At the GSU student Senate Meeting, I learned of the First Generation Center through an introduction from student mentor, Anthony Williams. During the meeting, Williams mentioned the center’s goal is to “help try to foster the students with peer mentors and workshops. We want to succeed.”
Open for almost a year and located in room C1320 next to the cashier’s office, it was created to address many of the struggles of being a student, especially first-generation students who may need extra guidance and support throughout their academic journeys.
After the Senate meeting, I spoke more with mentors, Anthony Williams and Vishnu Prasad R. Yalala, two student mentors working alongside other first-gen students. I noticed the enthusiasm and genuineness in their answers to my questions, surrounded by what the center is about. Speaking from personal experiences, of being first-gen students themselves, they mention how they want to create the change around them, that they didn’t necessarily have as students. Also, student mentor, Anna Mitchell, also very easy to talk to, is another mentor, who works alongside students. All were very welcoming when I spoke with them at events or in person.
The primary focus of the Center is to provide help and guidance. Examples include help around campus with departments and information needed. As well as help, through questions and concerns, that may come up as a student. Another opportunity of guidance offered is help with scholarships, through the center and planned workshops.
Staying on track as a student, who because of reasons, both parents or guardians(s) could not graduate with a bachelor. Can leave a big gap of missing info or resources, which can make it challenging for an inspiring learner, to navigate alone. This center was founded to be the sidekick and guide, for first-generation students to openly discuss with their mentors as mentee; and to be more of a direction for each person’s own individual journey as a student.
As a final reflection, I wanted to mention the casual fun game night event held for students from around three to five pm, this past Thursday, September 19. It allowed a casual and calm space for students to join to play games and bond with one another. It was hosted in room D1496, next door to the bookstore.
There were games, like- Uno, balloons, tic-tac-toe, charades, Jenga, checkers, marshmallow toss, and more. A laid-back take into the first gen. centers first of many events, to bring students together. The hosts, Anthony, Anna, Vishnu, and the center, had set up and warmly welcomed other students at the game night.
There are many events, open for students coming up this year. An upcoming one is the Scholarship Essay Lab.
The workshop will be held on Oct. 3 from 1 to 3 p.m., in the cube classroom at D2430D. Seats are limited, so catch a spot while you can, through a QR code to RSVP. This workshop is where students can come and work on the financial end of being a student, through various applications of scholarships available. Students can come in and work on hunting for scholarships or continue scholarship hunting and applying. For more information, there is a flyer, that was shared in this article.
Upcoming events:
- Oct. 1: Open House Celebration Birthday (First Gen Center- C1321 from 12 – 3 p.m.)
- Oct. 3 : Scholarship Lab (D2430D, from 1 – 3 p.m.)
- Oct. 9: Polished Plates (E-lounge, from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.)
- Oct. 29 : HOCO First Gen. Lounge (Engbretson, 12 – 2 p.m.)
- Nov. 4-8: First Gen Celebration Week!! [more info to come]