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�鶹��ý celebrated the many achievements and confronted the challenges faced by first-generation college students at the recent First Gen Celebration. Observed annually to commemorate the signing of the Higher Education Act by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1965, the day is meant to foreground the unique obstacles first-generation students face and their exceptional work ethic to overcome them. The event's panel spotlighted the diverse backgrounds of �鶹��ý’s first-generation students and their approaches to success.

Speakers on the first-generation panel included biomedical post-doctoral scholar Jasmin Acosta, MBA candidate Helder Perez, cyber & information security undergraduate student Amanda Martinez and �鶹��ý biomedical professor Kelsey Poulson-Ellestad. The participants discussed the unique challenges they each faced such seeking academic support outside their family, working part-time while at school and commuting to campus to save money at home.

“My advice would be to consistently be aware of the assistance available to you at all times,” said Acosta. “�鶹��ý offers so many resources for first-generation students or people who don’t come to college with a built-in support system, and there are so many people rooting for you to succeed if you only seek them out.”

The panel was preceded by an introduction from Student Success Center STEM advisor Yolanda Flowers-Olaosebikan, who discussed the unique challenges presented to first-generation students. “You may be faced with academic, financial, personal and cultural challenges, but you also experience triumphs, and you bring unique perspectives to fellow classmates who come from different backgrounds,” she said.

Over 42% of �鶹��ý students designate themselves as first-generation, and the University was recently welcomed into the First Scholars Network for demonstrating a commitment to improving experiences and advancing success for first-generation college students.