By Evelyn Rodriguez, Staff Reporter
California State University Dominguez Hills has data on the CSUDH website that shows that 55% of students are first generation college students. The formal definition of first generation is “a student whose parents did not complete a four-year college degree, regardless of other family member’s level of education”. A celebration for first generation students took place on Nov 8 and was hosted by the TRIO Student Support Services. This important campus-wide event is used to celebrate CSUDH students who are first generation students.
According to Elizabeth Hernandez, the MPA Director for the TRIO Student Support Services program,“It is important for first generation students to know that although they may sometimes feel unsure about navigating college, they are not alone in their journey.” Hosting the event helps students engage with other students and share similar experiences with each other.
“Hernandez knows what it is like first hand to be a first generation student. Hernandez who is also a DREAMER, and a graduate of CSUDH and CSULB says the encouragement from her peers, professors, and mentors is what helped her become a natural leader and comfortable at attacking risks. ““As a First Gen graduate myself, I think about my mom and her 2nd grade education, the journey she ventured, coming to the United States from Jalisco, Mexico, and providing me the opportunity to earn a Master’s degree. As a First Gen student, I was often scared and fearful, but I’m so glad I didn’t give up.””
The following two stories are from two students who are also proud to be first gen college students.
Meriam Khan, is from San Pedro, CA and a senior majoring in Sociology with a minor in Chicana/o Studies and a double minor in Psychology. Her mother is from Mexico and her father is from Pakistan. Her mother graduated high school and received her diploma and so did her father. Her older brother also attended CSUDH and graduated. Both of Meriam’s parents supported her through college. Her mother gave her unconditional support and encouraged both of her children to continue their education. Meriam raved about her mother by saying “She has been my role model for me, personally. She is such a strong woman and hard worker.”
Yesenia Alonso, a child development major at CSUDH, a single mother of two children and is also one of the first generation students at CSUDH. Her parents who immigrated from Michoacan, Mexico when they were just 18 years old were never able to attend college like she has. Her father never went to school and her mother only made it to the fourth grade due to financial hardships. Alonso said she never thought of attending college when she was younger. It was until her friend went back to further her education and raved about it to Alonso.
She didn’t think she could possibly do it since she had been out of school for some time. It was until her youngest brother enrolled in community college which got the ball rolling in Alonso’s family. It started with her sister and then eventually Alonso built up the courage to enroll in community college. She began as a part time student since she had two children to care for. She eventually enrolled full time and managed to graduate from community college. That is when she decided to go beyond and enroll in universities. She decided on CSUDH based on her major. Alonso says her parents always encouraged her to keep going and expressed how proud they were of her.
“Through my journey, I am setting the example for my children that no matter how impossible something seems, through hard work and dedication, anything is possible. I am proud of being a first generation college student,” said Alonso.
Elizabeth Hernandez expressed that the event goes all the way to the islands of Guam and Puerto Rico who also honor the occasion. In the United States, there are an estimated 9.1 million students who are First Generation (COEnet.org). November 8th honors the anniversary of the Higher Education Act of 1965, and the open doors to Access, Resources and Programs for disadvantaged students. On all social media platforms, you can see the millions of First Gen success stories using the hashtag #CelebrateFirstGen.
Being a first generation student is a goal many students accomplish with the help and encouragement of their loved one. A milestone nonetheless.
