We're First
Student group dedicated to first generation students formed at UD
11:41 a.m., Oct. 14, 2015--This semester the University of Delaware will be getting its first registered student organization (RSO) dedicated to building a student-led support network for first generation college students: We’re First.
Founding students collaborated on writing a mission statement and constitution for the RSO.
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The goal of We’re First is to build networks for first generation students where they can have improved awareness of on-campus resources and a strong support system with their peers, and can provide mentorship for one another.
“The aim is to give students a space to talk about some of the issues facing first generation students and empowering them to excel here,” said Jessica Cornwell, one of two We’re First advisers and residence hall coordinator with Residence Life and Housing.
First generation students are the first of their family to attend college and sometimes lack the support system continuing generation students have. From campus life to study habits, these students must find their way on their own.
For some students, this makes for an experience of feeling unwelcome.
“I just felt like I was alone, I didn’t know what to do,” said sophomore Vanessa Santiago, referring to freshman year.
Santiago went from almost failing to making the Dean’s List. Now she wants to share her story.
UD has recognized the particular needs of first generation college students, and provides resources such as federal TRIO programs. There, first generation college students take advantage of tutoring services, academic advisement and research.
We’re First would be the first student-led organization aiming to provide networking opportunities and peer mentoring for other first generation students.
Founding students, Aderonke Solanke and Santiago agree, saying that creating these relationships between first generation students will guide plans for activities in the future.
“First generation students come from all races and ethnicities and not all students of color are first generation students,” said Cornwell. “Currently, students aren’t sharing the first gen identity. What I hope will happen is a sense of pride and affirmation in that identity.”
Santiago and Solanke want We’re First to be inclusive; students don’t have to be a certain race to join, and don’t even have to be a first generation student.
Cornwell emphasized that the students involved in We’re First have taken ownership of the organization.
Keeping students active in every step creates a strong network that Cornwell believes is essential to the success of We’re First.
This year Residence Life and Housing has piloted a series of events that aim to promote and affirm the First Generation Experience at UD.
The events within the series explore some experiences of first generation college students and will provide participants with the opportunity to connect to one another and resources on campus.
The next event is a “Who am I?” goal setting and strengths identification workshop on Thursday, Oct. 15, from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Caesar Rodney Residence Hall Lounge.
Those with questions about these event can contact jcornwel@udel.edu or complete this form.
Article by Shyanne Miller, UD alumnae and first generation college student