Meet Our First Gen Students

Bless Vincent

Major: Computer Information Systems
Favorite Restaurant: Yamato Steak House
Best Place to Study: Houston Cole Library, 3rd Floor

On Being First-Gen:

"Coming from Georgia, the first two months of school was a little hard for me because I didn’t know anyone and was away from my family for the first time ever; however, I’ve adapted to my new home and have grown comfortable on campus after experiencing new things. To me, being a first generation college student means that I’m opening a new door for my three younger siblings to pass through when they get older, and showing my parents that all their hard work and sacrifice was worth it."

Rachel Bonner

Major: Pre-Health Professional Biology

Future Plans:

"When I graduate, I hope to attend medical school at UAB and receive a medical degree and license, allowing me to practice psychiatry and eventually open my own practice." 

Accomplishments That Make Her Proud:

"Academically, I’m proud of maintaining a perfect GPA throughout high school and so far in college, as well as scoring a 30 on my ACT. Extracurricular, I’m proud to have belonged to numerous clubs throughout my life, all of which have given back to the community frequently. Being able to give back has given me a sense of empathy and understanding for those around me, which I am the most grateful for. I encourage every student, first generation or not, to get involved with the community and see how it influences you as well."

Emma Bagby

Major: Early Childhood Elementary Education
Best Place to Study on Campus: Lounge at the Rec!

Advice to Fellow First-Gens:

"Step out of your comfiest zone and try new things! "

Favorite Jax State Thing:

"My favorite thing about Jax State is the small town aspect of this campus. Every time I walk into the TMB, I never fail to see someone I know. JSU truly is the Friendliest Campus in the South!"

Alexis Roberts

Major: Forensic Investigation
Best Place to Study: My sorority's chapter room in Curtiss Hall
Update: Graduated May 2020!

Future Plans:

"Start working as a crime scene investigator somewhere back home and eventually join the FBI!"

Advice to Fellow First-Gens:

"Enjoy the next four years. They go by so fast! Make the right connections and study hard."

Sydney Ransom

Major: Elementary Education
Favorite Restaurant: Chick Fil A

Being a First-Gen Means:

"Being a first year college student to me means that I get to have the first experiences and be able to share them with my younger siblings in hopes to better their future."

Advice to Fellow First- Gens:

"JSU offers so many opportunities. Take the leap!"

Melina Greenwood

Major: Business Management with a concentration in Entrepreneurship 
Update: Graduated December 2019!

First-Gen Perspective:

"My experience at JSU has been nothing short of wonderful. The people I’ve met and connections I’ve made here are ones that will guide me into any future endeavors. Being a first gen college student is rewarding in itself for the fact that I’m not only achieving a dream of my own, but also a dream that my parents had for me."

Advice to Fellow First- Gens:

"Be proud of the small successes, along with the big ones. You are achieving things that generations before you in your family haven’t, that alone is something to be proud of."

Bonae Barrs

Major: English Language Arts Education
Favorite Restaurant: Cook Out

First Gen Perspective:

"Being a first generation student means more to me than just being the first in my family to attend college. Being a first generation means that I’m even more thankful for having the ability to pursue my education and not take anything for granted, it gives me a greater outlook on my life and education. It gets tough at times, but I hope to set the pattern for generations of my family to come." 

Jillian Bradley

Major: Double, Biology and Chemistry

What She Likes About JSU:

"The professors and staff are absolutely amazing. I love joking around and talking to them." 

Future Plans:

"A degree in Veterinary Medicine."

Advice to Fellow First-Gens:

"Push your boundaries- try something new. Don’t give up and just keep trucking." 

Jennifer Cook

Major: Communication Broadcasting
Favorite Restaurant: WOW Cafe

Being First-Gen Means:

"My experience here at JSU has been the best so far. I’ve learned things about myself I never thought I knew and I did things I never thought I could do. Being first generation means a lot to me because I am doing this for my younger family members so they can understand anything is possible with a great attitude." 

Mikalyn Hutchins

Major: Finance
Favorite Restaurant: Cooter Brown's

An Accomplishment That Makes Her Proud:

"I am proud that I am able to graduate a semester early because of dual enrollment in high school."  

What She Likes About JSU:

"I like that JSU listens to what the students want."

Timothy Haggerty

Major: Music Education
Skills: Percussion in the Marching Southerners

First-Gen Perspective:

"It has been a hard process since I was kind of going in blind, but thankfully all of the staff and older students from JSU have been incredibly helpful with the transition." 

What He Likes About JSU:

"The clear air and friendly people!"

Advice to Fellow First-Gens:

"Always ask for help. No shame!"