Celebrating first-generation students: Faculty, students, staff offer insight, advice
First-generation students bring a unique perspective to the Student and Campus Life experience at Cornell. As trailblazers, being the first in their family to attend college, these students are overcomers, achievers, dreamers, and fighters. And because of this, we celebrate them.
Below are insights and advice from several first-generation Cornell students, faculty, and staff as we celebrate First Generation Celebration Week.
Dannemart Pierre
Peggy J. Koenig ’78 Associate Dean of Students for Student Empowerment and Director of First-Generation & Low-Income (FGLI) Student Support.
FGLI students are trailblazers! They bravely chart territory unfamiliar to their families and communities of care, oftentimes without the necessary emotional or social support from those communities. This isn’t just about being a student. FGLI students are tasked with being the leaders, educators, interpreters, financial supporters, and advocates for themselves and their families. It is all encompassing.
Celebration is equally critical because FGLI students are overcomers, achievers, dreamers, fighters! They are determined to thrive and make space for themselves and those who follow. Their accomplishments are worthy of celebration. Taking time to honor their journey is a critical part of empowering students.
Learn more about Dannemart and First-Generation and Low-Income Student Support.
Cynthia Vanessa Saldana '25
Student, the Nolan School of Hotel Administration
What does being first-gen mean to you?
Being first gen means that I made all the sacrifices my mom went through as an immigrant worth it by making something of myself even though there were not many people to guide me along the way. It also means that we have the responsibility to make sure other students like ourselves are thriving. It is hard enough to become acclimated to a new environment away from home and when you have nobody to turn to that can provide some advice it can feel daunting.
What advice would you offer to other first-gen students?
If I had to give first-gen students, one piece of advice it would be to not give up. I understand that there will be times along the way that it may seem impossible to push forward, but I promise if you preserve you will accomplish great things. There will be times when it will be hard to find the motivation to continue but find something that inspires you and focus on it. Life is full of ups and downs but if you focus on the end goal, nothing will stop you.
Kenneth Gonzalez '24
Student, College of Arts and Sciences
What does being first-gen mean to you?
To me, being first-gen is about proving myself wrong, especially the version of myself that doubted my ability to contribute to academia and my world around me. It's also being driven to prove myself right, especially to the version of myself that knows how passionate of a person I can be when it comes to solving problems I have observed all my life but had little support in finding the right vocabulary to address such issues.
What advice would you offer to other first-gen students?
Some advice I would offer to other first-gen students is to try your best to advocate for yourself when it comes to mental health issues and academic issues, but also remember that it's okay to nurture yourself whenever your advocacy efforts don't turn out the way you expected them to. Also, I understand that advice can be easier said than done. I'm rooting for you!
Annie Le '24
Student, College of Arts and Sciences
What does being first-gen mean to you?
Being first-gen is overcoming unique difficulties that the majority of your peers have no idea about. Although it feels impossible while going through it, the only solution is persevering. And once you’re on the other side, the strength and empowerment as well as character you build makes it all worth it— resilience and intention is powerful! Being first-get means having to work twice as hard, but it also means that my accomplishments are also worth twice as much.
What advice would you offer to other first-gen students?
The most valuable advice I would give other first-gen students is to take advantage of every opportunity available to you! You are so beyond capable and worthy or taking control of your life— you are not your situation! My parents’ struggles led to eventually taking advantage of the opportunity to escape adversity, and I owe it to them, and myself, to do the same in creating my own success, no matter how I go about it or how difficult it is.
Tram Nguyen '23
PhD Candidate, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, CALS
What does being first-gen mean to you?
To me, being a first-gen student means forging ahead in spaces that aren’t always designed for my success. Advancing through academia is difficult for anyone, but to face it blindly and without guidance is both a huge hurdle and an accomplishment! It requires so much perseverance and resourcefulness to keep up with our peers who may already be familiar with the system. Therefore, first-gen students are strong and courageous because we’re pushing into the unknown, all while carrying not only our personal hopes and dreams on our shoulders, but also those of our family members who were not given such opportunities. All these experiences also allow us to be better and more empathetic mentors to future students. Being first-gen is something that is definitely worth celebrating!
What advice would you offer to other first-gen students?
Don’t listen to that annoying voice in your head that tells you you’re not smart enough or deserving of your accomplishments. You’re here because you’ve earned it! Try not to compare yourself with others because everyone started out at a different level and are on their own trajectories. Just focus on your path and allow yourself to celebrate your achievements, even the ones that feel trivial! Finally, always surround yourself with friends and mentors who will also celebrate your successes with you and remind you how awesome you are!
Alexandra Silva
Professor, Computer Science
What advice would you give to current first generation students at Cornell?
You will feel uncomfortable on your journey: after all, you have no guidelines from those closest to you on what to expect and how to navigate this complex world of higher-education. Being comfortable with feeling uncomfortable was something that really helped me in my journey through college and later in my career. Knowing that the uncomfortable feeling is not me being lesser than anyone else but just a step towards learning something new and making progress in growing as a person!
Erica Kryst, Ph.D.
Executive Director, Cornell Career Services
What does being first-gen mean to you?
To me, being first-gen means being able to support others. I navigated college on my own, but now I am able to support my siblings and cousins, and others in my community through the college application process, career and major exploration, the social experience, and other aspects of college. It means being a pioneer, but then showing others an easier path!
What advice would you offer to other first-gen students?
One piece of advice I would offer to first-gen students is to find mentors on campus who can help you navigate college. Find staff, faculty, or upperclassmen who you feel comfortable with so you can ask questions and seek guidance as you encounter challenges or need to make decisions about your future. Mentors can also connect you with resources and opportunities so you’re successful during and beyond your time at Cornell!
Reba McCutcheon
Associate Dean of Students, Care and Crisis Services
What does being first-gen mean to you?
As a first-gen student, I had a steeper learning curve than some of my more savvy peers. I had to build the bridge to college for myself and my family as I was the first one to cross it. Overall, I find first-gen students to be resilient and creative problem solvers.
What advice would you offer to other first-gen students?
Believe that you deserve to be here and you are wanted here. You are important. You are enough.
Build up your supports before you need them. Take advantage of the Learning Strategies Center and learn what office hours are and why you might use them. Share with your advisors and professors that you are proudly first-gen and ask them for advice. Be open to their advice, but also make your own decisions on whether or not to follow their advice. Remember that others have much to learn from us. We paved our own way and have experienced situations and learnings that differ from others.
Cortney Johnson
Associate Dean of Students and Director of the LGBT Resource Center
What does being first-gen mean to you?
Being first gen often meant feeling isolated, alone, and sort of like an imposter on my journey through undergrad and graduate school. But it is also a point of pride and accomplishment. Having has this experience also helps me as I advise students in my current role. Finding ways to connect students to the resources I didn't realize existed as a student is so important to me. I hope first gen students feel celebrated this week, they deserve to be recognized!
What advice would you offer to other first-gen students?
Institutions of higher education have so many resources to support you and finding a mentor or advisor who can assist you in locating the resources that will help you most is crucial. Although this can feel daunting, putting yourself out there, making friends, building community and seeking support can make all the difference.
Jess Burley
Residence Hall Director
What does being first-gen mean to you?
It means overcoming challenges and laying groundwork to make the journey easier for those who come after me. Being able to help my younger sister navigate challenges higher education that I had to navigate on my own, and knowing I can serve as a resource for other FGCS is rewarding.
What advice would you offer to other first-gen students?
Ask the questions you think might sound dumb, the questions you think you should already know the answer to, and the questions that you think might not be important. Utilize your resources - there is so much more out there to support you than you know.