Meet Our First-Gen Alumni - First-Generation

They have proven that it can be done. They set their course and stuck to it, earning degrees from JSU before going on to be successful in all walks of life. As proud alumni, they are happy to share their experiences at the Friendliest Campus in the South to encourage and inspire first-generation students. If you are just starting your college journey, call on them. They will be happy to help you on your way!

Christy Caroline Bryan Cook

Degree: BS Computer Science
Graduation Year: 1995

Your First-Gen Experience:

"I was the 1st person in my family to earn a BS. Neither of my parents had complete a 4 year degree. My father is one of 11 children and none of my aunts and uncle had complete a degree either. Of the many cousins older than me no one had either. My family was very proud to have their first collage grad and a role model for the younger cousins. Since then we have had many more complete their degrees. I am so thankful for my hard working parents that provided me with the means to accomplish this dream."

Your Journey Since Graduation:

"I graduated JSU with a job back in my Hometown with Russell Corporate. I worked there 14 years until the company was downsized. I moved immediately to Neptune Technology Group. I have been there 12 years. I currently a Software Product Manager. I am thankful for all the opportunities provide to me and family by the great education I received at JSU."

Your Favorite Thing About JSU:

"The HOME atmosphere. JSU is truly the Friendliest Campis in the South. The BCM played a huge role in my time at JSU. I made forever friends there and met my husband."

Your Biggest Misconception About College:

"I would have a hard time adjusting coming from a small town and small high school."

Advice to Fellow First-Gens:

"Be determined. Believe in yourself. Find a group and plug in to have a support group. Study even when you don’t want to."

Morgan Worsham

Degree: BFA Photography
Graduation Year: 2017

Your First-Gen Experience:

"I was the first of my family to go to college. I am the youngest of my family with 2 older brothers. Academics were always a top priority for me, and I knew that I wanted to go to a college that focused on that. I became an art major, and was the first art major to speak at the graduation ceremony for my School. It was such an amazing feeling to have my family see me be the first of our line to graduate college with honors, as well as have the honor to speak on behalf of my fellow graduates."

Your Journey Since Graduation:

"Since graduating in Fall 2017, I was hired on at JSU as the Art Gallery Coordinator, as well as the Director for our high school College of Arts and Humanities summer camp program, GASP.(Gamecock Arts Summer Program) Being able to contribute and support the department that gave me the best years of my life & foster the talents of future artists & performers is so rewarding! I have also been able to build a successful photography business with the photography degree that I earned here at JSU. The skills I learned have set me apart from others in my field."

Your Favorite Thing About JSU:

"The community at JSU is wonderful. Being from a very small town, coming here did not seem as daunting as some other Universities. Especially not having any family stories, or siblings in college, I really did not know what to expect. The community and the small feel of JSU made me feel right at home!"

Your Biggest Misconception About College:

"I thought it was going to be 'easy' being an art major. However, it was much more rigorous than I anticipated (in the best way!) College challenged me more than I thought it would, and it taught me a lot of discipline, which I didn't expect. You think you will have so much freedom (and you do), but you also have to find the will and discipline in yourself."

Advice to Fellow First-Gens:

“Keep on pushing! You are creating a legacy and a precedent for those who come after you. You will be the inspiration for your cousins, siblings, nieces, nephews, etc. Seeing my older cousins go to college and visiting them inspired me to pursue my further education, and now I am able to be that example for the younger generations in my family!”

Amy Carroll Bennett

Degree: Bachelor of Arts - Integrated Studies
Graduation Year: 2019

Your First-Gen Experience:

“I found success at JSU as a nontraditional student. I left college to get married, but always hoped to return and finish my degree. My husband, an instructor at JSU, encouraged me to go back to school and get my degree. He supported me every step of the way. All of the faculty and staff at JSU were very supportive and helpful. A lot had changed when I returned , but my professors helped me navigate the new college landscape. It was very challenging at times. I had been afraid of online classes, but found them to be very helpful when trying to balance a schedule between family, work, and school. JSU provided a lot of options and that made a huge difference for me as a nontraditional student. It felt so good and rewarding when I finally walked across that stage as a first-gen JSU graduate!”

Your Journey Since Graduation:

“I am currently in graduate school here at JSU. I'm pursuing my Master's in Integrated Studies!”

Your Favorite Thing About JSU:

"The people at JSU are amazing. All of the professors, administrators, and support staff are so helpful. They make you feel welcome and important. I've never felt like just a face or a number. I feel like a valued individual with a place to belong."

Your Biggest Misconception About College:

"I thought online classes would be cold and impersonal, but I found totally the opposite. The pacing was great. The professors went to great lengths to keep lessons engaging. They also made themselves available, which was nice since I had a lot of questions as a newcomer to online learning."

Your Advice to Current First-Gens:

"Don't be afraid to approach your professors. They are here to help you and in my experience, the professors at JSU go out of their way to help their students. They want them to learn and succeed. Schedule office time when you have questions or issues. Don't stay in the dark because you're afraid to ask a question."

Amy Nicole Broadway Dore

Degree: BA
Graduation Year: 2001

Your First-Gen Experience:

“As a first generation college student, there was so much excitement looming in my family. I began my journey as a college student by rushing for a sorority. I then became a member of the SGA, wrote articles for the Chanticleer, and DJ’d for the radio station. I also enjoyed intramurals. All of these activities made me feel at home at JSU! My parents were very involved in my college experience. They loved coming to campus to visit. Most of all, they enjoyed coming to football games and for Homecoming festivities. The entire staff at JSU was so welcoming to myself and my parents, which made it so easy for me to graduate on time.”

Your Journey Since Graduation:

“After graduation, I interned at WAAY TV in Huntsville, AL. I then landed my first job in Nashville,TN as a marketing representative for a healthcare magazine. After realizing that my calling was to teach, I continued my education at Trevecca Nazarene University where I earned a Master’s of Art in Teaching. I have been teaching various grades for Metro Nashville Public Schools for 17 years. “

Your Favorite Thing About JSU:

“I loved the friendliness of all faculty and staff at JSU. The size was also a plus for me. The class sizes were not so large and the professors were always ready to help. I also loved how many involvement opportunities that JSU offered. Everyone could be included in activities that they were interested in.”

Your Biggest Misconception About College:

"I was always told that JSU was a party school and it was also easy. Neither was part of my experience."

Advice to Fellow First-Gens:

“Get to know the faculty and staff. They will be very helpful!”

Ashley Cox Robinson

Degree: Public Relations

Graduation Year: 2010

Your First-Gen Experience:

“My experience at JSU was wonderful and fulfilling. I received a full scholarship to play on the women's golf team under the legendary Coach James Hobbs. Golf consumed my time in college, therefore I didn’t get involved in many other areas; however this did not tarnish my JSU experience. I met great people along my JSU journey and am a proud alum!”

Your Journey Since Graduation:

“Since graduating from JSU I have worked in marketing, using my Communications degree. I am the owner of Green Cardigan Marketing; a marketing agency focused solely on the legal industry. My knowledge and experience gained at JSU has proven to be incredibly beneficial as a marketer and small business owner.”

Your Favorite Thing About JSU:

“The diversity! JSU has a heavy international presence, which I loved. Originally from Alabama, I loved that a small college town could teach me about so many new cultures.”

Advice to Fellow First-Gens:

"Soak it in. Get invoked in as many things as you possibly can! You’ll never regret those experiences."

More First Gen Alumni Stories