Written by Brittney Chau
On November 8th, colleges and universities across the United States honor National First-Generation College Celebration Day. This day recognizes the many students who are the first in their family to attend college. Despite this huge accomplishment, this identity comes with the daunting task of navigating college and career decisions with limited guidance. Furthermore, when pursuing a career in the core sciences, there are additional challenges faced, whether it be connecting to professors, understanding potential career paths, or attempting to delve into academic research. None of these are a trivial matter. Being a first-generation college student (FGCS) myself, I have experienced these obstacles first-hand. With that being said, there are many ways to provide better resources for first-generation college students.
1. Mentorship: Throughout college it is vital to have impactful relationships. One crucial relationship to build is between mentors and mentees. This comes in a variety of forms, such as the relationships between upper and lowerclassmen. However, cultivating a meaningful mentorship can be especially beneficial for FGCSs. Graduate students serve as great mentors for FGCSs, as they can relate to the current college experience and offer career building advice. FGCS graduate student mentors provide an invaluable connection with FGCS undergraduates. This is because they can communicate about their shared experiences in addition to discussing general advice about college and careers. Furthermore, mentees can learn from their FGCS mentor about how they approached a variety of situations, for example, joining a research group, and guide them through such situations. Cultivating these relationships offers a meaningful and personable connection that can have a lasting impact on a student’s growth and career.
2. Representation: Being a first-generation college student is an invisible identity, a part that no one else can see when they look at you. When I was an undergraduate student, I noticed my professor wearing a “First-Generation College Student” pin for National First-Generation College Celebration Day. From that moment, I knew that someone like me could end up being a professor. I believe that it is small moments like this that make FGCSs feel like they have a community and can have a successful career. Simple trinkets, like FGCS pins, or adding the ‘First-Generation College Student’ descriptor to your “About Me” slide on the first day of classes are easy ways to make FGCS undergraduates feel more welcomed.
3. Fireside Chats: Another method to help FGCSs is the incorporation of fireside chats. Oftentimes, students find talking to professors intimidating. This nervousness may be heightened when trying to talk to professors about topics other than the course material. Fireside chats are professor-led casual conversations with undergraduate students. These chats can be centered around a particular theme, such as academic research or careers in chemistry. By having professors initiate the conversation, it is less stressful for students. This is especially true for FGCSs who may be unaware of how to begin conversations with professors, let alone conversations regarding career building instead of course content. Furthermore, this provides an opportunity for FGCSs interested in research to learn about avenues to join a research group or how academia works.
Although you cannot recognize a FGCS by appearance, this identity plays a crucial role in their college experience and career building. These few initiatives can help provide a more welcoming and inclusive environment for FGCSs.
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