This year, CAST will celebrate National First-Generation Day by highlighting First Gen Fellows members through a week-long tribute that puts emphasis on the students’ class experiences and outlook on their future.
National First-Generation Day commemorates the signing of the Higher Education Act by then-president Lyndon Johnson. The national event, which is celebrated on November 8 annually, is set to enhance the understanding of the barriers that stand against higher education and to encourage support for first generation students to continue thriving.
You are considered first-gen, if you are the first of your family to attend and/or graduate from college.
This requires a high level of determination. In fact, the Chronicle of Higher Education notes that “to be the first in a family to pursue higher education takes determination, a strong work ethic, and tenacity.”
To help further develop these skills, the College of Applied Science and Technology (CAST) through CAST Connections, offers First Gen Fellows, a program that is designed to assist undergraduate first-gen students get experiences outside the classroom that will enhance their academic, personal, and professional lives.
According to the authors of a journal article titled “It’s Easy to Feel Alone, But When You Have Community, it Makes [College] a Lot Easier”, the development of interpersonal relationships is a key contributor to the success of first-gen students in their first year of college.
“My experience with CAST First Gen Fellows has been profoundly impactful, both personally and professionally. Being part of this dedicated group has not only extended my network to include diverse and remarkable individuals but has also provided me with unique insights into their experiences and perspectives,” says Fernando Hood, family and consumer sciences-teacher education major and participant of First Gen Fellows.
Aside from enhancing interpersonal relationships, the program also allows first-gen students to foster their leadership skills.
“First Gen Fellows has supplied me with endless opportunities to develop as a leader, student, professional, and overall person. This is my second year as a part of this program, and I have developed extremely supportive relationships with students and faculty who relate to being a First-Generation Student,” said Aleena Alfaro, an exercise science major, and First Gen Fellows participant.
Nuri Banks, another participant of First Gen Fellows who is majoring in computer systems technology affirms that, “First Gen Fellows has helped me become more comfortable as a student. Being able to relate to a lot of students has been the biggest thing for me personally.”
For First Gen Fellows, the out-of-classroom development experiences, are actualized through opportunities to participate in community service, research and career development activities that are relevant to their field of study. For instance, the program recently hosted their second annual food drive.
As the leader of the food drive, Hood noted that his experience has been life changing.
“Leading the food drive was an experience filled with responsibility, learning, and an overwhelming sense of community. The initiative itself was a testament to the power of unity and the compassion that resides within the Bloomington-Normal community. More than just an event, it was an opportunity for us to touch lives, make a difference, and embody the spirit of giving.”
It is for these enriching out-of-classroom experiences that First Gen Fellows was founded.
The program admits CAST students on a rolling basis and is keen on fostering the success of these students.
To recommend a student to become a participant of First Gen Fellows, CAST Connections offers an opportunity to refer students.
