A social impact panel, including first-generation alum Marnika Morton ’23, will share success stories and advice for current students during Illinois State University’s sixth annual National First-Generation College Celebration Day November 8.
Themed “The Power of Perseverance: Community Influence on Social Impact,” the event aims to celebrate the accomplishments of first-generation students, staff, and alumni, while commemorating the anniversary of the Higher Education Act of 1965, which made it possible for many first-generation students to graduate from college.
The National First-Generation College Celebration is sponsored by the Office of Sustainability, the Illinois State University Police Department, University College, and the TRIO Student Support Service program. The event will include field day activities, a Mario Kart competition, a K-9 demonstration, a therapy dog station, and a career panel, which Morton is participating in.
In addition to Morton, other panelists include: Aaron Woodruff, Illinois State University Police chief; Jodi Mahasi, Illinois State University Police officer; Jeff Longfellow, McLean County senior deputy coroner; Samantha Vazquez, Illinois State University students’ attorney; Sgt. Kiel Nowers, Bloomington Police Department’s Community Engagement Unit; Lt. Jon Albee, patrol commander, McLean County Sheriff; Dr. William Lally, clinical assistant professor, Illinois State University Criminal Justice Sciences Department; lymoni Pleasant, court officer, McLean County Sheriff.
Also expected to join the panel are staff from the City of Bloomington, Town of Normal, and McLean County.
“It’s going to be hard, and you will fail a lot. But the key is to not give up. You have to continue to progress. You can’t pass unless you fail first.”
Marnika Morton
Morton, who works in probation as a pre-trial officer for Cook County, is excited about the opportunity to be a panelist.
“I’m looking forward to it,” she said. “I’m just hoping that I’m able to speak words of wisdom.”
Now 30, Morton met the challenges that came her way as a first-generation and non-traditional college student. She managed to balance college with being a parent as she worked toward her degree in criminal justice with a minor in sociology. A mother of four, Morton wants to be an example not only for other first-generation students but also for her own children.
“Definitely I want to be an inspiration for my kids and be a role model for them,” she said “I want them to see that nothing is impossible. You can be unstoppable.”
As for those who might feel her words resonate with them personally when she takes part in the panel, she wants them to know that they can succeed, but it will not be easy.
“It’s going to be hard, and you will fail a lot,” Morton said. “But the key is to not give up. You have to continue to progress. You can’t pass unless you fail first.”
Morton still feels a sense of pride about crossing the academic finish line.
“It was overwhelming, and a joy, and an honor to be able to stand in front of my family and be the one to break that generational curse,” she said.
Phoebe McLean ’20 served as a guest speaker at last year’s event. She works for the Chicago Public Schools as a grant analyst.
“I now have a different perspective because I’m on the other end of things and have an understanding of how grants are awarded,” she said.
McLean, 28, graduated with a degree in communication studies. She is the youngest of three kids and said it meant a lot to know that her family was cheering for her.
“I had a good support system,” she said. “My family wanted me to further my education. They are very proud of me, and that feels good.”
McLean was an intern and worked as an academic advisor for the TRIO program, and it was the key to her success.
“It was the TRIO program that really got me prepared,” she said. “I was able to gain a lot of experience from that program before making the transition to my job.”
Her advice to first-generation students is relevant to college students and to anyone making their way in the working world.
“Be teachable and remain open, so you can have more opportunities,” McLean said. “Accept feedback, and that will help you grow also. You never know what you need to know, and remember, you’re not able to know everything.”
