National First-Generation College Student Day is a dedicated occasion to celebrate the resilience, achievements, and pioneering spirit of students who are the first in their families to attend college.
Recognizing the unique challenges they face, this day not only honors their personal and academic accomplishments but also highlights the strength and determination it takes to break familial and societal barriers.
Through this celebration, we aim to raise awareness about the experiences of first-generation college students, foster a supportive community, and advocate for resources and policies that enhance their college experience. Join us in saluting these trailblazers as they pave the way for future generations, setting precedents in academia and beyond.
The term "first-generation college student" can be defined differently by various institutions and organizations. Generally speaking, a common definition is:
"A first-generation college student is an individual who is the first in their immediate family to attend and/or complete college. This typically means that neither of their parents earned a four-year college degree."
However, it's important to note that nuances in this definition can exist. TRIO programs, for example, extend the definition to include students if neither parent received a four-year college degree in the United States which highlights the 鈥渉idden curriculum鈥� and nuances of navigating schools in a different country.
Celebration Events
TRIO is hosting a First-Gen booth at the AS看片视频 Fall Fest with information on how to join TRIO and opportunities to make First-Gen buttons and write on the First-Gen wall (while supplies last).
TRIO and the Latinx Club are screening "A Million Miles Away" 鈥� a movie about the life Jose M. Hernandez, a first-gen TRIO student who followed his dreams of becoming a NASA astronaut.
Did You Know?
National First-Generation College Day is November 8 鈥� to honor the signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965.
The Higher Education Act created the programs that coined the term "first-generation" to college students: TRIO Programs.
First-Gen students are any students whose parent did not complete a 4-year degree.
The West Valley College website hosts a National First-Gen Day page dedicated to the support of first-gen students.
Spotlight
Victor Castillo
看片视频 Faculty
Gavilan College
Evergreen College
College of the Redwoods
San Jose City College
San Jose State University
BS 鈥� Administration of Justice
Boston University
Master of Criminal Justice
California State University East Bay
Master of Education 鈥� Emphasis on Online Teaching and Learning
As a high school dropout and first-generation college student, I understand many of the challenges associated with choosing to attend college as a First-Generation Student. I would have never believed that I would ever work in Academia after my own struggles with education throughout my life. However, I have been blessed (and worked extremely hard) to be able to help students when they needed it. I feel immense pride and happiness when see so many students overcome their fears, learning challenges, personal obstacles, stay motivated and succeed. I believe as a first-generation college professional I feel I can support our students with compassion, humility and understanding. It is truly an honor and humbling to know that my ancestors and family made sacrifices so I can be in this position to teach and help others.
The most important words of advice to first-gen students are that it is okay to accept support or help. This can be in the form of mentorship, financial help, tutoring, instructor support or whatever you are having challenges. There is a wide variety of resources on campus with which you can connect. It is going to be difficult but do not give up. You are not alone! There are people on campus that want to see you succeed. Make those connections! Have patience with yourself. College is difficult to navigate for many students and it is easy to get frustrated about things that you do not know how to do. It is okay because there is support or help for whatever it is, and it is perfectly fine to accept it.
Jolie Anne Chevalier
Student Enrollment & Financial Services Advisor, Admissions
Marymount Manhattan College
Bakersfield College
SFSU, BA Developmental Psychology 1996
Argosy University, MA, Forensic Psychology 2012
A source of inspiration to other students that are starting off in a similar journey. Although I had to navigate college by myself, my experience will help other First-Gen students realize their potential, and to empower them to where, YES, it can be done, and give them needed support.
I know this is tough, frightening, and overwhelming at first. I acknowledge the pressure of being the first in your family to take this endeavor. Look for others like me, who are prime examples of success that can happen to all of you, for any questions, fears, concerns, or thoughts.
Dr. Jennifer Taylor-Mendoza
President
President Taylor-Mendoza holds a B.A. in Psychology, from California State University, Los Angeles, an M.S. in Counseling, from California State University, Northridge, and a Ph.D. in Education, from Claremont Graduate University.
See full biography.
President Taylor-Mendoza is a proud community college alumna and notes this holds great significance for her to be in a similar environment to her beginning days in achieving her higher education degree. She has taken the knowledge and qualities gained at community college and other institutions to be an advocate and support for the most vulnerable students to achieve higher education as each student faces different challenges and opportunities in their life journeys. She wants to give back to the community and represent where individuals can begin and end with support in education, mentoring, and coaching. President Taylor-Mendoza hopes to serve as a model and representation for those to follow her and gain their fullest potential.
Do not be afraid to ask for help or support and advocate for yourself. Have fun and enjoy each opportunity whether it be personal or professional.
Jasmine Torres
TRIO Director
Cypress College
A General Studies
CSU Fullerton
BA Liberal Studies
TRIO SSS Alumna
CSU Fullerton
MS Higher Education
USC
Military Clinical Skills Cert.
CSU Fullerton
EdD - In Progress
You never stop being first-generation to college. There is "hidden curriculum" as a student and professional when the academic paradigm isn't written into your lineage. As a student I felt like my family was happy and proud of me, but there were also strained and tense times when I couldn't show up the way I used to at family events or generally being "around" when I was focusing on my studies and exams. As a first-gen professional, I try to consider that in the experiences my students are having and give them grace and support for their journey.
My biggest advice would be to seek support when you need it, and know that there are many first-gen professionals and first-gen allies supporting you and rooting for you as you journey through college to gain more social and economic mobility for you and your family. I would add that your opinion, your ideas, and your needs matter and we want and need to hear you to co-construct the experience you need to be successful at West Valley College.
Dr. Stacy Nojima
Director of Student Equity Experience, Student Services
Sonoma State University, BA in American Multicultural Studies and English
University of Hawai'i at M膩noa, Women Studies Graduate Certificate, International Cultural Studies Graduate Certificate, MA in American Studies, PhD in American Studies
I see being first-generation as both a challenge and an asset. I have pride that I graduated from a 4-year college and also continued my higher education to get a PhD. It was also not an easy journey. I encountered a lot of failures, missed opportunities, and setbacks. In particular, navigating through the oftentimes unexplained systems and processes of college (i.e. graduation requirements, paperwork, finances) by myself felt difficult and complicated. It also helped me to cultivate perseverance, tenacity, and grit. Now as a professional in education, I am passionate about helping students so they feel supported in every step of their journey.
Be vulnerable. Don't be afraid to lean into events and situations that are outside your comfort zone.
Ask questions. It may seem like everyone else knows what they are doing, but that is often not the case. The more you understand, the easier it will be to advocate for your needs.
Find at least one mentor. It helps to have someone you trust that you can go for guidance and support.
Dr. Sondra Ricar
Humanities Instructor
Cabrillo Community College
BA University of California at Santa Cruz
MA University of California at Santa Cruz
Ph.D. University of California at Santa Cruz
I am the first in my family to complete college. As a matter of fact, my father didn't even complete high school. I have been a maid, cocktail waitress, bookkeeper, and I've sold used cars. On reflection, I realize how many challenges I faced as a first in the family college student. Having cited the challenges I face, I also have to acknowledge that I was extraordinarily fortunate to live in a city with a reputable community college and a good university.
The bottom line: a community college transformed my life, which is why I have always taught at community colleges.
Leopoldo Villalobos
Director of Outreach & Promise
CSU Long Beach
BS Business Administration
CSU Long Beach
MS Public Administration
Being a first-generation college student brings unique challenges and opportunities. Often we lack the benefit of familial experience and guidance when navigating the complexities of the college application process, understanding financial aid, and adapting to the academic and social aspects of college life. These complexities follow you into your professional career. However, our achievements are significant, as they break new ground within our families and communities, often serving as role models for future generations. Being a first-generation college student helps us live our parents' dreams.
Ask questions, don't be afraid of failure, find a mentor, and lastly enjoy every aspect of your journey.
Virginia Marquez
Director, EOPS/CARE/NextUp and CalWORKs
Santa Monica College, AA Studio Art
CSU Long Beach, BA Art History
SJSU, Master of Higher Education Administration
Becoming a College Professional has been a rewarding experience. I have had the honor of watching students blossom into the next chapter of their lives. Many students, like myself, lack the sense of direction that students who aren't first-gen have. It's a treat to see the transformation students undergo as they begin to own and identify their role as a student. It is inspiring good work.
Take advantage of what this college has to offer. It doesn't matter if you are 18 or 68, there are services, programs and people to help you along the way. Enjoy your time as a learner and make the most of it!
EOPS/CARE/NextUp and CalWORKs Team
Fact: TRIO and EOPS Programs are unique programs that serve a very similar student population.
The history of federal TRIO is progressive in its timeline. It began with Upward Bound, which emerged out of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 in response to the administration's War on Poverty. In 1965, Talent Search, the second outreach program, was created as part of the Higher Education Act. In 1968, Student Support Services, which was originally known as Special Services for Disadvantaged Students, was authorized by the Higher Education Amendments and became the third in a series of educational opportunity programs. By 1968 the term "TRIO" was coined to describe these federal programs.
At the same time in California, efforts were being made to support a similar student demographic.
In 1969, Senate Bill 164 was enacted into law, establishing EOPS within the California Community College system.
The intent was for EOPS to foster the identification, recruitment, retention, and educational stimulation of students affected by language, social or economic disadvantages, and to equalize the educational opportunities of these potential students. The first EOPS programs were established in Spring 1970 at 46 community colleges. Today, EOPS exists at all 112 community colleges in California.