Jen Pagala Barnett
“My advice to first-gen students is you have incredible insight as students – be proud and loud about it!!! You belong here and we value your contributions to this institution!! Also know that we are here to support you and together we want to help you be successful.”
Dr. Christine Quemuel
“I’m the oldest sibling and cousin on both sides of our family, so I really was the first one to go to college. I often think about the sacrifices my family made and the challenges they faced. Thinking about what they had to endure gives me strength and has empowered me to complete each of my degrees. With each degree, I’ve wanted to break down barriers and open new opportunities for my own family. Being a first generation college student is about sacrifice but also opportunity and change.”
Māhealani Quirk
“I was the first grandchild on both my mother and father’s side to have completed a baccalaureate degree. That made me very happy because my parents were young when they had my sister and I, they worked hard to provide for us, they wanted us to have more than they did. Every degree I have completed and will complete is a degree for my whole family, these accomplishments are not mine alone. … First Gen students, remember that you belong here! There are folx like you, who work on campus to make sure you succeed and are getting the support you need. You can do this! We got you!”
Richard Jay Aglugub
“Despite how much of a struggle it is to navigate college as a first-generation college student, finding pride in being a first-generation student identity allowed me to create meaningful relationships with friends/mentors and helped me realize my passion and purpose in serving other students. When I see and meet other first-generation college students, it just inspires me and motivates me to continue to push lines for student equity. There’s power in knowing who you are as a person and as a student as you work to blaze trails for others in your family to follow. If I can do it, others may feel empowered too!”
Dr. Kenny Lopez
“I wanted to make my parents proud. After leaving their home country of Mexico in search of a better life for my siblings and I, I knew education a way to thank them for their sacrifice. I’m proud to have been able to walk and navigate unchartered spaces successfully, and researching what I do will give back to my community. Don’t forgetto just get comfortable with asking for help. It is nothing to be ashamed of, and is an important part of your journey.
Dr. Lori Ideta
“Remember that this world of western higher education was not designed by us or for us. So when you feel confused, lost and overwhelmed, that is natural and to be expected. Seek out others who can mentor, hold, and care for you. Tenacity and persistence are great skill sets in navigating your success. When you forget that you innately have these abilities, reach out and I am happy to remind you of them.”