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Thirty percent of BW students are the first in their families to attend college. Both individually and collectively, they enrich the campus community by sharing their different backgrounds, experiences and stories.
One of these students is Garfield Heights, Ohio, resident Micheal Diamond '27, who is studying communication and media production. For Diamond, first-generation students serve as role models and mentors in their family.
"Being first-gen means breaking barriers for my family and for future generations. I get to show my nieces and nephews that they can do anything they set their mind to doing. Being a senior, I'm very proud of the things I've accomplished and the doors I've broken down," he said.
Jennifer Nguyen '27, who is majoring in biology, is another first-generation student at BW who believes the campus community offers outstanding support for individuals learning to navigate college on their own.
"The professors and faculty at BW have been the most amazing mentors that anyone could ask for, and I am so incredibly thankful to have built these connections with them. I have always felt supported in my endeavors and received so much guidance and knowledge," emphasized Nguyen, a Strongsville, Ohio, resident.
At BW, first-generation students are a welcomed and important part of the campus community. Among resources available to them, students benefit from faculty interactions that help them succeed and feel connected on campus.
Also important is finding a sense of belonging and learning from others who understand their experiences. BW's First-Generation Council helps bridge an important gap in areas of personal, social, academic and professional development. Through formal and informal events, students come together to mingle, mentor and assist one another.
BW hosts events such as first-generation celebrations, retreats, career conferences and alumni panels to help students connect and learn from others. The University also participates in the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators, First Scholars Network and works with organizations such as FirstGen Forward to strengthen support and improve success for first-generation college students.
When Nguyen was asked for advice she would give to a new first-generation student, she said she would encourage them to ask for help, build connections and take advantage of opportunities, even when facing rejection.
She shared, "Don't be afraid to ask others for guidance because they WANT to help you achieve your dreams. Actively build your network and apply yourself to opportunities, even if you get rejected. You should feel empowered for making an effort rather than leaving things up to chance."
Diamond offered similar encouragement, reminding students that it is normal to feel nervous while navigating college. He advised, "It is okay to feel nervous, scared even. However, be the one in your family to break barriers and kick down doors. Be open to saying yes to every opportunity, but know what opportunities are for you and will help you. Enjoy the memories, take in everything you can get and make sure to take care of yourself."
