South Seattle College Celebrates National First-Generation Student Day
On Wednesday, November 8th, South Seattle College celebrated National First-Generation Day. With approximately 42% of South’s student body comprised of first-generation students and many staff and faculty also identifying as first-gen, the campus embodies a community of trailblazers. In celebration of this special day, staff and faculty shared their insights on navigating higher education as first-gen students and why they are proud to be first-gen.
Is there any college advice or stories that you would like to share with South students?
“If you ever run into someone who says no, you can't, thank them and move on. You will find so many others who will help you and get you to your yes. So many of my colleagues that I work with attended South Seattle College as students and are so eager to help and so very happy when you succeed.”
-Sandy Long (Program Specialist)
“I wish I knew how important family and peer support was before starting college. I sorta went into it without any support and it was difficult.”
-Alan Ramirez (Intake and Outreach Specialist)
”Take your time and research things before you commit. No need to rush, it will be challenging but enjoy this chapter in your life! ”
-Audra Davis (HR Business Partner)
”My advice to students is to maximize your funding and maximize your support from staff. Apply for support programs and scholarships as much as possible. Apply for a Work study position if you are eligible for work study. Having an on-campus job can help you earn more money from your Financial Aid budget and help you get to know staff and/or your instructors. Never be afraid of asking the wrong questions or asking the wrong person because we will always be willing to help students figure things out even if we have to refer you to another person. ”
-Cheryl Kennedy (Financial Aid Specialist, Seattle Promise)
”Because of college, I am living a life that is so much better than anything I imagined for myself before college. ”
-Lela Cross (Interim Executive Director of Budget and Financial Forecasting for District)
”Make an impression, ask to join committees and research”
-Analea Brauburger (Faculty Member)
”Take this opportunity seriously, plan study time, don't hesitate to ask for assistance, and don't give up. Being a college student is really challenging but it will lead to self confidence, a new perspective on life, and lots of choices in life. ”
-Kathy Whitham (English and Humanities Faculty)
”When I graduated from high school, and was getting ready to start the engineering program at the University of Minnesota, my cousin told me that no matter how difficult a course is, the struggle to learn the material and get through school is worth it. ”
-Richard Downs (Math Faculty)
”If able to, get involved as much as possible - whatever your interest or something you just want to learn more about! There more you get involved there more folks you interact with and the more you spread your network will lead into more possibilities or more opportunities. ”
-Librado Dumanjug (Student Success Specialist, AANAPISI Advisor)
”Remember to breathe! It's alright that things are difficult, as long as you don't give up on yourself. Build a good support system, practice self-discipline, and be kind to yourself. Everything is going to be ok <3”
-Gracie Nguyen (Basic and Transitional Studies, Program Coordinator)
”Take advantage of the support provided by programs like TRIO, Tutoring Center, AANAPISI, etc. The college wants you to be successful, despite sometimes having challenging practices or policies.”
-Sebastian Myrick (Executive Director of TRIO Pre-college programs)
”My college advice is to tackle everything class by class, quarter by quarter. When you feel overwhelmed, break things into smaller pieces. Consistency is key, don't give up, and ask for help! ”
-Amber Correa-Salazar (Student Development Specialist, TRIO EOC)
Why are you proud to be a first-generation college student?
”Because it is a great honor to be able to learn”
-Sandy Long (Program Specialist)
”Breaking the statistics one diploma at a time. ”
-Alan Ramirez (Intake and outreach specialist)
”I'm proud to be a first-generation college student because it gave me life experience living away from home, managing my priorities on my own, and expanding my horizons professionally and personally. My college days are still my favorite. ”
-Audra Davis (HR Business Partner)
”I am proud to be a first-generation college student because I get to be part of a community of students and professionals who share a similar experience of navigating college. We can work together, share resources, and provide an important perspective for the programs and institutions we work for. I am proud to have the experience of knowing what kind of support I appreciated and valued when I was a first-generation college student and to provide that kind of support for my students. I’m proud of my persistence through the many ups and downs of college. And I am proud of all the great work I get to do helping first generation college students navigate their college experiences as well. ”
-Cheryl Kennedy (Financial Aid Specialist, Seattle Promise)
”The first year you learn that you can do it. The second year you learn that you want to do it. After that it is one foot in front of the other. Don't be afraid to go for goals that seem out of reach. ”
-Lela Cross (Interim Executive Director of Budget and Financial Forecasting for District)
”I am proud to represent my family, my community and myself by being a first gen student. I am proud I get to actively lift up and inspire those that come after me. ”
-Lilia Fomai (executive Assistant, Office of Instruction)
”I am proud because I am the fulfillment of my immigrant parents' dreams and goals, and because I then made a career focusing on and helping other first gen students achieve higher education. ”
-Dr. Rosie Rimando-Chareunsap (Former president and CEO *chief executive otter* of South, current Seattle Colleges Chancellor)
”It paved the way for my brothers to see the possibilities through education. I am also very aware of the sacrifices my parents made for this opportunity. ”
-Stephen Coates-White (Counselor)
”I grew up with a single, hardworking immigrant mom and we didn't have much money. She was really proud of me for earning two college degrees. It was not easy but it was a huge personal accomplishment that changed the course of my life, and led to many opportunities I probably wouldn't have had. Being a first gen college graduate also had a positive influence on my two kids who both went to college. ”
-Kathy Whitham (English and Humanities Faculty)
”I'm proud to be the first gen because I'm a role-model for family, community, and the next generation. I hope one day to be a bridge for other kids of color, first gen, and low-income folks into being first in their family to get their degrees! ”
-Librado Dumanjug (Student Success Specialist, AANAPISI Advisor)
”There's great honor in being able to get a higher education and support my family. I now have valuable knowledge about being a college student that I can pass onto my younger siblings and friends. Knowing I can be relied on now is a great feeling. ”
-Gracie Nguyen (Basic and Transitional Studies, Program Coordinator)
”I am proud to be the first person in my family to earn a college degree simply because it was a personal goal that I accomplished for myself, even if no one else in my family understood what I was doing ;) ”
-Amber Correa-Salazar (Student Development Specialist, TRIO EOC)
First-Generation students represent a vital and integral part of our collective identity, and we want to take a moment to let you of how proud we are of the remarkable work you contribute each day. Your dedication, resilience, and achievements do not go unnoticed. We are here to support you every step of the way on your academic journey!