Speaker: Sarah Whitley, Vice President , Center for First-generation Student Success, NASPA
What does first-gen mean to you?
Sarah Whitley: First-gen means opportunity: the opportunity to pursue goals and dreams, to make a better life, to change the trajectory of a family and community, to be civically engaged, to realize the future that many thought wouldn't be possible, even when it's confusing or challenging. Being first-gen means working to overcome the barriers before us so that the road for those that follow us isn't quite as difficult.
Why does participating in #CelebrateFirstGen matter?
Sarah Whitley: National First-Generation College Celebration is an important step in advancing awareness and opportunity across higher education for millions of students who truly deserve to succeed. While there is certainly a lot of fun associated with this day across colleges and universities, this is an important opportunity to elevate data, engage senior leaders and policymakers, identify connections to strategic plans, established cross divisional partnerships, reconsider classroom experiences, audit policies and procedures and much more. This day is not only about celebrating the tremendous gifts first-generation students bring to our communities, but but also holding ourselves accountable to making success a reality through institutional change and commitment.
Anything additional you'd like to add that advances an asset-based national narrative on #firstgen experiences and outcomes?
Sarah Whitley: There are many ways institutions of higher education seek to support first- generation students, but scaling and sustaining those efforts remains primarily insurmountable. It will not be until institutions think differently about the way they do business, and we see senior leaders build the appropriate infrastructure, applying necessary resources, make data informed decisions and understand the return on investment from this work that we will truly realize change. National First-Generation College Celebration is a great time to make this commitment and to continue moving first- gen forward.
