First Generation

First-generation college students are students whose parents did not complete a four-year college or university degree program in the United States. As such, to make it to and through college, first gen students must rely on a myriad of skills and characteristics to overcome the barriers inlaid in their college path. These skills and characteristics—being hardworking, resilient, proactive, resourceful, and creative, among other characteristics—lead first gen students to success in school and life.

DUS wants first generation college students to know that they are not alone. There are people (1st gen advocates) at Penn State who want to support you on your journey to success, and your advisor is part of that success team. Some of our academic advisors have teamed up to share their experiences as first-generation college students with you; in addition, advisors and administrators who actively advocate on behalf of first-generation college students want to share their words of wisdom with you too. Read below to learn about these first-gen advocates and see their words of advice to you.

Along with Academic Advisors, there are other resources available to support first-generation college students. Check out Penn State’s Student Success Center to read student stories, learn about first-gen student organizations and engagement opportunities.

Quick links to adviser responses:

Juyeon Schulman
Shana Clarke
David Smith
Diana Leach
Heather Atkinson
Junhow Wei
Kimberly Geter

Advisers who were first-generation students:

Asian female standing atop a skyscraper in New York City with Central Park in the background.

Juyeon Schulman

What advice would you give to first-generation students?

My advice to other first-gen students is to “be bold”, even though you feel like you’re making mistakes, you’re the first one to do it, so don’t focus too much on the mistakes. Be more forgiving of yourself. It is ok to struggle at first. Eventually, you would figure out life bit by bit and that it’s OK to explore slowly and to sometimes feel behind. Sometimes you must be bold, go with your gut in terms of the decisions that you have made and go forward for yourself.

African American woman with yellow pants and flowery top standing by Penn State Nittany Lion Shrine.

Shana Clarke

What advice would you give to first-generation students?

1) You belong. College can feel harsh, overwhelming, and foreign, but you had what it took to get here, and you have what it takes to succeed here. If your current tactics aren't yielding the results you desire, that's okay. Find someone--an advisor, an instructor, a diversity liaison--to help you adjust your technique so that you can be successful.

2) In addition to peers, form connections with professionals. Get to know your professors and the staff around you as these people can help you grow, navigate the university, advocate for you, help you find opportunities (e.g. research, jobs, internships), write recommendations for you, be references, etc. Form relationships with peers as well. These are your future colleagues and future professionals from all sectors. How great would it be to have a social circle filled with people from all professions and all walks of life?

Middle-aged Caucasian male wearing jeans and a blue plaid shirt standing with his hands in his pockets in front of a lake.

David Smith

What advice would you give to first gen students?

Ask questions. Be curious. Don't settle for the status quo. Challenge yourself. And know that you belong at Penn State.

Smiling Caucasian female with blonde hair and pink highlights.

Diana Leach

What advice would you give to first gen students?

See your strengths and acknowledge them every single day, because YOU ARE AMAZING. You are here.

Recognize the power you have in these strengths and how much others can benefit just from your presence. We see you, so be sure that you see you, too.

We stand in awe of you, first-generation students, and as an ally, I look forward to learning more from you, and learning more with you.

Whenever you are in doubt, truly look at what you've accomplished so far and remember that uncertainty is the path to understanding.

Caucasian female wearing a white long sleeve sweater and violet scarf with her hands in the pockets of her gray slacks.

Heather Atkinson

What advice would you give to first gen students?

Seek out multiple mentors and look to build strong relationships with them. Staff, instructors, and faculty on campus are eager to assist you as you find success in higher education. 2) There are many resources at your disposal, some you may not know about yet. 3) Take time to celebrate wins - Big and small!

Asian male standing on a wooden deck overlooking mountains in the fall.

Junhow Wei

What advice would you give to first gen students?

Pushing through discomfort and being self-sufficient helps students get through challenging situations. However, it is also important to regularly seek help or guidance from professors and advisers.

Smiling African American female standing outside of a brick building.

Kimberly Geter

What advice would you give to first gen students?

Create a good support system when you arrive to college. Start with your Academic Advisor and connect with other adults who want to see you succeed. Also, have a strong network of friends who are working to accomplish similar goals.

Diversity. Equity. Inclusion.