Salt Lake Community College TRiO office hosted an open mic event to celebrate first-generation college students. A person is considered a first-generation college student when neither parent obtained a four-year college degree. Students, staff and faculty had the opportunity to share their experience as first generations of college students through poems, stories and showcasing different forms of art. The common theme shared by the participants was resiliency.
Khalid Moussa
Khalid Moussa, an SLCC Marketing student, says, “being a first-generation student makes me a changer. My parents never had this opportunity, and now I have it. What I can do with my education to create change is endless.”
Participants shared with the audience their ability to remain true to their dreams, goals and aspirations despite every hurdle they have faced throughout their educational careers. Between academic breaks, family health issues and lack of financial resources, the audience could obtain a slight glimpse of their peer’s struggles, and nods of empathy and understanding were commonly shared.
“Being first-gen means I am challenging myself and wanting more for myself. I can look at those in the face when I am being told I am not enough and when I am told I cannot do it. I can say I so can. I am so capable,” says Bremen Mackay
Bob Bader, a retired mechanical engineer and tutor at the TRiO program, shares his academic journey with attendees to show them that grades do not define them but the attitude and ambition to succeed. Furthermore, Bob reminded attendees about the scholarship he created in honor of his late wife. The Pat and Bob Bader scholarship was designed to help students. Bob says, “I created this scholarship to help myself. Those first-generation students are me.”
Bob, who is not shy to share his academic success and failures with students, aims to help students pave their way through college by providing a scholarship that does not require a good grade point average (GPA). “I know what it is like to be put on academic probation, and honestly, I was almost kicked out of school because of low grades. That is why I do not require a GPA for my scholarship. I want to know the students for who they are and their struggles to help them. I do not care about GPA,” says Bob.
The celebration concluded with attendees obtaining a first-generation sweater to show their pride in their academic success. Ofa Fonua, TRiO administrative assistant, reminded students that they should be proud of their accomplishments. “If you have made it this far as first-gen, even if you fail all your classes, I want you to know that I am excited for you. Being here is such a big win. We, as professionals, can help you with the heavy lifting. Just ask for help,” says Ofa.
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