Our Stories - First Generation Students

U-M faculty, students and staff who are first-generation students and graduates proudly share their stories. We’d like to hear from you too. What has your experience been like as a first-gen at U-M?

SHARE YOUR STORY

We are collecting stories from first-generation college students who have a connection to the University of Michigan. If you are an alumnus/alumna, faculty, staff or student from U-M, we would love to share your story.

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Hear Our First-Gen Stories

Click on profiles to read their entire first-gen story.

Shanel Baxter (Graduate Student)

This opportunity made me realize that being first generation is not an obstacle, it’s not a burden— it is my superpower. It is my opportunity to share my experience, honor the sacrifices of my family, and support those who are also first generation. While being first generation can cause you to narrow in on just “graduating”, recognizing your strength and passion can allow you to realize your ability and determination to achieve anything.

Mariah Stewart (Undergraduate Student)

My advice for First-Generation college students would be not to be afraid to speak your mind and take up space. You are just as smart, deserving, and hardworking as any other student.

Mirna Baalbaki (Undergraduate Student)

Being first-gen means more than being “the first.” It means learning to navigate everything on my own while building a future that my family once only dreamed about. At Michigan, I’ve found not just opportunity, but community and belonging.

stephen rush (Faculty)

"Hang in there" sounds so trite - but it's not that bad as advice goes. Realize that life is hard - maybe harder for you because you are blazing new trails - really - for your family. But also know that it's okay to be proud of your accomplishments - just to GET IN to U-M is not nothin'!

Jailia Yang (Undergraduate Student)

Being one of the very few Hmong students from my community to attend the University of Michigan has taught me to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. My hope is to be a role model for the younger generation and show them that although we come with a challenging history, we can pursue higher education at one of the top universities in the world.

Jennifer Zamudio (Graduate Student)

The best way to figure out what it is that you’re interested in is to try new things! The worst that can happen is you end up not liking something, but now you’ve learned a little bit more about yourself.

Karina Landero (Undergraduate Student)

Believe in yourself first, because if you don’t, you give others nothing to believe in when they see you. And don’t take no for an answer when your dreams are on the other side of a yes.

Amanda Pickering (Staff)

Don't let anyone tell you that you can't, and don't be afraid to take a pause to figure things out if you need to.

Beth Dutridge-Corp (Staff)

Embrace not knowing as an essential part of learning. Support others by sharing your questions and lessons learned; you never know who else might be feeling the same way!

Tae Brown (Graduate Student)

The struggles from undergrad have resulted in the resilience that I utilize to ensure my success here has a graduate student. I know the journey is going to apply pressure AND I also know (from undergrad) that I am going to come out like a diamond after the pressure wears off.

Mary Schlitt (Staff, Alum)

Don’t hesitate to seek support—your professors, GSIs, advisors, and support staff are here to listen, connect you with resources, and help you successfully navigate your college journey.

Madison Jeffrey (Staff, Alum)

College isn't just about graduation. It's about growing into someone you want to be. So, give your future self a support net of people who will be there for them through good and bad. Give yourself the ability to say that you're proud of your work and how you got there.

Kylee Lary (Graduate Student)

The connections that I was able to make with other first-gen students, and especially my professors who were also once first-generation students, truly changed my whole experience.

Rose Sickrey (Staff)

Absolutely know that you truly belong in any and every academic space!

Nikky Blochowski (Graduate Student, Staff)

Put yourself out there and get out of your comfort zone by attending events or engaging with those outside your network!

Kari (Graduate Student, Alum)

Take advantage of university resources and don't let your fears stop you! You are AMAZING, UNIQUE, and oh so capable of doing anything that you put your mind to.

Whitney Bayer (Staff, Alum)

If I could go back and talk to my younger self, I would tell her to be vulnerable and ask for what she needed. The University would have been there for me with open arms and might have made it all just a little bit easier!

Paul Barron (Staff)

Celebrate the unique strengths you bring to any team and any discussion. But also take the time to figure out what you need support with. Ask what do I need? Then who's the best person on campus to ask to help me with that? Ask around to find out and go with the people who seem invested in your success.

Farah Pitcher (Graduate Student)

Ignore that imposter syndrome. Ignore the impulse to compare yourself to everyone around you particularly when they had parents and family members to guide them through college based on their own experience. You did the work to get here and you should be proud of what you have and will accomplish. Go Blue always!

Dwight Lang (Faculty)

Never forget where you’ve come from. Don’t be afraid to acknowledge your class heritage to others throughout your life. If you try to forget your past, your present and future are incomplete.

Crystal (Undergraduate Student)

First-Gen students, make sure to look for and apply to every scholarship you can. In addition, make sure to say "yes" to new experiences and opportunities here at U-M! You never know who you might meet, or what you might learn. Keep your chin up, you are doing great!

Jasmyne Short (Staff)

Remember, it's okay not to have all the answers, and seeking help is a strength, not a weakness. Your journey is a narrative of determination and possibility, and your voice, as a first-gen trailblazer, has the power to inspire and shape the future for those who follow in your footsteps

Nancy Lucero (Graduate Student)

YOU BELONG!! Never doubt your worth or question whether you should be at UM (or anywhere else for that matter.) You didn't take anyone else's seat, it is YOURS.

Matt Sullivan (Faculty, Staff)

When I look back, I am profoundly grateful and humbled by all of the people, like Dr. Nader, who took the time to see my potential and to help me develop it. My whole purpose in SOUL is to do the same for first-gens here at UM - to give a little back of what was given to me.

Cassidy Brimer (Undergraduate Student)

Prioritize taking care of and getting to know yourself in college- you don't have to 'prove' you belong. Tust in yourself and your capabilities, try your best, and everything will fall into place.

Sally Pham (Undergraduate Student)

College is a time of learning and growth, and everyone's journey is different. Do what feels right to you. Don't be afraid to be vulnerable because there is power in your story.

Jill Charbonneau (Undergraduate Student)

I am proud to be a First-Gen student! I know that I am making my family and friends proud. I am incredibly thankful for my Michigan education and cannot wait to use what I have learned when I go to law school.

Shantaris Brown (Graduate Student)

My advice for other First-Gen students would be never lose sight of your goals and don't stop until you achieve them. Build community while you can, it will make the journey a lot more fun and easier! You are meant to be here, never doubt yourself or your abilities. You are a trailblazer.

Tabi Cain (Undergraduate Student)

Ask questions. If you don’t know who to ask, keep asking everyone around you and you’ll be pointed in the right direction.

Raven (Alum)

Don't let your education get in the way of learning. To elaborate, your formal education at one of the top institutions is important, but don't forget to focus on the other happenings on campus- get involved, join a club, make friends! I spent way too much time focusing on my studies because I didn't want to disappoint my family, and while I thoroughly enjoyed my academics, I didn't spend as much time involved on campus.

Joseph Ballard II (staff)

My advice to any first-generation college student is to not let anything (imposter syndrome, environmental or societal influences, people, life circumstances, etc.) deter you from accomplishing any goals you have set for yourself.

Christina Zerka (Undergraduate Student)

It's perfectly normal not to have everything figured out from the start; trust the process, be open to new possibilities, and let your status as a first-gen student be a source of pride.

Joey (Undergraduate Student)

Always put in that extra step to get where you want to go. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there, make connections, and define your own success! Always remember that the extra effort will be worth it.

Cielo Jimenez (Undergraduate Student)

Seek as much help as you can. Whether it's from faculty, friends, or organizations, the more help you have to navigate college will help you tremendously in your journey to succeed.

Meagan Hart-Molloy (Staff)

As a first-gen student, it can feel like you've missed the memo at some point. Remember that you are value added to this community and know that you have champions here to support you and provide answers to those questions and curiosities. Not knowing and being willing to ask and explore takes courage, and you are capable!

Romonia Atchison (Staff)

My advice to other First-Gen students: -Embrace and own all of your cultural backgrounds. It's what makes you unique and continue to shine in this world. -Keep breaking down stereotypes and continue to make a way for others within your culture to come through and do great things. -Go after your goals and don't let anyone or anything stop you! This world needs you. -Big up yourself!

Riley Kina (Undergraduate Student)

Attend festifall and get involved with everything you’re interested in! Put yourself out there and you will find your community!

Shannon Gass (Staff)

Ask questions and do not forget you belong here! First-gen students are courageous and there are so many resources for support to help you succeed!

Travis L. Martin (Staff)

Although it may get challenging sometimes, know that you belong here. You are part of the University of Michigan. Seek out formal and informal mentors to help you navigate and find a sense of belonging here. Learn how to increase your financial literacy and other soft skills as they will propel you.

Julia Kassab (Undergraduate Student)

Don't be afraid to explore new fields / ideas! Take classes that seem outside your comfort zone, go out of your way to meet new people, and take on exciting opportunities as they come.

Joelle Fundaro Randall (Staff)

Remember you are resilient and it is okay to ask for help! No one can do this solo! Together, we create new opportunities and accomplish so much more - more than you might think is possible. You grow and learn new things every time try something new and have fun!

Anabelle Dally (Undergraduate Student)

If you think an opportunity might interest you - pursue it even if you are afraid of not being capable enough for it. Without seeking out opportunities, there are fewer chances for you to grow into someone who is confident, capable, and determined to succeed.

Monica Olszewski (Undergraduate Student)

Don't be afraid to ask questions or seek out help. I feel that like growing up as First Generation students we always thought we had to figure out life all by ourselves because we didn't have anyone to ask when we were younger. There are so many people at the University of Michigan that just want to see you succeed so when your struggling reach out to the community.