For many ASU students, being the first in a family to successfully complete a four-year degree can be a daunting task. This journey can be even harder when students don’t have the right direction or resources, which prompted ASU to create the First Generation Pathways to Success program.
Laurie Mook, an assistant professor in the College of Public Service and Community Solutions, said the program focuses on helping first-generation students build a sense of belonging and guide them through the undergraduate and graduate journey.
“At ASU, the graduation rate for first-generation undergraduates is about 10 percent lower than non-first-generation undergraduates. This may seem small, but affects thousands of students,” Mook said in an email. “Through research and programs like 1GPS, we want to understand more deeply the reasons for this and make a difference in closing the gap.”
The new program connects students with resources available on campus, that many students may not utilize. This could include First-Years Success, seminars on financing education and multicultural peer mentors. The program also allows professors who were first-generation college students to work with students going through similar experiences.
“One thing that 1GPS does is try to break down barriers so that students feel they can approach faculty, find mentors and get access to resources that will help them be successful," Mook said. “It provides them with hope and helps them to feel that they do belong and can overcome some of the doubts and fears they have from being the first in their families to go to university.”
David Martinez, a graduate student at the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College, said a simple project in high school ignited his spark to go to college.
“My teacher said that my work was so good that I should go to college,” Martinez said. “My friends and I would joke about (college), but then I started to ask myself: ‘What is college?’ ‘What do I have to do?'”
Martinez started his academic journey of attending community college in his hometown of Chicago, then continued his education at Illinois State University, where the help of his professors pushed him to work harder as a student.
“It took me a long time to figure school out, being a first-generation college student," Martinez said. “I would have not graduated without (the professors). They pushed me to do and be better.”
Martinez said the program is excellent for those who are first-generation college students and even for those who aren’t and want to get involved. He also gave advice for the first-generation students who are on the journey of completing their undergraduate degrees.
“Find someone that you can connect with and let go of the negative people who hold you back,” Martinez said. “Push yourself, make yourself uncomfortable.”
Journalism junior Jamee Lind said pursuing higher education was a foreign concept to her in high school.
“I didn't really have a plan to go to college; it wasn't even on my radar,” Lind said. “But I got help from my teachers in high school and got a scholarship, so I decided to go.”
Lind, who spent her first semester at UA, said she definitely made the right choice coming to ASU and has had amazing opportunities while attending ASU. She also plans on continuing her education by possibly pursuing a master’s degree in business.
“I’ve been able to work my way up through the internship ladder at places like Esquire Magazine, MTV, and more,” Lind explained. “Higher education is the best thing that's happened to me. It’s given me so many opportunities.”
Reach the reporter at sgreene6@asu.edu or follow @thesydneygreene on Twitter.
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