Meet Our First-Gen Students

Wanya De'Vall Goodgain

Major: Emergency Management

"My experience at JSU has been awesome! I never planned on attending college because I landed a high-paying job with great benefits right out of high school. The thing that no one told me was that in order to move up I would need more education. Once I was established in my career and home life, I made the decision to go to college. After graduating from community college I wanted to continue to further my education."

"I graduate in May of 2024. After that, my goal is to get a position in my field of study and continue my education here at JSU by earning my MPA."

Advice to fellow First Gens:

"The best advice I could give other first-generation students is to never give up. The people around you may not understand what you're up against or why you're doing what you're doing but it's always best to show them."

Alexa Lusk

Major: Music Education

"Being a first gen student brought challenges that I never really expected. You’re brand new to being an adult and all of the sudden you’re dealing with things that the adults in your life have never dealt with. It’s terrifying! But, it’s completely manageable with help."

Advice to fellow First Gens:

"Get connected! I know, I’m an introvert too so I understand not wanting to put yourself out there, however I cannot stress how important it is to talk to people, meet people, join clubs, find your community! Those are the people who will carry and give you the strength to come back for another semester, especially when your parents didn’t get the chance to do it first."

Dakota Ward

Major: Sport Management

"It means new opportunities and experiences for me and my family. I’ve seen my family members before me struggle to get a job that they were very much qualified in, just because they didn’t have a degree. I’m happy to know that won’t be me!"

Advice to fellow First Gens:

"You can do it. It may seem like a difficult change at first but you got (this), just go step by step. Your advisors will help you out!"

Alysabeth Sheppard

Major: Exercise Science - Human Performance

"It never really entered my mind that I wouldn't go to college, however, I was never pushed to get a 4 year degree as long as I found a career in which I could support myself. Learning and life experiences can come in many different forms. My sister completed one year of college and joined the Coast Guard. I admire her very much for the career path she has chosen. However, I have always wanted to be involved in athletics and would love to be an athletic trainer some day. In order to do that, college was my only choice and, since I am a candidate for graduation this semester I am glad that I followed that career path here at JSU."

Advice to Fellow First Gens:

"I would say don't feel like a university setting is not for you. JSU is a perfect size to be able to get lost if you feel the need or to be a part of many organizations. JSU is truly a very friendly campus with faculty and staff that want you to be successful."

Morgan Freeman

Major: Early Education

"I feel as though my experience as a first generation college student might be a little different than others because I’m also a first generation high school sophomore. Being a first generation high school graduate to me meant helping my mom learn to read books bigger than middle school chapter books, it also meant helping my dad with math he couldn’t understand. But being a first generation college student means creating a new legacy and a new chapter to my family history. My experience, in being a first generation college student, is just that my first year I felt really alone since none of my family had ever been to college. I didn’t really have anyone to help me adjust to it or tell me what to expect. which was really hard for a little while until I found people that could help me adjust!"

Advice to Fellow First Gens:

"...Find your people, find people you’re comfortable with and people that you can lean on for support!"

Angela Goss

Current Major: Secondary Education English Language Arts

"My experience has been great so far! It has been a little bit of a struggle being away from home, but I’ve been doing well in all of my classes. I feel that I am making my family proud by being the first one to go to a 4-year university as well as being in the honors program here and I hope to continue to make them proud."

Advice to Fellow First Gens:

"Just because you are the first one, don’t lose confidence that you can’t make it in college. Be the first one in your family even if you are afraid. Have confidence in yourself. <3 "

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