
The obstacles I faced on my journey were mostly internal. I often felt like quitting and felt as if I wasn’t good enough and that college wasn’t for me. I didn’t have anyone who had graduated before me to look up to, or someone who experienced this to encourage me to keep going when I felt like giving up. Instead, I set a goal for myself and constantly affirmed that I can and will do this, not just for bragging rights but so that I can be that inspiration for my future family members.
What advice do you have for other first-generation students?
My advice for other first-generation students is not to let the lack of precedent discourage you, but to instead use that as the fuel to motivate you and keep you headstrong in your goal. You are your own biggest fan, and even when you feel like things are too hard, don’t forget to cheer for all you have done to make it to the point you’re at now. Remember that being the first to do anything will not always be easy, but that the outcome will be so very worth it.
What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?
To me, being a first-generation college student is the legacy I am creating for my family's history. I am not just another “first-gen” label. I am my mother and father's dreams they were never able to achieve themselves. I am their calloused hands and hard work they do day by day to get me to where I am. I am my siblings hopes and aspirations. As a child of immigrants, they came here with nothing and have continuously given me everything. Being first-generation is a privilege - I get to live with the support and love of my wonderful family.
What obstacles did you face in this context?
Sometimes I can stress myself out way too much and put a weight on my shoulders to continue doing well with academics not only for my own future but my families as well.
What advice do you have for other first-generation students?
Take pride in not only being the first but also setting the stepping stones for those who come after you. It’s okay to have rough days, I know I stress myself out a lot when I do not do very well, but give yourself credit for being where you are now!
Odalis Galeano '20
Business Administration Major Site Coordinator at Delaware North Sportservice at UBS Arena
What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?
Being first-gen means that I am making history! I am very proud to be only the third person in my extended family to graduate with a Bachelor's degree. I know that my experiences are creating an easier path for my family in generations to come. It helps me believe that I am truly a leader and can correctly guide younger first-gen college students. My message to them has always been that anything is possible and they are not alone in this journey.
What obstacles did you face in this context?
There were a lot of doubts and moments of hopelessness while applying and starting college. I was very nervous to make any type of mistake whether it was on my college applications or really thinking if I chose the right university. A lot of researching. A lot of translating. A lot of decision-making. The irony is that I was bound to make mistakes since I had no close guidance on how to do all this stuff! Only two of my cousins were in college at the time, so they were also trying to "figure it out" themselves. I had to learn and become comfortable with asking for help, whether it was from my high school guidance office or college admissions offices. Celebrating the small successes definitely helped me move along.
What advice do you have for other first-generation students?
The most important thing to remember is that it is okay to ask for help!!! We are so fortunate to live in a time where there are so many resources to help first-gen students, whether it is in-person or virtual. I am sure those resources will become even more tailored as the years go on. Be proud of who you are and what you represent - use this as motivation to keep succeeding. Lastly, never forget where you came from - help those who are younger than you and guide them down the right path.
Samantha Kaminsky '23
What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?
Being a first-generation student means breaking the barrier that is often set out before you without you even knowing. It means that you have achieved what others could not, or those who did not have the opportunity to. Being first-gen means that you have persevered, and that you are showing the world what it looks like to have a higher education in the face of adversity.
What obstacles did you face in this context?
Being a first-generation college student, and the first out of my two sisters to attend college, I did not know what to expect when I arrived at SUNY Oneonta. The whole process was a learning experience for both myself and my parents, who did not attend a four-year university. Because of that alone, I felt as if I was behind in my knowledge of the college experience, and unfortunately I felt alone my freshman year.
What advice do you have for other first-generation students?
Persevere through the adversity! You can do and be anything you want to be as long as you set your mind to it. Although obstacles may stand in your way, you have already passed those invisible to you by being here and attending your university.
What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?
Neither my parents nor I were raised in wealth, but we understood hard work could lead to more financial peace of mind. My mom went to a vocational high school to learn a trade (cosmetology/hairstyling) because paying for college was completely out of reach for her widowed mother. Her father died in the 1930s, a very tough time for many Americans. My grandmother never believed higher education was necessary for women, and at one point told me my success would keep me from getting married! (It didn’t.) As for my dad, I never found out the reason why he didn’t take advantage of the GI Bill® that paved the way for a free college education for soldiers following WWII. As society and opportunities changed for women in the 1960s, my mom taught her daughters that we could do everything in our power to make the dreams of our chosen careers a reality. The SUNY system was the most affordable option for me, having worked to save money in high school and qualifying for financial aid. Oneonta’s size, commitment to excellence, and the sense of community welcomed me. I wanted to move forward toward a career and make my parents proud of me making the most of what was offered. I saw that there were some limits to their earning power, and I believed that a college degree could be the ticket to the rest of my professional life if I put 100% effort in from the start. I hope I set a good example for my own children, one of whom graduated from Oneonta in 2020!
What obstacles did you face and overcome in this context?
The first obstacle was that I had no context for what to expect from college. My older sister went to a two-year college in New York City and lived at home, so going away to an unfamiliar environment and making my way academically and socially had no precedent in our family. That “obstacle” broke down as soon as I got into a routine of classes and hanging out with new friends, as well as getting to know the city of Oneonta. I didn’t feel any different from other students, except for the knowledge that I was paying a large chunk of the cost for my education, while many other students were not.
What advice do you have for other first-generation students?
Never lose your sense of pride! You made it here, and you deserve to be here. There’s a first for everything, and you are living out your dream at Oneonta. My degree led to a 20-year career in book publishing, and 20 years and counting in corporate communications. That Oneonta degree truly did become the ticket to the rest of my life.
Jared Reynolds '12
Sociology Major Founding Member, RM Law Group LLC
What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?
Being a first-generation college graduate, as well as first-generation law school graduate, has had two main meanings for me. 1) While I was in school, this dynamic pushed me/trained me to hit the ground running and do everything in my power to take advantage of various resources/networks available to me, including practical experiential opportunities, as well as mentoring relationships, both of which were invaluable in my development. 2) Now that I have been into my legal career for many years, I am able to look to my status as a first-generation college/law student as a particular source of pride, knowing that I did not necessarily have a perfect blueprint/template available to me and, instead, had to pave my own way at times.
What obstacles did you face in this context?
Being a first generation student of any kind can be intimidating at times when you feel like you may be alone on this journey. However, in my experience, in many different aspects of life, those feelings of being on a path by yourself are largely internalized feelings that can be remedied, and proven untrue, through involvement in various organizations/activities, and overall a willingness to be "comfortable with being uncomfortable." It's of course easier said than done, but there are countless resources/networks/mentorship opportunities out there, and more importantly, there are countless people (friends, professors, alumni, etc.) who genuinely want to help. Most people remember what it was like to be a student and are happy to instill any advice, knowledge, or pointers that they may have to help make someone else's life easier.
What advice do you have for other first-generation students?
Work on being confident in yourself and understanding that you're not alone. Even in the hardest moments that you may deal with, you likely are not the first person to ever go through this situation and, further, it is likely that you have been through similarly difficult, if not even more difficult, situations in the past. You got through those moments, you'll get through this too. Seek out mentorship, you can never have too many mentors. Connect with your peers, professors, staff and alumni. You never know the doors that can be opened simply by connecting with the right person. Finally, know that you belong and are a worthy addition to any group, organization, class or company. You've made it this far, be confident in your self-worth.
What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?
I never thought that I would be a first-generation college student. Growing up, attending college wasn't discussed because my parents did not go. As I went through high school, I found that going to college is a path I could take. I was able to talk to the right people and find out more information about the college process.
What obstacles did you face in this context?
I didn't have someone in my family that had gone through college and knew what to expect. I had to experience it myself and learn.
What advice do you have for other first-generation students?
To not be afraid to ask questions and use the resources available to you.
What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?
As a first generation student, I had no role models to help me understand what college would be like. I was a very hard working student in high school, so I had a good start. I was proud to represent my family in this role. I was unsure of what to bring to college, especially wardrobe. Of course, the digital world had not yet arrived!
What obstacles did you face in this context?
Finances were my greatest challenge. My parents weren't able to help me with expenses. I had a small scholarship and was awarded a work study position. I was able to work 20 hours per week for $1.25 an hour. To supplement this I cleaned houses, ironed a lot of shirts, and babysat. In the summers, I waitressed, taught sewing lessons for the Singer Sewing Company and continued to babysit. I was able to graduate with 3.2 GPA and minimal debt.
What advice do you have for other first-generation students?
I was really lucky to have several mentors among the faculty. They were very helpful employing me and with sound advice. I would recommend getting involved in campus activities: clubs in one's major, sports, student government, residence hall events and governance. Although I didn't join a sorority, I would expect those relationships to be helpful. Going to class is important. I could count the number of classes missed on one hand!
What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?
This is a good question. I never really thought too much about this until recently. No one in my family had been to college even in my extended family. Not one person. And, I never thought that I wouldn't go to college and I always wanted to be a teacher. I also never thought that I might have been a role model for my nieces and nephews either. My brother-in-law was a college graduate, and I looked up to him, as he was a teacher which I aspired to be. I was in sixth grade when my sister married him, so I had some sort of role model. My parents (one graduated from high school and one had to quit school to support the family in Brooklyn) were supportive but really didn't have any experience with college themselves, and I floundered. But being a first-generation college student is what gave me the opportunities that I have had for a terrific career which revolves around Higher Education.
What obstacles did you face in this context?
I had no idea what to expect. I was way too social and thought that I could just get by. I ended up taking some summer courses and actually worked for one year after sophomore year, taking four courses that academic year plus courses in the summer to make up for lost time. I did return to Oneonta after that experience and was able to apply myself more than previously.
What advice do you have for other first-generation students?
Get as much support as possible and take advance of what the college has to offer. I always recommend some type of work that connects a student with the college and role model adults or peers. That connection makes the difference when someone is away from home for the first time and they haven't had that type of role model in their life. I think that at this time, 50 years since I was a freshman, the support and experiences that our students get in their high school career is so much better. I would hope they are much better prepared than I was for budgeting their time and with study skills.
Faculty & Staff
George Archundia
Health Studies at Utica University 2018
What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?
Being a first-generation college student means a lot to me, as it is a representation of the work my parents placed into my success. For my mother, it was the idea she wanted for her children in making sure I understood working hard pays off. She showed this to me by working hard to provide this opportunity for me. For my father, it was the "American dream" he saw being a immigrant to this country. He wanted to see his children be successful through academics to provide any opportunity we wanted.
What obstacles did you face in this context?
Being that my parents were working so hard, it was difficult to be able to make sure financially I had the chances to be successful, so that hardworking nature my mother instilled in me came forward as I needed to get three jobs in college to pay for the tuition myself, without loans. I had to maintain work, while still being successful in college to make sure I could stay there.
What advice do you have for other first-generation students?
Advice for other first-generation students would be to confront the emotions you feel throughout your experiences as a student, as the pressure you might feel can be overbearing, but if you are working to be in touch with your emotions, your potential as a student and human in all aspects will prosper.
What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?
Actually, a lot. It has given me unimaginable opportunities and also coming from a very rural community in New York (and first generation to be born in a hospital and not my great grandmother's dairy farm), enabled me to stay VERY grounded in my roots so that I feel I can view the world from multiple perspectives.
What obstacles did you face in this context?
Learning to navigate a large institution such as Cornell as an undergrad transfer student. As a PhD student much later on (after teaching high school science for 11 years) while spending my six years there for my PhD, every day I walked on campus I would look around and think "I cannot believe I am here getting my PhD."
What advice do you have for other first-generation students?
Honor your roots, honor who you are, explore all that you can, find people who can support you in this new journey. They will come in many forms.
What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?
I am very proud of being a first-generation student. College saved me from a cycle of work in my family that I did not want to be perpetually tied to, mainly hard manual labor. College opened up a whole new world for me, and it continues to do so.
What obstacles did you face in this context?
There was no prior experience in my family to lean on. I was thrown into it and had to sink or swim. Honestly, sometimes I just floated.
What advice do you have for other first-generation students?
Enjoy learning or stop college and do another career path.
What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?
Being a first-generation college student allowed me to make a career for myself instead of just having a "job." I was able to pursue a field that I loved, as opposed to just going to work as a secretary or working in retail. I was able to meet others who had similar dreams of a college education/career, and we all supported each other, determined to finish college.
What obstacles did you face in this context?
I didn't have the most rigorous high school education, so I found that I had to study and work much harder than other students in order to make good grades. I also learned to balance a part-time job with my school work, as such was necessary in order to pay for tuition, books, room and board.
What advice do you have for other first-generation students?
Don't be deterred by others who say that college is too hard or not worth the cost. You can't measure happiness; working in a field you love will bring you joy and fulfillment. Working in a dead-end job that you don't enjoy will not make you happy, no matter how much money you saved by not going to college. Don't be afraid to ask professors for help. They are there to provide you with the assistance you need and most of them relish providing assistance to students who seek help.
What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?
Not only was I first-generation, but I was the first of the first-generation students in my extended family to go to college. I felt a sense of pride but also some pressure to live up to expectations.
What obstacles did you face in this context?
Everything was new to me but also to my parents. The higher education system is complex. The application process, applying for and reviewing financial aid packages, so many decisions and deadlines...it was a lot to work through. And I know that I made mistakes (and I HATE making mistakes). Luckily, it all worked out, but there was plenty of stress, frustration and maybe a few tears.
What advice do you have for other first-generation students?
Find your support system. Do your research. Ask lots of questions. Take many deep breaths.
What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?
Being a first-generation college student lead to my career and entry into a dynamic, vibrant world.
What obstacles did you face in this context?
Being in college can be overwhelming for anyone. Being in college as a first-generation student meant that I had to "decode" a lot of basic things about the college experience.
What advice do you have for other first-generation students?
Respect where you came from and also know that you belong. Faculty and college staff want you to succeed. Make the most of your experience by diving into it and getting involved. Listen to your curiosity. Go to the library.
What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?
I am very proud of my educational accomplishments. Being a first-gen college student taught me resilience and how to be resourceful. Sometimes it took me so long to find the answers that everyone else seemed to know, but I think it brought me to leadership positions after because then I wanted to tell everyone what I learned.
What obstacles did you face in this context?
My parents had no clue of the systems at play and how to maneuver them - I just stopped asking my parents for help about college concerns. I did not even know what questions to ask, often times I was finding out information after tripping many times on questions/situations. I did not even know that there were other degrees past the 4 years because I was so focused on getting through the current semester.
What advice do you have for other first-generation students?
Find a mentor to help you maneuver the system so you aren't slowed down by the system. The concept of 'I can do this on my own' will just slow you down, so don't buy into it – people want to help you succeed. This may sound silly, but ignore the people in your family (extended or otherwise) who are teasing you about going to college or being smart. Their teasing is likely coming from a place of their own insecurity, so don't let it dictate what you can accomplish.
What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?
Being a first-generation college student gives me a great sense of pride! I had specific goals in mind when I was in high school, and graduating from college was the first step in achieving those goals.
What obstacles did you face in this context?
It was tough: I didn't know what I didn't know. My family was very supportive, and my friends were able to answer some questions for me as well, but I didn't really know how to navigate the system in the best way. I did a lot of falling forward, but I made it through.
What advice do you have for other first-generation students?
Ask for help! Ask questions! You can do this.
What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?
I come from a very large family (oldest of 55 grandchildren), so being the first to go to college was a big deal and, I believe, set the expectation for my siblings and cousins, one of which now has her MD.
What obstacles did you face in this context?
Not understanding how to navigate the system. I certainly paid more than I should have as I ended up commuting but paid for housing my first year. Also just feeling like the only working-class student on campus.
What advice do you have for other first-generation students?
Ask questions! Utilize the resources.
What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?
Being a first-generation college student meant everything to me . To be able to gain this experience of college life, increase my knowledge and views of the world. Also, I had the chance to achieve what others in my family could not, this meant the world to me because my family could see my progress and life and support me in my testimony.
What obstacles did you face in this context?
Obstacles I faced were not having the knowledge of how college really works and the challenge of learning everything first hand instead of someone giving me advice.
What advice do you have for other first-generation students?
My advice for other first-generation students is to know your worth in this world. You were put here for a reason and can achieve anything you put your mind too. Even though no one else been here before you, you are now here to make history.
What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?
Being a first-generation college graduate gave me access to a breadth and depth of knowledge and critical thinking skills that I would not have been exposed to had I not gone to college.
What obstacles did you face in this context?
Learning how to navigate a series of systems that I had very little access to prior to going to college was the biggest obstacle for me. College was an entirely different culture with new languages and unspoken customs that made it difficult for me to navigate, and not having access to services that helped to teach me how to navigate college made it especially complicated.
What advice do you have for other first-generation students?
Ask questions and take advantage of every service available to you!
Donna Johnson '85
Elementary Education Major Coordinator of Articulation and Transfer Credit at SUNY Oneonta
What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?
It means opportunities; a chance to make a change and a difference.
What obstacles did you face in this context?
Unfamiliar environment was the biggest. As an EOP student, we were together quite a bit as a group. The opportunity to navigate a new place with others who were in similar situations as I was made it easier to meet new people and get involved. I sang in the gospel choir, became a cheerleader and traveled with the team, auditioned and got a role in the college production of "Applause.” All the friends that I made came to the three-day production. It was a lot of fun.
What advice do you have for other first-generation students?
Stay true to your dream...don't give up! Embrace as much as of college as you possibly can. It is incredibly important to get involved. Try something new; something that you never thought of doing. My last bit of advice - complete what your started! Don't let a few bumps in the road stop you from achieving your dream.
When did you graduate?
1991. I was supposed to graduate in 1987 but couldn't afford to stay so I joined the Air Force. I had only one semester to go, but the university required you to finish your degree on campus, so they wouldn't accept incoming credits. As I became a war veteran during the build-up in the Persian Gulf, they finally agreed to accept the courses toward completion.
What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?
I grew up in the inner-city projects, where violence, crime and drugs were typical. Our mother said, nearly every day, "you WILL go to college." For me, and most of my siblings, it was the only way out of poverty and to escape the violence of our neighborhood and community. Of the nine of us, seven have bachelors, three have masters and I have my Ph.D.
What obstacles did you face in this context?
Money and judgement/stigma. When I wanted to apply to college, my high school guidance counselor said, "Karen, you shouldn't go to college, you're just not the type." Once in college, I often went without heat or food. Ironically, I joined ROTC to get scholarships. I went to officer's basic, and won those scholarships. However, I ended up in the hospital from lack of nutrition, and the military withdrew my scholarships. I dropped out, enlisting in the Air Force with just one semester to go to complete to degrees.
What advice do you have for other first-generation students?
NEVER give up on you, and NEVER give up on your dreams!
What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?
I am proud of being able to change the trajectory of my family by going to college. Instead of struggling my entire life, I was able to establish a career. It also made my parents and family very proud, and that is special to me. My graduation from SUNY Oneonta was far more meaningful to me than any other graduation, including master’s and PhD. It was so special to make my family proud.
What obstacles did you face in this context?
I had no idea what I was doing when I first arrived at college. I did not do well, academically, at first. I also didn't realize that a private school probably wasn't the best fit for me, and attended University of Rochester first. When I transferred to Oneonta, I had more support and felt more at home. I didn't know how anything worked, and it took me a couple of years to figure things out (like going to professors’ office hours).
What advice do you have for other first-generation students?
Reach out to the support provided on campus to navigate college. Since you don't necessarily know what questions to ask, just keep stopping by different offices and chat - and go to as many events at these support offices. Maybe get a job on campus in one of the student-focused offices. Things will reveal themselves through that process.
What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?
My parents grew up during the Depression, and my father served in World War II and Korea but did not finish high school. It meant a lot to them and me to have the opportunity to go to college.
What obstacles did you face in this context?
My parents did not visit Oneonta until November for parents weekend. I drove with my roommate to the first week of school. My parents really could not offer much advice not having gone to college themselves.
What advice do you have for other first-generation students?
Be thankful for the opportunity you have and seek out advice from professors or others to help you navigate successfully.
What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?
It means that I completed my degrees without generational/familial knowledge on the processes and procedures in Higher Education. I was intentional about seeking an institution that had a strong First Year program that would help fill the gap in my support.
What obstacles did you face in this context?
Understanding deadlines, who to ask for help, proper ways to address faculty, and how to own the many mistakes I made in the process. The day-to-day tasks of being a 'new' adult while taking on enormous loans that you don't understand are emotionally overwhelming.
What advice do you have for other first-generation students?
Ask for help. Rely on your RA, Peer Mentor, and friendship groups to ask the 'silly' questions you have. There is a lot of inside knowledge, jargon, and hurdles that will make you feel like you won't succeed, but you can! You were selected to come to Oneonta for a reason - you are ready!
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What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?
It means that as the first female in my family to go to college, I was doing something the women in my immediate family only had dreamed of doing. I was pursuing an education and becoming independent, able to hold my own and use my voice. There's a sense of pride in that experience not only for me but also for my family members.
What obstacles did you face in this context?
Not having parents that understood college applications and financial aid made the process a challenge. I also grew up poor so we couldn't afford a lot of the supports available at the time to help with the process; I ended up navigating a lot of it on my own or with help from my brother. If it wasn't for financial aid grants, I likely wouldn’t have been able to attend college. So that was stressful.
What advice do you have for other first-generation students?
Do your research -- pay attention to what you're signing up for and what it'll mean when you're out of college. Be PROUD of your accomplishments and try not to stress about the weight you may feel on your shoulders for being the first in your family to go to college.
What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?
There's certainly a sense of pride that comes with being the first person in my family to graduate with a four-year degree. It's also very satisfying to be able to give even just a little bit of help to a family trying to navigate the college search process for the first time. That's something that occurs frequently working in the Office of Admissions.
What obstacles did you face in this context?
The college search process itself was daunting. I got most of my college information through “Peterson's Guide to Four-Year College” and some stuff that came in the mail. No webpages, no virtual tours. While in college, I definitely would have taken advantage of career planning more than I did. There are so many things to consider. Having someone work through your plans with you can be incredibly helpful. It can generate some new ideas or just reassure you that things are moving along as they should be.
What advice do you have for other first-generation students?
You don't know what you don't know. Learn about the different offices on campus so that you can take advantage of all the resources available to you as a student. There are people on campus that can help you learn how to be successful in the short term as a student and long term after graduation. It's there for you, but you need to advocate for yourself.
What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?
To me, being a first-generation college student represents perseverance, inspiration, and the continuous pursuit of growth.
What obstacles did you face in this context?
Being a first-generation student, I faced many unknowns. Navigating the academic system was difficult, and adding financial burdens to the equation created many obstacles. I am forever grateful for the continuous support I received from my family, friends, College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP), Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), SUNY Oneonta’s faculty, and Joan Melzer Lydon '71 Scholarship, established by Kathy '73 and Bob Lunger in memory of Kathy's sister.
What advice do you have for other first-generation students?
Ask yourself, what are your resources? Who are your mentors? Don’t forget the reason why you seek this journey.
What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?
It is a badge of honor. I am proud that I was able to do it, and it has improved our family’s “lot in life.” It paved the way for my brother to attend college. After breaking the mold, so to speak, there was no question that my brother would attend college—it was expected! And it continues—my stepdaughter is a SUNY Oneonta graduate, and we fully expect that our 13-year-old daughter will attend college. Going to college and obtaining my degrees have directed my life down paths that would never have been possible if I had just went full time at my part-time job after high school. I would not trade it for anything.
What obstacles did you face in this context?
There are always the financial obstacles. My parents did not envision their sons going to college. Coupled with that, we were a blue collar working class family, so money was tight regardless. I was fortunate to excel at my studies in high school, and my local community college had a program where students graduating in the top 10 percent of their class could attend tuition-free. I also was awarded a few scholarships that paid for my books. So, with two years of college down debt free, I was able to make the transition to SUNY Oneonta with savings and assistance from my parents. Another obstacle is the general fear of being away from home and doing something that your parents, grandparents, and/or siblings have no prior experience with. A big part of overcoming this obstacle was the fact that I transferred along with another student from my high school class and community college program. So we faced that experience together.
What advice do you have for other first-generation students?
Not to sound cliché, but just do it. It can be intimidating to be first at anything, but the rewards are well worth the risk. While I appreciate my experience at the community college and the financial condition it left me in to better tackle the rest of my college career, I do regret not having four years at SUNY Oneonta. I feel I have a lesser connection than I would have liked to have. For example, being a transfer, I never lived on campus. I missed the dorm experience. If I could do it again, I would spend four years at SUNY Oneonta. College opens doors that may never otherwise be opened.
What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?
Taking charge of my future and the ability to seize opportunities.
What obstacles did you face in this context?
Not knowing what to expect from “the college experience.” Had to rely on peer support to help navigate the ins and outs of the culture.
What advice do you have for other first-generation students?
Utilize resources! They are there for a reason, and you might as well get your money’s worth.
What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?
A young adult navigating an environment with limited outside resources. A trailblazer who requires a great deal of inner strength. The individual has a small group (family, mentor, etc) that is encouraging them to reach their dreams.
What obstacles did you face in this context?
Financial insecurity, not having or able to do what peers could do socially. Unable to afford school supplies at times. Early on, determining resources available to support educational goals. Not knowing if the environment was something that I could be a part of. Being a long way from home.
What advice do you have for other first-generation students?
Find your people. Advocate for yourself. Reach out to those putting a hand out to help….don’t be prideful. Find a source of spiritual support, a place to recharge, and gather your inner strength.
What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?
It’s a source of pride and accomplishment.
What obstacles did you face in this context?
I had financial challenges and worked four different jobs on campus at Geneseo. That certainly influenced my interest in working in higher education.
What advice do you have for other first-generation students?
Ask for help, get involved in campus activities, find an internship to learn more about the career opportunities in in your field, and work on campus if your schedule allows.
What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?
When I was in undergraduate school, I did not consider myself a first-generation student because I had a narrow view of what a first-generation student was. Although my parents don't have a bachelor's degree and never went to a four-year college, they expected me to go to a four-year college and earn a bachelor's degree. I always assumed that because college was never 'not an option,' it put me in a position outside of the first-gen community. It wasn't until I applied to a master's degree program that I felt alienated and unsupported. As a first-generation college student, I believe that I have a chance to educate others on the triumphs and challenges of higher education. Being a first-generation college student means that I represent all the diverse and different ways we come into higher education.
What obstacles did you face in this context?
As a first-generation college student, I did not have family support to help me find a suitable college, navigate financial aid, or acclimate to higher education in general. Upon reflection, I realize I made so many financial mistakes when paying for college because I just assumed that was how paying for college was. I just assumed college had to be expensive, and I assumed that I had to get private loans. While I adapted to higher education learning quickly, the logistical side was lost to me.
What advice do you have for other first-generation students?
Be open about being a first-generation student and don't feel ashamed or feel like you aren't "first-gen enough." Ask for help getting familiar with unfamiliar processes and use resources like the Financial Aid Office to discuss payment methods.