First Generation Student

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. 

"Being a first-generation student means breaking barriers and boundaries for myself and for others. I feel a deep responsibility to push myself to step outside of my comfort zone and enter uncharted territories to advocate for my community." - Kimberly Il, Student

"From my extended experience as a first-gen student, the most important thing is to acknowledge what you do not know. Treat every moment of confusion as an opportunity to build your collection of knowledge and every new environment or experience as a pathway to learn more about yourself." - Adrian Guerrero, Student

"Being a first-gen to me means having to navigate higher education largely on my own. I never take the chance to enter college and grad school for granted, and I'm really grateful for how far I've come." - Linhang Huang, Student

"I would encourage current and future first-gen students to not be afraid to ask questions and lean on people around you. There’s a lot that we don’t know about navigating academic spaces and so many of the mistakes I’ve made could have been avoided if I had the skills to communicate my needs." - Keila Taylor, Student

"To current and future first-generation students, I would like to say this: Your unique experiences and perspectives are so valuable; they have the power to inspire. Remember, your story matters." - Bogdan Brunsh, Student

"I approach every day that I access education and challenge systems of learning within the university setting as a radical form of change which applies to my attendance at UW." - Yasmine Gomez, Student 

"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

"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

"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

"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

"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

"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

"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)

"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