First Gen

Leading the Way

HHARRIS@bridgew.edu — Mon, 12 Feb 2024 18:34:02 +0000

Leading the Way HHARRIS@bridgew.edu Mon, 02/12/2024 - 13:34

Alumnus serves as example for other first-gen students

February 22, 2024

Heather Harris Michonski

There is a sense of pride that sometimes comes with being a first-generation student, but it can also create a certain amount of pressure.

ɫ��Ƶ alumnus Destiny Ihenacho, ’16, was the first in his family to go to college and he shares his experience to inspire others following a similar path.

“I know what fears I faced and hearing from someone who had gone through the same thing always calmed me,” he said. “It let me know that if they can, I can.”

Born in Brighton, Ihenacho’s family moved to Framingham before settling in Brockton.

When his high school career was ending, he considered applying to a different school to study public policy but wasn’t completely sure if that was the right path.

Instead, he decided to get his feet wet, and signed up for one course at ɫ��Ƶ, Intro to American Politics.

While he enjoyed the class, more importantly it introduced him to the Center for Multi-Cultural Affairs, better known today as the Lewis and Gaines Center for Inclusion and Equity.

“I became attached to the center…I really enjoyed the conversations that would happen there,” Ihenacho said. “Eventually I decided to fill out an application and the rest is history.”

While at ɫ��Ƶ, he majored in international relations and affairs and joined the African Student Association and Model United Nation, as well as Men Integrated Brotherhood. He also participated in a service trip to Belize for one week to work at an elementary school.

“These clubs and experiences emboldened my networking skills. It made sure I could walk up to anyone in any room and introduce myself,” Ihenacho said. “It also showed me that the world is more diverse than the world sometimes seems.”

Today, he’s taken his skill set to Washington, DC, where he works as a research director for the Committee for Public Safety & Homeland Security.

His responsibilities include researching transportation, law enforcement, immigration, and firearms. He then takes what he learns and advises the chairperson of the committee on what bills should be advanced and which need more attention.

“I do enjoy influencing (aspects) of our commonwealth’s public safety bill,” he said, which recently involved redrafting a bill related to barriers for people with disabilities.

Often when he’s making these decisions, or any career decision, he reflects on the words ɫ��Ƶ Professor Shaheen Mozzafar, who once said, What you learn today will manifest, not today but in years to come.

“Well, he was 100 percent correct,” Ihenacho said. “The ability to have real-life experiences at ɫ��Ƶ meant a lot to me. The opportunity is there. ɫ��Ƶ teaches you how to get there, you just have to show up.”

Eventually, Ihenacho would like to run for an elected office, as the desire to build a stronger community is what fuels him.

“I would love to put my name in a race, it would be a small reminder to young brown and black youths that, sometimes you need to take a chance and see what you can accomplish,” he said.

And for those representing their families, who are the first to go to college, he hopes to continue setting a positive example.

“Being a (successful) first-generation student, enables me to open doors for current students, and more students to come, within my community and my family,” Ihenacho said.

Do you have a ɫ��Ƶ story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu

The ability to have real-life experiences at ɫ��Ƶ meant a lot to me. The opportunity is there. ɫ��Ƶ teaches you how to get there, you just have to show up.

Destiny Ihenacho, '16

Tags

Alumni Profile

LGCIE

First Gen

Case Study in Perseverance

HHARRIS@bridgew.edu — Mon, 11 Dec 2023 15:15:47 +0000

Case Study in Perseverance HHARRIS@bridgew.edu Mon, 12/11/2023 - 10:15

ɫ��Ƶ helps complete alumna's journey to become a lawyer

December 14, 2023

Heather Harris Michonski

It took her 11 years and five colleges before she graduated, but it was at ɫ��Ƶ where Steffani Langston, ’14, was able to accomplish the goal of earning her degree.

Today, Langston is a successful senior attorney for Wasserman Family Law LLC, in Townson, Maryland, and recently found herself reflecting on her educational journey.

“It dawned on me that I am prouder of my undergraduate degree than I am of my law degree,” she said. “Bridgewater was accommodating to a non-traditional, commuter student who had a full-time job. I failed more times than I care to count, and Bridgewater always let me come back.”

As a first-generation student with very little support from her family, Langston admits that upon graduating high school, she floundered trying to find her footing.

Watching her peers earn degrees in a timely manner and move on to thriving careers while she bounced from school to school, unsure of what major to settle on, caused her shame.

“I was ashamed because it took me so long to finish,” she said. “I was ashamed because I had mountains of student debt. I was ashamed because all of my friends completed their studies ‘on time.’”

Yet, something inside of her refused to quit and eventually she decided she wanted to be a teacher and knew Bridgewater had an excellent reputation for its teaching program.

“I ended up changing my major three or four times,” she said, “But even Bridgewater was going through a lot of change at that time.”

When Langston came to Bridgewater in 2006, it was then Bridgewater State College. When she graduated it had evolved into ɫ��Ƶ.

With the support of her professors, Langston eventually earned a degree in English, and in 2014 graduated cum laude.

“Bridgewater never made me feel like I took a step back,” she said. “I think that’s why I’ve been reflecting on it now. I mentor law students and always tell them, it’s okay, you can change your mind and it will all be fine.”

During her final semester at Bridgewater State everything finally clicked, and Langston could clearly see the path she was supposed to be on: law school.

She took the LSAT (a standardized test for prospective law school students) and went off to the University of Baltimore School of Law.

Upon earning her law degree, Langston opted to work in family law and strives to help parents in high conflict cases to mitigate harm that divorce can often cause children.

“I try to tell my clients to not get so wrapped up in the now, but to keep the children’s best interest in mind,” she said. “I really do like educating parents on the impact their decisions will have on their children because that’s what drew me in to have a career in this field.”

Now immersed in a successful and meaningful career, Langston recently purchased a frame for her ɫ��Ƶ diploma to display in her office. The document serves as a reminder of the hard work and perseverance it took to earn it.

“I loved my time as an undergraduate because it gave me hope,” she said. “Hope that there was something more and better for me out in the world. Bridgewater was the only place that made me feel I could do it, that getting my degree was an attainable goal and I had the tools and resources available to do it.”

Do you have a ɫ��Ƶ story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu

Bridgewater was the only place that made me feel I could do it, that getting my degree was an attainable goal and I had the tools and resources available to do it.

Steffani Langston, ’14

Tags

Alumni Profile

transfer

First Gen

Higher Calling

BBENSON@bridgew.edu — Thu, 16 Nov 2023 13:57:52 +0000

Higher Calling BBENSON@bridgew.edu Thu, 11/16/2023 - 08:57

Peer leader focused on giving back

November 16, 2023

Brian Benson, G'23

As a first-generation student and an immigrant from Trinidad, Cindy Mack, ’23, ’24, has seen firsthand the power of public higher education to transform lives. Now, he’s doing his part, representing his peers as a member of the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education.

“I can’t repay Bridgewater for what it’s done for not just my academic but personal wellbeing,” said Cindy, who earned a degree in criminal justice and is pursuing a second bachelor’s in political science. “This is how I can say ‘thank you’ and give back.”

Cindy has long been involved in representing his peers. As a Massasoit Community College student, he successfully advocated for a change in state law to allow part-time students to serve in student positions on their institutions’ boards of trustees.

And, as a member and now chairperson of the statewide Student Advisory Council, Cindy pushed for expanded use of Open Educational Resources (OER) instead of expensive textbooks. Students attending public universities and colleges in the state saved $7.6 million in one recent year because of OER.

“I know Bridgewater is heavily invested in OER,” said Cindy, who was recently sworn in as a voting member of the Board of Higher Education. “I’m very proud of that because it’s what is giving me opportunities to learn and not have to be burdened by the cost of textbooks.”

Cindy, who moved to the U.S. 22 years ago, didn’t think American higher education was in his future. But his brother urged him to enroll in classes at Massasoit, which led him to ɫ��Ƶ.

“It’s a personal journey,” Cindy said. “It’s a humbling opportunity to achieve the things I have been able to achieve with the support of Massasoit and Bridgewater. … Going back to school saved me from having a mental breakdown. It gave me a purpose.”

Soon after starting at Bridgewater, Cindy learned three family members were murdered in Trinidad. Thinking he would need to take a leave of absence, Cindy instead discovered flexible faculty willing to help him in the face of tragedy.

For his honors thesis, Cindy produced a documentary exploring the LGBTQIA+ community in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, where same-sex intimacy was historically a criminal act and transphobia and homophobia remain pervasive. He received funding from ɫ��Ƶ to travel to his home country and conduct interviews.

“As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, it’s hard to be here and see that where you’re from it’s a criminal offense,” Cindy said. “It’s a human rights issue.”

Cindy appreciated the encouragement of many faculty including thesis advisor Emily Brissette and part-time faculty member James Moore, who helped with the technical aspects of making the documentary. The Honors Program embraced an unconventional thesis format.

This unwavering support, Cindy said, is emblematic of his Bridgewater experience and motivates him to serve at the state level.

“Bridgewater has been there for me since the first semester,” he said.

Do you have a ɫ��Ƶ story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu.

I can’t repay Bridgewater for what it’s done for not just my academic but personal wellbeing. This is how I can say ‘thank you’ and give back.

Cindy Mack, ’23, ’24

Tags

Student Spotlight

LGBTQIA+

Honors Program

First Gen

First Gen Focus

BBENSON@bridgew.edu — Wed, 08 Nov 2023 15:18:49 +0000

First Gen Focus BBENSON@bridgew.edu Wed, 11/08/2023 - 10:18

New class helps students learn how to ‘do college’

November 9, 2023

Brian Benson, G'23

Even though Grace Roopcharan’s parents haven’t earned a bachelor’s degree, Grace isn’t limiting her educational aspirations. She aims to become Dr. Roopcharan, with a PhD in psychology.

“My parents push me to be the best version of myself,” said Grace, a first-generation Bridgewater State student and psychology major from Attleboro. “They want me to make a good life for myself and encouraged me to go to college.”

While her family offers plenty of support, Grace, like many other first-generation students, came to ɫ��Ƶ unsure exactly what to do: Should I go to professors’ office hours? Can academic tutoring and coaching really help me? Sorting all this out can be challenging for many newcomers to campus.

Fortunately, Grace’s advisor encouraged her to enroll in a new class for freshmen taught by Evie Dewar. Dewar developed the course to ease the transition from high school to college for students like Grace, who is among the nearly 50 percent of Bears who are first generation.

Dewar brings in guest speakers and connects her class with student mentors from the orientation program. The class also completes a scavenger hunt to explore resources on campus.

“Building community is my number one goal,” she said. “I’m giving them an enormous advantage in how to do college. … It’s giving them a backbone of resilience and grit, so they are able to do this.”

Political science and English major Ehudy Silva appreciates learning about financial resources. He’s already received a scholarship as a result of a connection forged in this class.

Ehudy also enjoys getting to know his peers through assignments like the scavenger hunt, which Dewar requires students to complete in pairs.

“As a commuter, you go to class, leave class and go home,” the Stoughton resident said. “Having a class like this where we talk with people is important.”

Classmates also explore their own interests and goals as part of the Life Design curriculum ɫ��Ƶ is implementing.

“This is not a class where I’m giving them the answers,” Dewar said. “I’m giving them a lot of questions to think about themselves.”

Dewar, who also supervises student teachers, recognized the need for this class after hearing those upper-class students talk about things they wished they knew as freshmen. She developed the course with the assistance of students Elizabeth Rodericks, ’21, G’23, and Alex Crisman, ’21, G’23.

“I really relied heavily on their input because they’re living it,” she said.

Patrick Baptiste appreciated how Dewar welcomed many guest speakers who explained how offices serve students. As a result, he’s already visited the Academic Achievement Center and Financial Aid Office.

“It’s provided me with every resource I need,” the computer science major said.

Do you have a ɫ��Ƶ story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu.

Building community is my number one goal. I’m giving them an enormous advantage in how to do college. … It’s giving them a backbone of resilience and grit, so they are able to do this.

Instructor Evie Dewar

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First Gen

Photo by Kendell French, '24

Getting Involved

HHARRIS@bridgew.edu — Thu, 15 Jun 2023 12:25:39 +0000

Getting Involved HHARRIS@bridgew.edu Thu, 06/15/2023 - 08:25

Alumnus took full advantage of ɫ��Ƶ experience

June 15, 2023

Heather Harris Michonski

When he first arrived at ɫ��Ƶ to study business management, Raul Vazquez, ’11, was admittedly shy.

“I was a very introverted person, nervous about spreading my wings,” he said.

Instead of letting his nerves get the better of him, Vazquez decided to get involved. He joined a fraternity, became a residence assistant and orientation leader, studied abroad, and was even elected student body president his junior year. As a senior, he served as student trustee.

“I began to really open up and developed leadership, communication, and organizational skills. I found support from a variety of staff and faculty that helped me grow. I don’t think I would be the leader I am today if I didn’t have those experiences at Bridgewater,” he said.

Today Vazquez works as a managing director in enrollment operations for Noodle, an online network of universities, corporations, and learners.

The goal of the company is to make higher education more accessible, transparent, and collaborative.

“We help with recruitment, marketing and try to help institutions move online in innovative ways. Our team comes in and provides consulting work,” Vazquez said. “I get to build relationships and collaborate with people across the United States.”

He chose to pursue this career path because the things he learned at ɫ��Ƶ inspired him to make higher education the focus of his life’s work.

“ɫ��Ƶ allowed me to see a world of opportunity and endless growth,” he said.

This was especially true, Vazquez said, during his study abroad trips.

Prior to ɫ��Ƶ, he didn’t do much traveling.

“I was a first-generation student, raised by a single mother. We didn’t have a lot of funding for travel,” Vazquez said.

Thanks to scholarships, Vazquez was able expand his view of the world.

His first study abroad trip took him to Paris sophomore year where he soaked in the culture and was able to explore places he’d only seen in pictures, like the Eiffel Tower and Louvre Museum.

Vazquez then signed up for a study tour to China and participated in service trips to Belize and Cambodia.

“Without Bridgewater facilitating my first experience and making it affordable, I wouldn’t have been able to broaden my horizons. I now love to travel and see other cultures and am thankful to ɫ��Ƶ because travel is now part of my life,” he said.

So much so that every year Vazquez takes a trip to explore someplace new; so far, he has traveled to over 40 countries across six continents.

“My goal is to reach the seventh, which would be Antarctica,” he said.

With a new group of students getting ready to step on campus later this summer, Vazquez encourages the latest Bears to try new things.

“Spread your wings,” he said. “Transform who you were in the past. If you really allow yourself the full experience over the next four years, you will be a different person by the time you leave Bridgewater. Get involved, join a club, an association, try any opportunity, sign up for a service project…you don’t know the avenues it will lead you.”

Do you have a ɫ��Ƶ story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu

Tags

Alumni Profile

First Gen

Meet Newest Newman Fellow

BBENSON@bridgew.edu — Tue, 23 May 2023 12:27:40 +0000

Meet Newest Newman Fellow BBENSON@bridgew.edu Tue, 05/23/2023 - 08:27

Mitzy Duarte Chavarin, ’24, seeks to help immigrant families like her own

May 23, 2023

Brian Benson, G'23

Growing up in a low-income, immigrant household, Mitzy Duarte Chavarin, ’24, and her family relied on the help of their community to meet their basic needs.

Now a social work major at ɫ��Ƶ, Mitzy wants to provide that same support for other immigrant families. And she sees participation in a national fellowship as a key step.

“I think it will help me learn more how to be a better advocate for others,” she said of being named a recipient of a Newman Civic Fellowship. “It will help me develop a lot of skills I will need in the future as a community organizer.”

Mitzy, whose family has Mexican roots, is among about 150 students nationwide who are participating in the fellowship during the 2023-2024 academic year. The program, run by the nonprofit Campus Compact, helps students develop strategies for making social change and builds leadership skills. Mitzy will become part of a network of students ready to support one another.

“I’m excited for what I’m going to get out of it and excited to meet a lot of new people who are involved in their communities,” she said.

Taking a leadership role is nothing new for Mitzy, a transfer student from Nashua, New Hampshire, who is minoring in teaching English to speakers of other languages. Before coming to ɫ��Ƶ, Mitzy co-founded and co-led a student organization that provided an inclusive space for students of color.

As a Bear, Mitzy helps run an organization for first-generation students like herself. She is also a justice fellow at the Martin Richard Institute for Social Justice. Those responsibilities include serving with Brockton Interfaith Community, where she has helped distribute food, provide prom dresses and tuxedos to high school students, and organize a candidate forum.

“We speak a lot about advocacy in my classes and that’s what I’m doing – advocating for individuals having issues meeting their basic needs,” said Mitzy, who visited the Statehouse during spring break to fight for causes important to her and her ɫ��Ƶ peers. “I like how it all connects.”

Mitzy already has the makings of a Newman fellow who will take full advantage of the opportunity, said her mentor, Laura Mulvey, G’18, community programs manager at the Martin Richard Institute for Social Justice.

“Mitzy presented as a strong self-starter who was proactive in seeking opportunities,” Mulvey said. “That focus of her work and interest in using her voice to really advocate for others and her proven success was really inspiring to see in an applicant.”

Mitzy credits ɫ��Ƶ with strengthening her commitment to social justice, which she sees as a platform for rooting out inequalities and supporting immigrant families.

“I’ve learned a lot about what social justice really means and how important it is to be involved in my community,” she said.

Do you have a ɫ��Ƶ story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu.

We speak a lot about advocacy in my classes and that’s what I’m doing – advocating for individuals having issues meeting their basic needs. I like how it all connects.

Mitzy Duarte Chavarin, ’24

Tags

Social Justice

First Gen

Opening Doors

HHARRIS@bridgew.edu — Mon, 11 Apr 2022 12:55:33 +0000

Opening Doors HHARRIS@bridgew.edu Mon, 04/11/2022 - 08:55

Annual fundraiser provides students with many opportunities

April 12, 2022

Heather Harris Michonski

Today she is president and CEO of medical software giant Meditech, but Michelle O’Connor, ’88, remembers a time when she was struggling to manage both work and school as a first-generation student at Bridgewater State.

“My dad was an immigrant from Nova Scotia and a Boston police officer. My mom was a stay-at-home mom, and both came from a time when parents didn’t save for college, so to make it affordable I worked my way through college and had to find a balance,” she said.

Which is why, both personally and through her company, O’Connor donates to her alma mater to ease the financial burdens that some ɫ��Ƶ students face.

“Most Bridgewater students work; they can’t make ends meet without working,” she said.

Christian Pierce, ’22, is one such student. He transferred to ɫ��Ƶ from a community college and is taking seven classes this semester while working 25 hours a week at an assisted living facility.

His paycheck covers food and gas, but otherwise Christian said, he finds it difficult to make ends meet.

“It has been very tough to pay rent because I am so focused on school right now,” he said.

Despite his hectic schedule, Christian has managed to maintain a 3.8 GPA, securing a spot on the dean’s list while working toward his degree in health studies with a minor in health resources management.

To stay focused on school he knew he needed help, particularly financial help, so he applied through ɫ��Ƶ for and received a Meditech scholarship.

“The scholarship has helped me tremendously. It has supported my education and my future. I am able to pay for books, food, rent, gas, bills, car insurance, care maintenance and school supplies,” he said.

Providing that support is exactly why she gives, O’Connor said.

“Bridgewater allowed me to grow, so why not give to the college so they can make it more affordable or give a scholarship to somebody to help them see what their opportunities are?” she said.

The financial assistance has certainly impacted Christian in positive ways.

“ɫ��Ƶ was there when I needed it the most,” he said. “I thank (donors like O’Connor) for believing in me. Some of us don’t always end up having the same playing field or opportunities as others. The scholarship was the key to my success and making the dean’s list.”

On ɫ��Ƶ’s Giving Day this year, O’Connor encourages others to donate if they can. Starting at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, April 13, through 8:40 p.m. on Thursday, April 14, donations can be made here.

“Making sure kids like Christian can get through is so important,” O’Connor said. “We have to make sure students can achieve things and not let the dollar stand in the way.”

Do you have a ɫ��Ƶ story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu

Bridgewater allowed me to grow, so why not give to the college so they can make it more affordable or give a scholarship to somebody to help them see what their opportunities are.

Michelle O'Connor, '88

Tags

Giving Day

First Gen

Path Finder

HHARRIS@bridgew.edu — Mon, 10 Jan 2022 17:53:41 +0000

Path Finder HHARRIS@bridgew.edu Mon, 01/10/2022 - 12:53

Social work professor inspires students with story of her life’s journey

January 11, 2022

Heather Harris Michonski

Dr. Wendy Champagnie Williams knows it’s possible to reach your goals, even if society claims the odds are stacked against you.

The ɫ��Ƶ social work professor dropped out of high school at 16, after giving birth to her daughter. As a teen parent, she admittedly struggled.

“I felt like I didn’t fit in and wanted to find a place to fit,” Williams said.

She found her footing through Bridge Over Troubled Waters, a Boston-based agency that provides services to homeless, runaway, and at-risk youth.

“Bridge changed what could have been my trajectory,” Williams said. “I found someone who was willing to listen and help me to see it’s not over, that while being a young parent isn’t ideal, I still had potential.”

With this support, Williams was able to balance motherhood, work and school, eventually earning her GED, something she never thought possible.

“I didn’t see myself as someone who was smart,” Williams said.

So, when a social worker suggested she consider college, Williams was surprised.

“He saw potential and possibility in me,” she said.

The conversation gave her the confidence she needed and eventually Williams went on to earn not only a bachelor’s degree, but a master’s followed by a PhD.

“I was a high school dropout, 16-year-old parent…I wasn’t supposed to get my PhD. Teen parents, particularly as a woman of color, that’s not often the narrative that’s told,” Williams said.

Today, when she isn’t teaching at Bridgewater, Williams works as a clinical practitioner. In both roles she helps others see their potential, just as she was shown.

The journey from GED to PhD is one she often shares with her ɫ��Ƶ students. Having someone students can relate to can make a big difference, Williams said.

“When you feel like you don’t belong, you look for people you can connect with. Whether it be a peer, adviser, staff or faculty…Just to see someone or people who look like you, that you can connect to…you then realize you aren’t alone and can be part of this community.”

Williams said her journey parallels that of many ɫ��Ƶ students.

“The student body at Bridgewater resonates with me so much in terms of my own experience…from first generation students to adult learners, to students who are navigating higher education at the undergraduate and graduate level, we have a diverse student body,” Williams said. “Their lives are not one dimensional. Many don’t have the benefit of thinking only about school, they have families, are caregivers. I respect and admire them.”

It’s also important, she said, for students to recognize that each person’s journey to success is different.

For students looking to find their way, Williams says she is always available to share advice.

“There are multiple routes to the same outcome. You can accomplish your goals and your road to getting there doesn’t’ have to look like mine. It can look like what you want it to in order for it to work for you,” Williams said. “You know yourself best, no one can tell you this is how you have to do it. I’m happy to help, to be part of the journey.”

Do you have a ɫ��Ƶ story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu

The student body at Bridgewater resonates with me so much in terms of my own experience…from first generation students to adult learners, to students who are navigating higher education at the undergraduate and graduate level, we have a diverse student body. Their lives are not one dimensional. Many don’t have the benefit of thinking only about school, they have families, are caregivers. I respect and admire them.

Dr. Wendy Champagnie Williams

Tags

Faculty Focus

First Gen

Photo by Luis Pires, '23

Celebrating ‘Firsts’

BBENSON@bridgew.edu — Tue, 14 Dec 2021 21:00:48 +0000

Celebrating ‘Firsts’ BBENSON@bridgew.edu Tue, 12/14/2021 - 16:00

Undergraduate research focuses on first-generation students

December 23, 2021

Brian Benson

It’s easy to meet a first-generation student on the ɫ��Ƶ campus. Half of the student body is comprised of individuals who represent the first in their immediate family to attend college.

But it can be challenging for these pioneering students to take full advantage of their education. That’s where a psychology professor and her undergraduate research mentees hope to make a difference.

A Personal Connection

Dr. Ashley Hansen-Brown knows what it is like to not have family members to turn to for school advice because she, too, was a first-generation student.

“You don’t necessarily know to ask for things and be involved in things,” the assistant professor said.

Now, Hansen-Brown is working with undergraduates to understand how universities can better support first-gens.

The research also enrichens students’ ɫ��Ƶ education.

“Knowing these opportunities exist is really important,” she said. “In any major, you can conduct research and get involved.”

Examining Motivation

Jessica Lynch, ’22, of Pembroke, aims to understand why first-generation students pursue higher education.

“Finding out what motivates them and how those motivations change would ideally help professors and universities and colleges tailor programs to their specific needs,” Jessica said.

Jessica first conducted an online survey of students across the country that was supported by ɫ��Ƶ’s Adrian Tinsley Program.

During the fall semester, she is measuring motivation among students in an orientation psychology course.

“I feel like it’s such a different experience than sitting in class,” said Jessica, who hopes to continue researching in graduate school as she studies to become a school counselor.

Understanding the Role of Professors

First-generation students and their peers appreciate when professors share personal stories, according to research by Collin Lavigne, Shaelyn Donovan, Sean Sullivan and Josh DeLuca.

Participants reacted positively when presented with hypothetical vignettes about faculty who invite students to talk with them about issues. Students similarly appreciated professors who shared their struggles in college and disclosed being a first-generation student.

Their work builds on a summer project by Alexa Brown and Katelyn Ward.

“This is a good opportunity to learn and immerse myself into something that’s unfamiliar,” said Collin, a senior from Acushnet.

Shaelyn, a junior from Charlton, said research broadens her education.

“We all know how to listen and take notes,” she said. “Now, when we’re learning research, we’re doing the work ourselves.”

Do you have a ɫ��Ƶ story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu.

Knowing these opportunities exist is really important. In any major, you can conduct research and get involved.

Dr. Ashley Hansen-Brown

Tags

Undergraduate Research

First Gen