Major: Early Childhood Development
"My experience has been a roller coaster but it’s been amazing to learn and see all the new things college can bring you. Being a first generation to me means being strong. Only a first generation student knows how hard things get mentally, it’s something you have to be strong for."
Major: Business Management
"Being a first generation college student has given me the ability to broaden my horizons, gain perspectives outside of my own small circle, and has provided me with a sense of accomplishment that I did not know was possible. Being a first gen comes with a lot of pressure to succeed and prove myself, but it has been so rewarding. The pride that I see within my family when I show them all that I have accomplished is a feeling that I wish for everyone to experience."
Major: Pre-Health Professional Biology
"I didn't know what to expect. I didn't realize how many students went here. It means a lot being a first gen. With that being said, it's also scary. My family always brags how I'm pre-med and so do my coworkers, which puts a lot of weight on my shoulders to graduate."
Major: Geography
"At first, I had no clue I could be considered a first generation student. Although neither of my parents completed college, my older sister was the first to graduate from our family so I thought that she would be the only first generation college student in our family. Little did I know, my brother and I are first generation college students, too! All three of us have earned a Bachelor's Degree from Jacksonville State University. Being a first generation college student means that from this point on, there are no excuses in our family. If the three of us could do it, then I know the future generations will be able to achieve it, too! I want our story to help inspire other first generation siblings. "
Major: Communication
"Going to college and navigating college life was really hard for me! None of my family knew how to help me when I decided to apply to JSU! Before my parents passed, their biggest wish was that I further my education! JSU has the best support system and because of that, I am succeeding in everything I had always hoped for! "
Major: Nursing
"For me, being a first gen means that I get to reach for the stars and really make something of myself. Neither of my parents were able to finish their education, my mom got her high school diploma and my dad never got to start high school. So they really wanted their kids to get a good education. My mom passed away when I was 11 and she didn’t get to see me graduate high school. Therefore, I really focus on making her and my dad proud while also pushing every day to make the world a better place in any possible way I can."
Major: Exercise Science and Wellness
"Being a first generation is awesome to me. This allows me to show my brother and cousins that just because our parents chose to go straight into the work force that it is not impossible for us to take the college route and be successful.."
Major: Merchandising
"Being a first gen college student gave me a drive to do well and finish soon. It really made me feel like I had a 'job' to do. It also motivated my mom to go back to school, which was really neat!!"
Major: English
"I was taught from an early age that education is important, and that learning is a lifelong journey. The fact that I'm a first generation college student has only strengthened that core value, and I'm grateful to be able to further my education through college!"
Major: Elementary Education
"Being a first generation college student has given me the ability to broaden my horizons, gain perspectives outside of my own small circle, and has provided me with a sense of accomplishment that I did not know was possible. Being a first gen comes with a lot of pressure to succeed and prove myself, but it has been so rewarding. The pride that I see within my family when I show them all that I have accomplished is a feeling that I wish for everyone to experience. "
Major: Nursing
"As a first generation college student, my family and I are proud to be a part of the Gamecock family. I am amazed by the wonderful opportunities JSU has to offer for everyone. Being a first generation college student is rigorous but empowering due to the immense honor that brings to my family and I by attending college. I am not only furthering my studies for myself but setting an outlining path for my siblings, younger family and future generation family, to go and attend college in hope for a brighter, enlightened future here in America. I also hope to be an inspiration to others who may feel overwhelmed with the concept of attending college."
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