Title
First, But Not The Last: The First-Generation College Student Experience
Learning outcomes for presentation (at least 3)
Based upon preliminary review of the submission guidelines for the Diversity Conference, the student presenters did not develop any learning outcomes at this time. We would be happy to follow up with this information upon request.
Keywords
first-generation college students, higher education, mental health, support systems, retention rates, personal experiences
Abstract
Abstract: Every year, the amount of people attending and graduating from institutions of higher education increases. Although this may be true, there continues to be a community of people who are the first in their families to pursue a degree at a college or university. This is a great accomplishment that is accompanied by a great amount of pressure to succeed and to be a role model for all future generations. This pressure, along with having to navigate institutions of higher education alone, leads to issues regarding mental health, retention rates, identity, and more. There are many struggles faced by first-generation college students, but every one of them has a solution that can be implemented by the students themselves, professors, and everyone involved at a college or university.
Session Outline
This presentation is student-led (one sophomore level student and one senior-level student) and the research and presentation is mentored and supported by two faculty members at the School of Social Work.
Time Frame of Presentation
50 minutes
Category
i. Multicultural Education
Session format (lecture, roundtable, or other)
Lecture
Audience
Students, Faculty, Community
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First, But Not The Last: The First-Generation College Student Experience
Abstract: Every year, the amount of people attending and graduating from institutions of higher education increases. Although this may be true, there continues to be a community of people who are the first in their families to pursue a degree at a college or university. This is a great accomplishment that is accompanied by a great amount of pressure to succeed and to be a role model for all future generations. This pressure, along with having to navigate institutions of higher education alone, leads to issues regarding mental health, retention rates, identity, and more. There are many struggles faced by first-generation college students, but every one of them has a solution that can be implemented by the students themselves, professors, and everyone involved at a college or university.