Dr. Rockie Pederson

What does it mean to you to be first generation? "To be First Generation means I embraced (and exceeded) my parent’s expectations. They expected me to attend and graduate from college then establish a career; I’m pretty sure three degrees was not part of their expectations. It means I left small town rural Arkansas and what I knew (and thought I wanted) to enter a world of unknowns, challenges, and opportunities."
What was your biggest concern as a first-generation student, and how did you overcome? "Being in a new situation without knowing anyone and not knowing what to expect. I chose to step out of my comfort zone, introduce myself to people in my classes, to my professors, and get active in campus activities."
What piece of advice would you give future first-gen students? "Ask questions. Seek out, get to know, and work with trusted mentors (faculty, staff, and peers) throughout your college career."

David waterson

Systems Analyst in the Office of Information Systems (OIS)

What does it mean to you to be first generation? "It means that I made my mom proud.  My mom was super smart, like Jeopardy smart.  I can’t tell you how awe struck I was as a kid on her fundamental knowledge of things (literature, art, music, pop culture, history, etc.)  She always wanted me to have a better education than she did, which was just a high school diploma.  She always supported and encouraged me in school.  She knew the importance of a good education." 
What was your biggest concern as a first-generation student, and how did you overcome? "My biggest concern was continuing to reassure myself that I can do this. I’m a bit heavy at self-doubt so I had to continue to provide validation to myself that I was succeeding. I had good grades in high school (B+) and so I used that momentum to carry me into my freshman year at college. The first year is intimidating as I knew nobody in my classes and rarely saw a familiar face. This is pretty typical for small town students. I just stuck to my studies and as time went on, I started meeting new friends and making good grades. Looking back at that moment in time, I realized that was the beginning of my success story."
What piece of advice would you give future first-gen students? "Don’t doubt yourself. Be willing to fight through fear of the unknown. Socialize and create new friend connections. Make someone proud, including yourself."

nichole edwards

Director of TRIO Student Support Services & SSS Teacher Prep

To me First-Generation means charting new territory, doing something no one else has done, and navigating the exciting new opportunities as well as the challenges. When I came to college my biggest concern/challenge was not understanding the language. I didn’t know terminology like credit hour, Satisfactory academic progress, registration, dropping, withdrawing, etc. I didn’t understand the processes or what steps to take for many of the “common” requirements. I didn’t know about how to register each semester, how to read the finals schedule or things like completing the FAFSA. With a parent who had not done this themselves they were as lost as I was and they were 2 hours away so there was no good way to really have that support and assistance in walking through these steps. However, my freshman year I met a professor in my discipline and he was a first-generation college grad. He had been there and was able to help answer questions and guide me through some of the more confusing parts. He was a great support system and would answer things without making me feel like my question should have been “common sense”. While many of the things I struggled with might be common to others who have family that have shared experiences in this area, I did not find them common in my social and family circle at all. The term “first generation” was not widely popular yet and I didn’t realize that there were others like me.
My biggest piece of advice is ASK THE QUESTION! No matter how big or small the question may seem, ask. Even if you are not entirely sure how to phrase it, just get started and the conversation can help direct you to the office or person who can help. Don’t be afraid to ask and ask again if you don’t understand. Sometimes you might have to say, I don’t understand the terms you just used could you explain it again, and that is ok. Find that person on campus who can be your resource and build that connection.