Building a student affairs event for first-generation college students

Abstract

A first-generation college student is defined as a student whose parent(s)/legal guardian(s) have not completed a bachelor's degree. Being a first-generation college student myself, I have experienced different roadblocks that I wish I could have avoided. Between being unprepared for academic conversations and difficulty applying for financial aid, there are various roadblocks first-generation students experience. Through this creative project, I plan to create an event in which student affairs offers resources, tips, and a presentation to first-generation students so they can be more prepared for their academic endeavours. As a student affairs professional, it is important for me to be able to support all of the first-generation students with whom I come into contact. These students can experience imposter syndrome, college adjustment issues, and a lack of family support. These students have a high risk of failing because sometimes they are less involved, have less social and financial support, and report less social and academic satisfaction. With this event and presentation, my hope is for the incoming freshman class and the current freshman class to feel more prepared and comfortable in a campus environment. This creative project and supporting research paper will serve to identify the challenges for first-generation college students and provide resources to help them strive on their academic July 2021 path. My goal is to bring more awareness to the struggles that first-generation students face and help them in their future endeavours. I want to serve as a resource that I wish I would have had during my undergraduate career.