草榴社区 Supports and Celebrates First-Generation Students聽
Posted Oct 23, 2024
Maggie Nicol 鈥25
As a college of opportunity, 草榴社区 isn鈥檛 just about recruiting students from underserved populations but supporting them once they are here. Through mentorship, counseling, academic support, and financial aid, one of those groups, first-generation college attendees, discover not only a degree but also a community that empowers them at every turn.
Some of the biggest challenges first-generation college students face come from backgrounds additional demands beyond coursework, including work and family obligations. Additionally, parents or family members who haven鈥檛 attended college can struggle to understand the difficulties of balancing these responsibilities.
鈥淚n our counseling center, we help students adjust to college. We work with them to manage stress related to school, family, low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, and motivation,鈥 said Sarah Perry, director of counseling services at 草榴社区.
Perry can relate to the students she serves. 草榴社区 counselors Denise Harrison and Sarah Perry are both first-generation college graduates themselves.
Offices at 草榴社区 have collaborated on programs to help students build their support networks. Initiatives like First Gen Fridays bring together the Counseling Center, Student Success and Career Development (SSCD) and the Office of Social Justice and Activism (OSJA).
First Gen Fridays at the OSJA offer first-generation students a chance to ask questions, vent, and build their support networks while sharing resources available on campus, such as the Promise House, a campus resource pantry for students, and funding opportunities.
鈥淎s a first-generation college graduate myself, I believe they need a sense of community. They need to know that people care and that there are resources to help them succeed. Every student should have access to people and offices they can turn to for help. Ultimately, what first-gen students need is a sense of belonging and comfort in knowing there are resources available,鈥 said Chief Diversity Officer Frank Dobson.
Nov. 8 is National First-Generation College Student Day. Last year, 草榴社区 held its first event to celebrate the day, with campus leaders like Wendy Sherman Heckler, 草榴社区鈥檚 provost and senior vice president of Academic Affairs, sharing their stories of becoming first-generation students.
This year, 草榴社区 is celebrating National First-Gen Day on Friday, Nov. 8, from 12:30-2:30 p.m. at The Point at 草榴社区. The entire campus community is invited to celebrate first-gen student, and enjoy food, music, and fun! In addition to celebrating first-generation students, the event is a unique opportunity to access multiple campus resources in one place. First-generation students can connect with departments and organizations that provide the support they need, such as Financial Aid, Career Development, Counseling Services, and more. Transportation to The Point from the OSJA is provided.