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  • 10 Suggestions for First Generation Students

    Exciting. Confusing. Inspiring. Intimidating. Being a first-generation college student can bring many challenges and emotions. If you are a first-gen student, know that you are in good company. Here, ten UW Arts & Sciences students/alumni who've been in your shoes offer their thoughts on surviving — and thriving — as a first-generation student at the UW. 

    11/19/2024 | College of Arts & Sciences
  • Stanley Choi

    I am First-Generation: Stanley Choi

    "Whether it's talking to students about what it's like being the child of immigrant parents to talking about being the first in their family to work in a white-collar job, it's a privilege to share my story with students so they don't feel out of place at the UW." - Stanley Choi, Graduate Program Advisor, Department of Speech & Hearing Sciences & UW Alum (Communication, '04)

    11/07/2024 | College of Arts & Sciences
  • John Macklin

    I am First-Generation: John Macklin

    "The lack of familiarity most of us bring to the higher education academy is a detriment to successful navigation. I ask students to learn and share with fellow students and those who aspire to join the academy both course subject matter and the operation of the institution." - John Macklin, Professor Emeritus, Chemistry

    11/07/2024 | College of Arts & Sciences
  • Kelli Kirk

    I am First-Generation: Kelli Kirk

    "Being a first-gen means that I do not make assumptions about the support students might have or the struggle they face outside of school." - Kelli Kirk, Human Resources Manager, Burke Museum of Natural History & Culture & UW Alum (American Ethnic Studies, '96)

    11/07/2024 | College of Arts & Sciences
  • Rebecca Cummins

    I am First-Generation: Rebecca Cummins

    "I encourage first-gen students to ask lots of questions, to develop community, to celebrate their accomplishments, and to value the unique contributions they will make from their specific perspectives and background." - Rebecca Cummins, Professor, Art, Photo/Media + New Genres, Floyd and Delores Jones Endowed Professor in the Arts

    11/07/2024 | College of Arts & Sciences
  • Julie Feng

    I am First-Generation: Julie Feng

    "Being the first person in my family to go to college means that I enter every space as an excavator, a fugitive, a conspirator, a fighter, a bridge builder, a fire starter, and an advocate for myself and for my communities." Julie Feng, Student

    11/07/2024 | College of Arts & Sciences
  • Anisa Navarro

    I am First-Generation: Anisa Navarro

    "To be the first in my family to go to college means breaking generational cycles and healing generational trauma. While I may be the first in my family to graduate, I most certainly will not be the last." - Anisa Navarro, Alum

    11/07/2024 | College of Arts & Sciences
  • Jacob Russell

    I am First-Generation: Jacob Russell

    "Being a first-generation student can, at times, make it feel like much is working against you. When you feel this way, I urge you to take advantage of the resources available at UW. There is an entire first-gen community here at UW, along with your advisors, who can support you in times like this." - Jacob Russell, Student

    11/07/2024 | College of Arts & Sciences
  • Teyloure Ring

    I am First-Generation: Teyloure Ring

    "My goal was to get into college, I hadn't thought much about what to do after I was accepted. With the encouragement of my family, classmates, professors, and colleagues, I have accomplished more than I thought was possible for myself." - Teyloure Ring, Alum

    11/07/2024 | College of Arts & Sciences
  • Kimmy Nguyen

    I am First-Generation: Kimmy Nguyen

    "My experiences as a first-generation college student shaped my values of learning, growth, and community, which led to the start of my career working at various nonprofits and pursuing a Masters degree in Nonprofit Leadership." - Kimmy Nguyen, Alum

    11/07/2024 | College of Arts & Sciences