Celebrating First-Gen Voices

 

Each year, the University of Wyoming opens its doors to a wide array of students. Among them are many first-generation students who bring unique perspectives and experiences. These students, who are the first in their families to attend college, represent about 30 to 40% of the college undergraduate population. While being a first-generation student comes with its own set of challenges, UW offers a variety of resources and support systems to help these students feel empowered and connected throughout their academic journey. 

Every Nov. 8, we observe National First-Generation Students Day to celebrate the resilience, determination and accomplishments of first-generation students at UW and across the country. This day also honors the 1965 signing of the Higher Education Act, which established critical federal financial aid programs, including the TRIO programs. These programs continue to play a significant role in supporting first-generation students as they navigate college life.  

At UW, we also celebrate the First-Generation College Celebration (FGCC) each year the week of Nov. 8 with events that bring our community together. In previous years, UW has hosted guest speakers who share their journeys as first-generation college students, followed by opportunities for students, staff and community members to connect and celebrate.  

 

 

To recognize the experiences of first-generation students at UW, I reached out to some of my peers to get an inside look into their college journeys so far. Here’s what they shared:

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What inspired you to pursue higher education? 

• “I have always wanted to pursue higher education because I find it so important. I also feel that by getting a higher education I get a better job to support myself.” 

• “I wanted to make my mom proud.” 

 

What are your goals for your time at UW? 

• “My goals are to get a degree in something that I can get a job with. I also hope to make lifelong friendships and relationships with people from all over. I want to make lots of memories and have fun with people I meet.” 

• “My goals are to become a teacher and help the ones in need of a teacher.” 

 

How has being a first-generation student shaped your identity and your college experience? 

• “I feel that by being a first generation student I have made some good connections with lots of people. I also feel more connected with some of my advisors because they also have been in the same place I have been. I have struggled knowing what to do, because I have had no other examples and people close to help guide me. That is why these connections mean so much to me.” 

• “It’s been difficult, but it’s also helped me find people who are in the same boat.” 

• “It has helped me be able to get out and experience what college really is and figure out life by myself instead of being walked through it step by step.” 

 

Have you found any resources or support systems at UW that have been particularly helpful? If so, which ones? 

• “My professors and my RA's mostly because I know I can turn to them whenever I need to for anything.” 

• “Yes, I feel that there are many beneficial resources I can use as a first-generation student. I feel that my cowboy coach is very helpful. I love how I can go to talk to her and get some good advice because we share majors. I feel that it is easy to talk to her and just have a friend.” 

• “Yes, I live on the first-generation floor, so they have told us about resources.” 

 

How do you envision your college experience influencing your future career or life goals? 

• “I think college will really form me into the adult that I know that I can be, and I know that I can become so I know that college will put me into that headspace. With becoming a teacher, I know that I will very well be able to work diligently as time goes on and be able to get my work done in time.” 

• “I feel that my college experience will help me get a good job in the future. I feel that throughout college so far, I have had lots of opportunities to meet people who could help get me a good job.” 

• “It will give me experience to make smart decisions in tough situations.” 

 

What advice would you give to incoming first-generation students based on your experiences so far? 

• “Stay on top of your work and don't fall behind. Get out and make as many friends as possible because if you don't college is going to be hard.” 

• “I would tell incoming first-generation students to ask questions, and that it is important to get out there and meet people even when it is hard.” 

• “If you haven't picked a major, don't worry you got time. Try classes you are interest in.” 

 

How has your family reacted to your decision to attend college, and what role do they play in your academic journey? 

• “My parents are proud of me for doing things on my own and keeping up with grades and schoolwork.” 

• “My family was upset that I wanted to go out of state for college but they do support me and my decisions on what I want to do in life so I think it will go over well.” 

• “They were very excited and scared. They were very proud of me for wanting to continue my schooling. They were worried because I am 4 hours from home and going to a university. They felt that I should go to a community college and make sure college was for me, but I knew I would love it, so I decided to come to UW.” 

 

What accomplishments, big or small, are you most proud of during your time at UW so far? 

• “I have a 105% in one of my classes. I guess that is one of my big accomplishments as of right now.” 

• “I would say going to the gym because I try to fit it in my schedule, and it is good for my health.” 

• “I am proud that I have been able to manage my time with people, going to events, doing schoolwork and going to work. I feel that I have a lot of things going on, but I am proud I have found ways to manage it all.” 

 

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Our first-generation students at UW embody resilience and determination, bringing a powerful voice to our university’s expansive community. By celebrating their achievements and supporting them through their unique challenges, we build a more inclusive and equitable environment for everyone. I look forward to First-Generation Student Day to honor these incredible students and connect with others who are part of this inspiring journey.  

If you’d like to learn more about resources and support for first-generation students at UW, visit the first-generation website.