TRIO helps first-gen students achieve success

three people sitting at a table smiling at the camera

Chantal Tellez, Brionna Ramirez, and Dre Davidson are looking forward to sharing their stories of personal growth and perseverance as a first-generation student during the fifth annual First-Generation Friday Pathways to Success Summit November 3-4 at Illinois State University.

First-generation students reflect on college journeys

First-generation students, from left, Ash Ebikhumi, Makiah Watson ’22, and Christian Arceo.

Of Illinois State University’s 18,000 undergraduates, more than 3,000 students—17% —are the first in their family to attend college. Three first-generation students—Ash Ebikhumi, Christian Arceo, and Makiah Watson—share their stories of navigating college.