Virtual first-generation week unites student experiences
Photo by Rhianna Barrow.
Lee’s first-ever virtual First-Generation College Celebration Week will take place on Moodle from Nov. 1-5 and will give all students, staff and faculty the opportunity to celebrate Lee’s first-generation student population.
During the week, all participants can log on to Moodle and watch short videos about essential campus resources available to first-generation students and continuing-generation students. Each day, students are entered into giveaways for their participation and engagement with the videos. Prizes include an Apple Watch, Beats headphones, a laptop, gift cards and even a scholarship.
The event is co-hosted by Director of LEAP on CAP Roy Chan and Director of the McNair Scholars Program Kevin Ung.
Approximately 56% of the current Lee student body are first-generation, meaning they are the first person in their family to attain a bachelor’s degree. Chan appreciates the unique and diverse perspective first-generation students bring to campus life.
“We believe this is an opportunity to create an awareness of who our first-generation college students are and what they bring to the university,” said Chan. “We really believe in the importance of helping students find a sense of belonging and a sense of purpose, as well as helping first-generation college students not just transition to the university, but also provide them with the resources and tools they need to succeed on this campus.”
For first-generation students, the week provides an added sense of community with their peers who have similar experiences.
“This is a great way for [first generation] students to find solidarity with their peers that may also be the first in their families to attend college,” said Ung. “And for continuing-generation students, it’s joining in a celebration of and a recognition of some of the barriers that their friends, classmates or roommates had to overcome that they have never really had to think about.”
First-generation student Justus Dennis, a freshman music and worship major, is thankful for the resources Lee has provided for him and his family. As a member of the LEAP program, Dennis feels “incredibly supported” as a first-generation student.
“Normally in high school and middle school, we turn to our parents for everything because they’ve been in middle school or high school, and they’ve experienced these things,” said Dennis. “But my parents never went to college and have never experienced it, so when we started to look at finances and things for college, it was kind of scary for us.”
While the event focuses on celebrating first-generation students, Ung encouraged all students to participate and gain valuable information.
“All students, both first-generation and continuing-generation, can benefit from connections with campus resources and services and personnel,” said Ung. “The resources have always been there, but this can be a good reminder and can help students be aware of things that will help them not only their personal growth but also their academic success.”
New videos will be uploaded to Moodle each day of “First-Generation College Celebration Week.” The more days a student participates, the more times they will be entered to win the grand prizes.
Find out more information about First-Generation College Celebration Week here.
