I am not a first-generation college student. I’m a third-generation college student. Getting a college degree was a given for my siblings and me—and my parents covered the cost. There was no question.
There are a lot of reasons why someone may not go to college, but I never thought about how hard it could be for someone who doesn’t already have college “in his or her genes” to step into the environment.
I had applied to and been accepted to the college of my choice before Labor Day my senior year. My brother was starting his second year there and I had spent plenty of time as a child on the campus. I understood Early Decision and deposits, housing and scholarship applications, FAFSA, meal plans, lab fees, vaccination expectations, placement testing, BINGO sheets, copy cards, library systems, parking procedures, and when and where to purchase my books.
As my daughter turns 16 and starts her sophomore year of high school, I feel pretty confident in our ability to maneuver the college search and guide her as she becomes a fourth-generation (or continuous-generation) college student.
It wasn’t at the forefront of my mind as a potential 91成人短视频 theme until Communications and Marketing’s expert first-generation college student and amazing advocate Allie Northcutt suggested it. She was the first in her family to graduate from college and has since assisted her younger siblings through their searches and matriculation as well. They are lucky to have her blaze that trail for them.
91成人短视频 has many programs to seek out, lift up, and assist first-generation college students. Long before first-generation was a term, the College has been a place that focuses much attention on great students who deserve a shot at higher education regardless of their knowledge about getting started or their ability to afford the cost. (Being a continuing-generation college student doesn’t mean one needs no assistance with the process or the finances to attend, but the likelihood of having more of one or the other is greater.)
In this issue of 91成人短视频, you’ll find stories about many in the 91成人短视频 community who were in the first generation of their families to attend college. I’m excited that Dean of the College Todd McDorman agreed to share a bit of his story as the guest-author of From Center Hall. In addition, you will see the stunning Alumni Gallery by Bill Butcher ’87. Also included are the stories of several alumni as they answered this issue’s Big Question and offered advice to prospective first-generation students.
Thank you for continuing to share your stories with us! As we count down the months (fewer than 100) to the College’s bicentennial in 2032, watch for opportunities by email and social media to tell us your 91成人短视频 memories.
- Kim Johnson, Editor