Proud To Be First: UB’s First-Generation Faculty, Staff and Students

Being a first-gen student has not only been an honor for me and my family, but it’s been an amazing feeling to represent my hometown of Wayland-Cohocton. In full transparency, I could not list any of my relatives who have a college degree, let alone the opportunity to attend a university. I hope I can serve as an inspiration to my family and create a new narrative where attending college is not an abnormality.

As a first-generation college student, I was raised by parents who completed some college coursework, deeply valued education, but neither completed four-year degrees. In high school, I was always celebrated and supported by my parents and family to attain an education, while leaning on the support and wisdom of UB-based programs such as STEP (Science & Technology Entry Program) and BEAM (Buffalo-area Engineering Awareness for Minorities). While in undergraduate school, I changed my major several times until I ultimately chose humanities as my major at Clarkson University. At Clarkson, I was an active participant in Student Support Services (SSS), where mentors and counselors helped me navigate my journey while teaching me about the value of all human beings and creating social change. I was so inspired by my SSS counselors and mentors that I decided to pursue a career in higher education, earning my MS in Student Personnel Administration from Buffalo State University and my PhD in Higher Education from UB, where I now serve as the director of the Daniel Acker Scholars Program. Being a first-generation college student has taught me that having parents who did not complete four-year degrees was not a detriment and nothing to be ashamed of; in fact, my parents were my greatest supporters, who encouraged me at every stage of my education journey. First-generation students are brilliant, resilient, tenacious, and empathetic, and can accomplish any goal they set their mind to.

I was the first in my family and the oldest of five children to attend college. My parents knew it was valuable, and they encouraged me to attend college. However, they could not afford to help me pay for it, and they could not prepare me for what it would be like. I lived off-campus, worked off-campus and had very little connection to the institution my first year, and by the end of the first semester, I was ready to transfer. I always felt like others knew more about the college experience and that I was always a half-step behind. Today, I have two children attending college, and I now know what I wish I had known many years ago. They are better prepared for college than I was because I could help them understand the environment and navigate the complexities of the college experience. As a first-generation college student, it has been my mission to share what I have learned on this journey with other students and families so they can avoid the mistakes I made and take full advantage of the opportunities in college.

My hometown is Medford, Long Island. Being a first-generation student means honoring the sacrifices my mother made so I could have the education she never had. She gave up so much to ensure I have the opportunities she dreamed of, which motivates me every day. It’s not always easy being the first to apply to and attend university, but I see it as a chance to create a path for others in my family, especially my niece. I want her to know that it’s possible, even when it’s hard. If my struggles can make things easier for her, then every challenge is worth it.

As a first-generation international student, navigating university life has been both a rewarding and challenging journey. Adjusting to a new culture, academic system, and environment has pushed me to develop resilience and adaptability. Each step I take is not only a personal achievement, but also a way to create new opportunities for my family and community back home. This experience has deepened my determination to succeed and to one day give back in meaningful ways.

Knowledge is a treasure that no one can take away from you. Invest in your education, persevere during the difficult times, rely on your family, friends, and community for support, and embrace your linguistic and cultural background with pride.   Education will provide you with the skills and opportunities to succeed in life and inspire others to pursue their dreams.

From my own experiences, first gen means opening doors for my community that once seemed out of reach. Stepping into the world of higher education with no prior guidance was daunting, but having the opportunity to chase my aspirations fueled my strength in times of fear. When I arrived at a campus 7 hours away from home, my first-gen mentor eased my transition and has cheered me on ever since. Paying it forward now, I aim to continue guiding those who may have imposter syndrome, reminding them of their accomplishments and encouraging their future successes.

Living on campus was key to my success as a first-generation student. Making friends in my hallway and learning about campus resources and events through my peers was important for me in connecting to campus and being happy. UB has so many wonderful resources, and I wish I knew when I was 18 about the variety of careers in the world and that you could find perfect matches for your strengths. There is no one path to success, and everyone’s definition of it is different. Define success for you and find your unique path! 

Although my parents didn’t have careers, their support and love were essential to my success. My mentors, from high school teachers to a faculty advisor in college, were very important in providing me with career advice and support. My siblings and I going to college broke a cycle in my family, and now college life is part of our family story. My nephews went to college right after high school, as well as my daughter, who is currently a freshman. My nieces are planning to attend college too. Going to college is not a question anymore in our family; it’s a “normal” thing. It transformed our lives.

Being a first-gen student at UB meant navigating a completely unfamiliar system. While I had a wonderful support network, there were very few people I could turn to for college advice. I come from a small town in central India, and my high school didn’t even have a process for submitting college applications. I’ve had to learn everything about college by living through it. That experience taught me what being a first-generation student really means. It’s about being the first to break boundaries, leaning on the strength of our grit, and making the people who supported us proud. UB has given me the support, the community, and the space to grow into the person I want to be.

As a first-generation student, I had no idea what to expect. I didn’t know the answers to so many of the questions I had, and my family didn’t either. One of the most challenging things about being a first-generation college student is knowing when to ask for help, and once I did, I felt the difference it made in my life. One of the greatest things about being a first-generation college student is being able to blaze and create your own trail. You don’t have to experience college through the experience of someone else; it's completely your own experience to customize. That’s where I saw myself thrive and I know it’s gotten me to where I am today.

My first-generation experience has been challenging but also rewarding. In the process, I have learned that the best way to live my life as a first-generation alum is to lose myself in the service of others. Doing research and teaching on the timely topics of international migration, race, class, and gender inequality, and health disparities provides such an avenue.