November 8 marks First-Generation Day, a day dedicated to commemorating the historic signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965. This legislation was instrumental in expanding access to higher education for minorities and individuals from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
The general definition for first-generation is any student whose parents or guardians do not have a four-year college degree. If you have an older sibling in college, you are both first-generation. Drexel University recognizes the variations to this definition, including, but not limited to, a parent(s) who earned a four-year degree as an adult learner or who earned a four-year degree in another country, making the child student and their siblings the first to earn a four-year degree in the U.S.
Current Drexel students are encouraged to join the Dragon's First student organization – the Drexel chapter of Philadelphia-based nonprofit Collective Success Network which supports low-income, first-generation college students to achieve their academic and career aspirations through a network of students and professionals. The University's First Forward initiative also provides resources for first-generation students and their families, and hosts events throughout the year.
In honor of First-Generation Day 2023, we asked College of Computing & Informatics (CCI) students, faculty and professional staff to share what being first-generation means to them:
Marie Fazio, assistant dean, operations & faculty affairs; diversity officer
Occupations of parents/guardians:
"Growing up, my dad was a dedicated Philadelphia firefighter with side jobs, while my mom worked in hospitality."
Inspiration for pursuing a college education:
"Education held a special place in our household; my parents, despite not having advanced degrees, emphasized its importance and instilled in me a passion for lifelong learning, demonstrating that hard work and self-investment can make anything possible. "No one can ever take your education from you" was a sentiment that is always in my mind, even today."
Advice for current or future first-generation students:
"It can be intimidating to enter the world of higher education without a guide or a path to follow. I'm the oldest in my family, so I had no idea what to expect at college. I encourage others to embrace their fears, as they often lead to the most rewarding experiences. Drexel and CCI provide excellent support for first-gen students, fostering an inspiring community with abundant resources."
Victoria Gallogly, MS library and information science student
Occupations of parents/guardians:
"Growing up, my mother held various customer service and secretarial positions, presently scheduling patient appointments at South County Hospital in Rhode Island, while my father worked as a warehouse supervisor at Foxwoods Resort Casino until he became legally blind in 2011."
Inspiration for pursuing a college education:
"The inspiration to pursue higher education was fueled by my family's struggles without college degrees, especially after my parents' 2009 divorce which made my mom a single parent to three kids. I was encouraged to excel academically and told that a college degree would be my path out of poverty, a belief that motivated me from a young age. Starting at Drexel as an undergraduate, I joined an accelerated master's program, completing both my bachelor's and master's in public health in five years. Now, as an occupational health researcher, I'm pursuing my master's in library sciences and my mother is incredibly proud of my educational journey."
Advice for current or future first-generation students:
"Navigating the college application process without the guidance of parents who had attended college was daunting. I leaned on my school's guidance counselor and college-bound peers for help with applications, essays, scholarships and student loans."
Danielle Boccelli, BS chemical engineering ‘15, PhD in information science student
Occupations of parents/guardians:
"My mother primarily stayed at home, but she occasionally worked in retail while my father worked as an auto glass installer."
Inspiration for pursuing a college education:
"I always figured college was the next step for me after high school; I didn't consider other options. My family was proud of me, but my mother told me that she didn't consider college a necessity for me, even though I was always a strong student, which I thought was interesting since I was so certain."
Advice for current or future first-generation students:
"Don’t assume that the job you want after graduation will be the job you get. Even if you do get it, it may not be what you expect. A college education can be a path to a career, but I believe that college should be pursued primarily for the education it offers."
Deepthi Nagabhushan, MS in software engineering student
Occupations of parents/guardians:
"My father worked in a bank in India with a bachelor's in science, while my mother, a homemaker, held a bachelor’s degree in arts (language and history)."
Inspiration for pursuing a college education:
"My parents instilled the belief that education is paramount and that it's acceptable to sacrifice some comfort for it, emphasizing the value of hard work. Pursuing an undergraduate degree, particularly in computer science, was a customary aspiration in my community, and my family was genuinely supportive of my choice."
Advice for current or future first-generation students:
"Your age should not limit your education. Please keep an open mindset."
Daniel Moix, associate teaching professor, computer science
Occupations of parents/guardians:
"My father was a letter carrier, and my mother worked as a lunch lady."
Inspiration for pursuing a college education:
"I was determined to attend college, with the only concern being how to afford it. Luckily, scholarships based on my test scores covered all my undergraduate expenses. I lost my father at age 10 and my mother just before my college graduation. They would have been immensely proud of my achievements."
Advice for current or future first-generation students:
"Don't let imposter syndrome get you. You belong."
Melissa Harness, MS in library and information science student
What were the occupations of your parents/guardians?
"My dad was an electrician, and my mom worked as a clerical worker."
Inspiration for pursuing a college education:
"I loved learning and going to school, so transitioning to college was a natural choice for me, driven by my desire to achieve my dream career. Although my family supported my decision, I had to find my own way to college due to financial constraints."
Advice for current or future first-generation students:
"If you're passionate about something, you should pursue it, even if it's challenging. Investing in your education is one of the best investments in yourself."
Christal Mayorga, MS in library and information science student
Occupations of parents/guardians:
"My mother is an occupational therapist at a nursing home, and my father runs a welding business alongside his construction work."
Inspiration for pursuing a college education:
"My father had to leave school early to help on a coffee farm in Guatemala, while my mother started college but had to drop out due to pregnancy. Their life experiences drove their determination to ensure I could attend college, and they are immensely proud of my undergraduate and current master's pursuits."
Advice for current or future first-generation students:
"Breaking the generational curse is vital. Pursuing higher education can be intimidating for many of us, especially when we lack resources and firsthand guidance. Don't hesitate to seek assistance from counselors, college advisors, and apply for scholarships. As first-generation college students, particularly people of color, we face additional hurdles. It's crucial to ask for help and guidance to achieve our educational goals."
Tammy Pirmann, assistant teaching professor, computer science
Occupations of parents/guardians:
"My father passed away before I began school, and my mother worked as a lab tech at Solid State Scientific, manufacturing semiconductor chips."
Inspiration for pursuing a college education:
"Breaking the cycle of rural poverty was my goal, even though my grandfather, a coal miner, questioned the purpose of my education while pregnant and keeping house. My mother, cautiously supportive due to the high cost, even used my college savings for a vacation because she was unsure I could achieve it."
Advice for current or future first-generation students:
"Delayed gratification. If you can work now for a later reward, you will be reaping the rewards for the rest of your life. Believe in your future."