Question: Can you tell us about your background and what brought you to this role at Georgia Southern?
Answer: I am originally from Chicago, Illinois, and have lived in Georgia and worked at Georgia Southern for over eight years now. Born to a Jamaican mother, I am a proud first-generation graduate and first-generation American-born.
I received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Illinois College, a Master of Science in College Student Personnel Administration from Illinois State University, and a Doctor of Education from the University of Georgia.
I have had the opportunity to work in various roles while working here at Georgia Southern, all of which have had some connection to working with first-generation college students. As a first-generation graduate from a low-income background, I am grateful to be able to work with all students of Georgia Southern, especially those who are first-generation.
Q: What inspired you to work with first-generation students, and what does it mean to you personally?
A: While in college, I was a student in the TRIO Student Support Services program. That program and the staff I worked with are the reason I decided to pursue a career in higher education. Their dedication and commitment to serving students was admirable to me, and I knew I wanted to help students as they helped me. Last summer marked 10 years since I graduated with my bachelor's, and the staff of that program are people I still communicate with. They even attended my dissertation defense earlier this year. Working with first-gen students means I have the opportunity to help these students reach their goals and aspirations. College is hard. Being first-generation can make it a little more difficult, and I am committed to helping students overcome whatever obstacles they may face, like so many did for me.
Q: How would you define a first-generation student, and why is it important for the community to understand their unique needs and challenges?
A: At Georgia Southern, we define a first-generation student as someone whose parents or legal guardians did not receive a four-year college degree. As I mentioned, college is hard for everyone, not just for first-gen students. However, when you think about the different ways students show up on our campuses and the experiences they bring with them, those things can make navigating college that much more difficult. It’s important to understand and be aware of the fact that for some students, many things can stop them from completing their degree.
Q: What are some of the biggest challenges you see first-gen students facing today?
A.: Having a sense of belonging. Many times, first-gen students feel as if they are the only ones on a campus who are experiencing what they are. This is why whenever I interact with these students, I make it a point to tell them that we have more than 5,000 students across all of our campuses who identify as first-generation students. I also inform students that we have over 100 faculty and staff who are first-generation graduates. Providing students with these numbers always serves as a point of surprise for them and helps them understand that we are aware of these students and working to serve them with whatever needs they may have.
Q: What advice would you give to first-gen students who may feel overwhelmed or unsure about their path in college?
A: Feel the fear but do it anyway. Many parts of college can be difficult, and uncertain, and may make students want to give up or walk away from their goals and aspirations. It is important to acknowledge whatever you may be feeling, but don’t stop. Many resources on campus are available to provide students with whatever support they need. It is also important to know that these resources come in different forms. They can be campus departments such as Financial Aid, the Office of Multicultural Affairs, the Academic Success Center or TRIO. But a resource can also be a person. Be it your academic advisor, your professor or a staff member in any of our student services units across the University. All students have to do is reach out. Even if it’s just saying “hello.” A simple introduction could lead to students receiving a plethora of assistance.
Q: How do you measure success in your work with first-gen students, and what’s one of your proudest moments so far?
A: Success, to me, is if a student has been able to achieve their goals. I know that’s vague, but I feel like those individual goals of students, be it passing their classes, graduating or obtaining employment, all lead to some sort of success. Because of this, I have way too many proud moments to name just one. I have had the pleasure of interacting with many students in the past eight years. Each of these students shared with me their desire to be able to overcome whatever obstacles they were facing. I am just grateful to have been able to be a small part of their journey, serving as their cheerleader, always willing and able to root for them in all they did and continue to do.
Q: Where can first-gen students go to find resources on campuses?
A: As previously mentioned, students can simply reach out to a faculty or staff member. In addition, many areas across our campuses provide resources for first-gen students including the Office of Organizational Effectiveness, Leadership Development and Inclusive Excellence and the First-Gen Forward Initiative, TRIO Student Support Services, the McNair Scholars Program, the Counseling Center, the Academic Success Center and the Office of Career and Professional Development, among others.
Q: What advice would you give a prospective first-gen student just beginning their college application process?
A: My advice to prospective students is to start your process early and do your research. If there is a college you are interested in, review the website as much as you can. Make sure the institution has the major you are interested in. Also, look into what support services are offered and what those services offer to students. Include checking out the institutions' social media pages in your review process. As much as you can, research the institution and make note of how you feel as you are looking at these different things. Also, don't be afraid to ask for help. You do not have to go through the process by yourself. Reach out to a counselor or teacher at your school. You can even reach out to the admissions department of the institution you are interested in. This department can provide you with specific information you need to know to complete your application.
