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Hype music and large glow sticks pounded the air in the Kiva as Nov. 8’s I AM FIRST celebration marked the middle of I AM FIRST Week at �鶹ӰԺ. The weeklong series of events honors first-generation college students, those students who are or will be the first in their family to complete a bachelor’s degree.

While it can be difficult to navigate college as a first-generation college student, attendees like Ivory Kendrick, a first-generation sophomore public health major from Ravenna, look at it in a positive way.

“Use it as a way to embrace where you came from instead of just being like ‘oh, it’s a downside’ because if anything, it’s not. It empowers you to do more,” Kendrick said.

The events of I AM FIRST Week celebrated faculty, staff and advocates of first-generation students’ journeys and included tabling, connections and conversations, a student resource presentation, a recognition breakfast and celebrations for specific colleges within �鶹ӰԺ State. This event was a general recognition for all first-generation students and advocates with a special keynote address by Mandy Munro-Stasiuk, Ph.D., dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.  

More than 200 people registered for the celebration. As students walked in, I AM FIRST committee members and volunteers energetically welcomed them with cheering and large �鶹ӰԺ State glow sticks. Once the event started, a video titled “I Know, and I Promise” came onto the screen, showing first-generation students, faculty and staff members giving advice and reassurance about being a first-generation student at �鶹ӰԺ State.

Melanie Jones, director of Student Success Programs, then opened the event and welcomed all the students and advocates. This presentation complemented the inclusive environment set by theme of I AM FIRST events held earlier in the week.

“I feel like it's really inclusive, and they have so many cool opportunities,” Estefany Vazquez, a freshman visual communication design major, said. “I really liked it overall.”  

Inclusion is a key element of �鶹ӰԺ State’s Division of People, Culture and Belonging. The efforts of the committee created not only an inclusive environment for first-generation students but one where they are being celebrated to the fullest.  

During her keynote, Munro-Stasiuk shared her own first-generation student story and the lack of resources she had in her college journey. She ended her speech by encouraging students to use the resources �鶹ӰԺ State offers as much as possible.   

“All of these resources help you with things going on either in your life here at �鶹ӰԺ or in your life at home, use them as much as you can,” Munro-Stasuik said. “We’ve created a community here, it’s like a city within a city.”  

The celebration wrapped up with a first-generation student panel. Three students from different backgrounds sat in front of their peers to share inspiring insights into the lives of first-generation students. Attendees were invited to continue the celebration by attending the committee’s social after the event.  

“It’s important to celebrate first-gen students because they are accomplishing something big and very difficult, and these students are making it happen,” Adelia Young, a sophomore peer success mentor volunteer, said.

Learn more about Student Success Programs.

Visit I Am First at �鶹ӰԺ.