BW first-gen students bring tenacity, dedication to their studies

They are BW's trailblazers, ready to put in the work to achieve their goals. By name, they are first-generation college students — but more aptly, they are an inspiring and resilient group of individuals driven to forge their future.

According to the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA), students are considered "first-generation" if their "parent(s) did not complete a four-year college or university degree, regardless of other family members' level of education."

Raneem Abed '26 is among those students. The biology major from Westlake, Ohio, is an aspiring physician interested in osteopathic medicine. Among her many campus activities, she is a member of BW's First-Generation Council, which provides a welcoming community for students, faculty and staff.

Feeling 'understood, supported and celebrated'

"First-gen students face unique challenges in college, such as being the first in their family to navigate higher education without much guidance from parents or relatives," she explained.

Peer support can be instrumental in helping them succeed. The First-Generation Council can help to bridge an important gap in areas of personal, social, academic and professional development. Through formal and informal events, students can come together to mingle, mentor and assist one another.

"For me, the council is a community where students can feel understood, supported and celebrated," acknowledged Abed. "We can connect with peers who share similar experiences, build friendships and create a support network. For many students, there is the added benefit of feeling less isolated and more confident in their journey."

"Some of my best friends are part of First-Gen Council, including Sophia Ott '26 and Jayanti Upadhyay '26. We've built memories together, and the fact that we'll all graduate in May makes it even more special," she noted.

Bringing diverse experiences to campus

"Professionally, the club has pushed me to grow. Through events, networking opportunities and hearing other members share their stories, I've gained confidence in myself and learned important skills that will help me beyond college. Having peers who are motivated and supportive makes me more determined to succeed in both my academics and future career," added Abed.

"First-gen students bring many strengths to the BW community. We demonstrate resilience, strength and determination. We bring diverse experiences and a sense of motivation — enriching classroom discussions and campus life. And we are role models for future first-gen students, which is what being a first-generation student is especially about," she emphasized.

Self-advocacy builds lifelong lesson

"Since I was young, I had dreamed of being a physician. BW has been instrumental in supporting this goal. This summer, I did a fellowship with the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, which strengthened my confidence and further affirmed my career plans.

"As a first-generation college student and a Middle Eastern woman in STEM, I've often felt the pressure of being the first in my family to navigate higher education and the medical field," admitted Abed.

"Learning to ask for help and advocate for myself has been one of the biggest challenges and one of the most empowering lessons," she remarked.

"My biggest supporter throughout this journey has been my mother. She has taught me resilience, bravery and courage. I owe all my successes to her," said Abed with earnest admiration.