Week celebrates first-gen students

The University of North Georgia's (UNG) First Gen mentoring program is celebrating first-generation college students as part of Proud to Be First Gen Week from Nov. 6-8.  Since 2019, the program has been celebrated at the Gainesville Campus and as of 2021, all five campuses celebrate.

"As a first-generation college student, I understand many challenges new First Gen students face. My parents were always supportive and had the expectation that I attend college," Jill Holman, internal audit director, said. "However, they did not know how to guide me through this process. I feel it is so important to connect mentors with mentees to help the students navigate UNG. Having events specifically for First Gen gives students a sense of belonging, a sense of family, and provides important resources."

The First Gen celebrations include:

• A luncheon on Nov. 6 in room 522 at UNG's Oconee Campus.
• A luncheon on Nov. 7 in the Robinson Ballroom of the Student Center at the Gainesville Campus.
• A luncheon on Nov. 8 in the lobby at the Cumming Campus.
• An ice cream social from 3-5 p.m. Nov. 7 on the Alumni Association outdoor patio at the Dahlonega Campus.
• A breakfast at 9 a.m. Nov. 8 in the lobby at the Blue Ridge Campus.

First-generation students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community leaders are invited to attend these events, which were created by currently enrolled first-generation students and first-generation college graduates like Dr. Steven Smith, UNG vice president of Regional Campuses.

"As a former first-generation student, I can attest to the fact that Proud to be First programs provide first-generation college students the necessary tools needed to change their family dynamics for the next generation and generations to come," Smith said.  

The next generation is already taking advantage of the efforts of this program, as it aims to normalize attending college and earning degrees in communities. In fact, scholarships will be awarded at some of the week's events to lessen the burden of paying for college for students like Sara Gillespie, who is pursuing a degree in psychology.

"This program is important to me as a first-generation student, the youngest in my family and the first to get a college degree of any kind," Gillespie said. "Ever since I started to go to school, I have loved to learn, and this program helps with my goal to prove to myself that if I work hard enough, and want this badly enough, I can succeed."