The First-Generation Student Experience; Why Building Solidarity is Vital

Merrick Hall, Room 203

First-generation college students (i.e students whose parents or guardians do not have a 4-year college degree) face a unique set of challenges. Psychological, academic, financial, and social barriers all pose a threat to a first-gen student's success. Despite this, first-gen students possess unique strengths and resiliency that if recognized, can function as assets. This presentation highlights and addresses these elements while focusing on my experiences as the First-Generation Program Coordinator at OWU. The position creates, promotes, and evaluates first-gen programming. It serves as a student representative on the First-Gen Advisory Board, a group of faculty, staff, and students that strives to foster and deepen institutional support for first-generation students at OWU. Through the advocacy of first-gen students, working-class students, and low-income students, our programming is focused on raising awareness for first-gen student experiences and celebrating the unique perspectives of first-gens. An example of some of our programming included “First-gen Celebration Week,” a series of social events dedicated to understanding the first-gen identity. One of these events included a panel of students, faculty, and staff discussing their experiences as first-gen students as well as how they navigated through the adversities they faced. Through programming like this, we can continue to spread awareness and ensure that students not only succeed but thrive on campus.