Legacy Scholars held a First-Gen Day of Celebration luncheon in the Student Center Great Hall on Friday.
“We’re here to provide community,” said Michelle Estrada, a senior majoring in human development and family studies on the Legacy Scholars advisory board. “Legacy Scholars has definitely created a sense of belonging on campus for me.”
Chelsea Ratcliff, director for UA First Year Experience, said the luncheon served to connect first-generation students, both within and outside of their college and major, as well as faculty and staff.
“We realize every student is completely different,” said Nate Owens, the coordinator for First-Gen+ Programs. “[We’re] offering events, workshops, opportunities for first-gen students, for them to build community, it’s super important for them to find academic resources, also for them to grow personally and professionally.”
This past week was first-gen week of celebration, and Legacy Scholars held celebratory events throughout the week. It was the second year the week was held.
First-gen week of celebration events included networking opportunities, meals, panels and celebrations. Academic colleges hosted individual events to honor their first-gen students, and Legacy Scholars highlighted stories of first-gen success on Instagram throughout the week.
Owens said that the First-Gen Day of Celebration traces back to the Higher Education Act of 1965.
According to the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, the Higher Education Act served to provide educational resources and financial assistance to those seeking postsecondary education.
FirstGen Forward hosted the initial First-Gen Day of Celebration in 2017, according to its website. Now hundreds of institutions host celebrations on and around Nov. 8, the same date that the Higher Education Act was signed.
Danii Mallette, a sophomore majoring in news media, said that “it’s a struggle and a process to be a first-time student.” She pointed out that there is a level of uncertainty that comes with having parents who have not gone through college and said, “This event helps bring in more people who are unaware of the program.”
“The goal of the program is to build a community amongst first-gen students. It gives us an opportunity to level the playing field,” said Jonathan Paul, a sophomore majoring in nursing.
Brian Matias, a junior majoring in secondary education, said his participation in Legacy Scholars has given him opportunities to travel and gain professional networking experience.
Owens said that Legacy Scholars aims to be a safe space to begin a collegiate journey. The program provides resources and academic opportunities alongside a welcoming community.
Estrada echoed this idea: “Being able to create a community that has been so impactful on my life has been a really great resource here at UA.”
