- Tree Hgay, Social Work, Senior
"Coming into college I didn’t know what I needed or what to expect. I am thankful to the Multicultural Student Engagement Office, especially the Multicultural Mentorship Program, for guiding me through my academic and social life. I met many wonderful students and staff at MSE who helped me network, gave me advice, and supported me throughout my time at Augusta University."
- Victoria Johnson, MSE Programming Coordinator
"As a first-generation college student, having someone to guide me to resources was pivotal in my success. I had a mentor and an academic advisor that were able to help me find tutoring, internships, letters of recommendation, jobs, and anything else I needed. Utilizing these resources helped me study abroad, participate in amazing internships, learn how to intentionally plan my classes, become a peer mentor, and ultimately graduate with honors. Just remember that we are all here to help you succeed!"
- Dr. William Hatcher, Pamplin College
"Being a first-generation college student was challenging for me. I was lost when I started my undergraduate degree at Georgia College, but dedicated faculty helped me find my way. Their efforts are why I succeeded, and my experience led me to a career as a faculty member, so I could also help students who are lost like I was, realize their potential."
- Deontae Jones
"Being the first in my family to attend a 4-year college, I’ve strived to make the most of my college experience by staying actively involved on campus. I am a proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. making me the first person in my family to join a fraternity in the Divine Nine. I am honored to pave the way for my younger siblings and share the knowledge I gain with my family, ensuring they too can aspire to higher education."
- Cam Sims, Psychology, Junior
“It is hard to be the first; however, being the first makes us so special. Take pride in being the one who has the courage to break generational curses. Congratulations on being a person who not only wants more for themselves but also for the people after them. Enjoy your journey as you pave the way for others like you."
- Dr. Kelly Allen, COEHD Faculty
"Being a first-generation faculty member means that each day, I have the opportunity to support and advocate for students with similar lived experiences as me."
- Dr. Ashley Freeman, Medical College of Georgia
"For me, being a First Generation College Graduate and now also a pediatric ICU physician, it is important to show others that they can achieve their goals and dreams with hard work, determination, and perseverance. One's future isn't determined or limited by the fact that they are the first in their family to aspire to these goals, but there are certainly challenges you may face being the first in your family to do so. We, as fellow First Generation Graduates, have encountered similar barriers, and we would love to mentor and help."
- Kimberly Cortez, Biology, Sophomore
"It is more than a great honor to hold the title of first-generation student. Being a first generation is so much more than something I checked off, it's an accomplishment I dearly hold. It is my motivation and drive to strive for excellence. As a proud student at Augusta University, I not only represent myself, but my family and the past generations that did not have the same privilege that I have. As a first-generation jag, I look forward to setting the stage and expectations for future generations."
- Nikolas Medina, Cybersecurity, Sophomore
"Being a first-generation college student isn't just tough—it's a whole different ballgame with intense pressure from both you and your family that is completely different from high school. It's crucial that you find a balance between studying, working, and club activities to make sure you carve out time to kick back and really savor your college years as they're just as important as your academic success. Once they're gone there is no getting it back so make the most of it. School is the top priority but if you make it the only one, I promise you that you will miss out on some incredible opportunities and moments with friends that you can't get back and may regret."
