Paving the Way: Students Celebrate First Generation Week

Madelyne Gaibor Alban, a senior first-generation student at Stony Brook University, speaks at the First Generation Week welcome brunch on November 4. Photos by John Griffin.

Nearly one-third of the almost 18,000 undergraduates at Stony Brook are the first in their families to pursue higher education. These first-generation college students often navigate uncharted territories and encounter unique challenges, from unfamiliarity with campus resources to balancing multiple responsibilities at home and work, and financial uncertainties.

Stony Brook's First Generation Week, a series of events dedicated to recognizing and supporting first-generation students, is held annually in early November. Aligned with the national First-Generation College Celebration, the week is packed with events, workshops, and networking opportunities tailored to empower Stony Brook's first-generation students. This year's events run from November 4 through November 13.

The week kicked off with a welcome brunch and panel in the SAC Ballroom on November 4, with over 50 first-generation students and campus supporters in attendance. Panelists included Takesha Sutton-Young, associate vice president of presidential initiatives; Steven Torres, residence hall director for James Hall; Destinee Weston, residence hall director for Benedict South Community; and Madelyne Gaibor Alban, senior first-generation student majoring in Psychology and Political Science.

Takesha Sutton-Young (left), associate vice president of Presidential Initiatives.

Sutton-Young, born in Jamaica and raised in a family where education was paramount, shared the driving force instilled by her father, a mechanic with a seventh-grade education. "Education for us in our house was first and foremost," she said. "There was no choice other than you're going to school." As the oldest child with five younger brothers, Sutton-Young carried her family's hopes and dreams, with college being the non-negotiable next step.

Similarly, Weston recounted growing up in a struggling community in upstate New York, facing a lack of opportunities and battling self-doubt. She admitted that while Stony Brook wasn't her initial choice, it ultimately became her "best choice." In her first months on campus, she struggled with feeling lost and overwhelmed, but she created a network of support. "Stony Brook was my home away from home," she said, adding that mentors from residential staff to financial aid staff made a meaningful impact on her college experience.

For Torres, a student from the Bronx raised in a single-parent household, the journey through college began with little knowledge of higher education options beyond CUNY schools. He applied to only one SUNY school and, as an Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) student, found himself in a community that gave him a sense of belonging. "I didn't know I was a first-gen student, until my senior year," he said.

Destinee Weston, residence hall director for Benedict South Community, and Steven Torres, residence hall director for James Hall.

Adjusting to the new environment was also a challenge for Gaibor Alban, who initially struggled to connect and find her place at Stony Brook. Feeling isolated, she pushed herself to explore cultural clubs like the Latin American Student Organization and eventually found a support system on campus. "Having people to rely on is super important, especially when you're in college," she said.

Sutton-Young highlighted the importance of reaching out for support, acknowledging that sometimes the hardest step is admitting when you are struggling. After a difficult second semester, she reached out to a counselor, which helped her form a connection to regain confidence and direction. "Don't be afraid to reach out… build that relationship, have mentors, or just talk to someone," she urged.

"Supporting first-generation students is crucial, as they often face unique challenges on their educational journeys," said Deborah Britton-Riley, coordinator for New Student and Transition Programs and chair of the first-generation week planning committee. "First Generation Student Week celebrates their achievements, raises awareness about their experiences, and fosters a community that promotes inclusivity and access to higher education. Our efforts are seeding an institutional culture that supports and encourages our first-generation students' academic and social success."

The week's events and sessions cover essential topics like financial literacy, surviving college, career advising, and an opportunity for a professional headshot, all designed to equip first-gen students with the tools they need to succeed. A student mixer at the conclusion of the week offers an opportunity for students to connect with peers who share similar experiences and who dare to be first in their family to go to college.

Stony Brook was recently selected as one of 80 institutions inducted to a new class of the FirstGen Forward Network, chosen based on Stony Brook's demonstrated commitment to improving experiences and advancing success for first-generation college students.

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