First-generation students find support at Montana State University

BOZEMAN - Montana State University sophomore Cadee Hess knew she wanted to attend college to help fulfill her career goals, but she felt much trepidation the summer before her first year. As the first in her family to attend college, she didn't know how to transfer scholarships to pay her tuition or what a three-day orientation included.

"I really kind of dreaded starting college because I didn't know what to expect, so the whole summer leading up to it I was kind of like, 'Oh, I have to go to college,' and it was freaking me out," she said. "I think just getting here was kind of a struggle for me because I knew it's what I had to do, but I didn't want to do it."

However, after arriving at MSU from Park City, Montana, Hess found there were numerous services and clubs on campus to provide support, where she met people who helped her acclimate to campus life.

Hess is one of more than 2,500 first-generation students attending MSU this fall - roughly 16% of the student population - who will be celebrated during National First-Generation College Celebration Day on Nov. 8. MSU's First-Generation Committee is hosting a series of events to celebrate and support first generation students, including a book club, seminars and a student panel.

"First-generation students may not have the cultural capital that continuing-generation students do when it comes to navigating campus," said Mackenzie Spence, chair of MSU's first-generation committee. "Even higher education vocabulary, terms like 'registrar' and 'provost,' can be foreign to first-gen students. We strive to help ease their transition to campus life and make them as successful as possible."

MSU's federally funded TRIO Student Support Services program and a committee of faculty, staff and students help first-generation students integrate into university life. MSU also offers scholarships for first-generation students who are Montana residents. The university has been recognized as a First-Gen Forward Network Institution for its commitment to improving experiences and success for first-generation students.

Since arriving at MSU, Hess has become a member of the First-Generation Students Association, a registered student club which formed two years ago and continues to expand. The group offers workshops and provides a sense of community for first-generation students. It was named MSU's student organization of the year by the Office of Student Engagement in 2023.

Olivia Roman, a junior, is also a member of the First-Generation Students Association. Growing up in Elizabeth, Colorado, Roman's high school offered associate's degrees, but her career goal required more schooling. She wants to be a medical examiner and is majoring in criminology and cell biology and neuroscience. After receiving her undergraduate degrees, Roman plans to attend medical school.

She has leaned on classmates and her academic adviser to help her navigate the university system. For example, she initially didn't know that the university offered health care or know how to pay her tuition, and she was nervous to visit a professor during office hours.

"Being able to have the courage to go to office hours was probably the main thing," she said. "I was very afraid to do that, but I realized that they actually want to help."

Roman has been happy with her decision to go to college and encourages other high school students to make the leap.

"I'd say do it, because in the end, you'll be very happy about it," she said. "You'll be able to open so many doors. There is a way to be able to pay for it, if that's something that is stopping you. I know that was going to deter me, but there are scholarships. I'd also tell them that it's a good place to find yourself and find other people."

Hess said she enjoys the support of the student group because everyone is facing the same problems, and members help each other, even if it's just by talking out a problem. While she is succeeding and on her way to a degree in agricultural communications, Hess still struggles at times and continues to appreciate the support from her family, peers and mentors.

"Last spring semester I was having a really hard time deciding if I was doing the right thing or if I was in the right place," Hess said. "During this time, I heard a speech from Jeff Kaufman from the Full-Circle Foundation. In this talk he said, 'By making this step and doing this hard thing, you are changing the culture of your family.' This specific quote really helped me keep going, knowing that by staying in school, I was going to help my siblings make the same decision and be successful."