All Stories

"As a faculty member, my experience as a first-gen student ensures that I know how much potential is inside every student – even those that have not yet had their opportunity to shine. It helps me talk candidly to students when I see them struggling and helps me be more empathetic and effective as a mentor. I really believe and try to instill that hard work, curiosity, and passion can lead to success in academics." – Brandi Cossairt, College of Arts & Sciences Chemistry Faculty Member

As a first-generation college graduate, my experience has had a profound impact on my approach to work and my connections with students and colleagues. I understand the unique challenges that first-gen students face, and I'm passionate about creating pathways for their success. I also feel a strong sense of kinship with colleagues who have similar backgrounds, and we share a deep commitment to supporting and empowering first-gen students.  - Travis Finney, Director of Development, College of Arts & Sciences

"Transferring does not have to be a difficult or scary time. Make sure you are using every resource given. If you don't know where to look, that is what your advisor is for. Success for you is success for all those who made the resources available to use." - Reyna Smith (B.S., Speech & Hearing Sciences, 2024)

"To me, being a first-generation student means the ability to bring awareness to the only 3% of aged-out foster youth that go on to obtain a college degree. I aged out of foster care at 17 and college was something that felt unobtainable to me. By being a first-generation student, I can be a beacon of hope for foster youth, spread awareness about educational difficulties foster youth face, and break the cycle of trauma." - Sara Smith (B.S., Speech & Hearing Sciences, 2024)

"I would encourage first-gen students to never stop asking questions. I was often far too shy to do this during my undergraduate years. It took a long time to figure out how things worked and even longer to figure out how to succeed in academic spaces. There are UW employees whose sole role is to support you in this journey so find out who they are!" - Tasha Mosher, M.A. Applied Child & Adolescent Psychology: Prevention & Treatment

"First-generation students are pioneers. No one before us had the opportunity to do what we’re doing right now. It requires immense determination and resilience to continue moving forward into this wild unknown. Cultivate your support system, establish routines that nourish your mental, physical, and emotional health, and ask for help every time you need it. Remember: You are legitimate proof that anything is possible and you are worthy of success right now, as you are. Don't let anyone or anything keep you from achieving your dreams. You got this!" - Audrey Mikal (B.A., Sociology, 2025), Treasurer, First-Generation Leaders in Law 

"Having to pay for my college education also felt like I should always prioritize saving every penny for future mishaps. However, the UW experience is more than immersing yourself in textbooks; it is about connecting with others on campus and learning more about yourself through attending the institution. Obtaining a degree should be a joyful experience. Know that it's okay to take care of yourself and your health. Yes, you can definitely plan out that trip abroad and go to that concert after clocking out from your part-time job—it's all about balance. Enjoy being a UW student and pursue your wildest dreams." - Fani Medel Martinez (B.A. Communication, 2024)

Yasmin Garfias (B.A. Psychology, 2021), Graduate Student, M.A. Special Education with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis, 2025

"I would also tell students to not count themselves out. You miss 100% of the shots you don't take and there is a reason you got into college in the first place. You are capable of anything you may put your mind to, even if no one before you has done it" - Kaitlynn Lilly (M.S. Applied Mathematics, 2023), Ph.D. Applied Mathematics, 2027

"To me, being a current first-generation student navigating a Ph.D. means owning my space in academia. It's a reminder that the path to this point wasn't easy, but now that I'm here, my educational journey holds immense significance for me, my family, and my community. This isn't just about getting a degree—it's about breaking barriers and creating opportunities for those who will come after me. It also means staying grounded and being profoundly grateful for all the doors that opened through my hard work and determination." - Elizabeth Nova (Ph.D. Sociology, 2026)