From First-Gen to dean of students

Ebonee Dendy, dean of students at the University of North Georgia's (UNG) Oconee Campus, was inspired by her maternal grandmother to pursue a college degree. An only child born to a young mother, Dendy saw how hard her mother and grandmother worked two full-time jobs.

"My grandmother really pushed me to get a college education because she knew how difficult life had been for her without one. I remember her telling me she didn't want me to work as hard as she had her whole life," Dendy said. "I appreciate that push from my mom and grandmommy. They understood my potential before I could identify it, and I'm forever grateful that they believed in me."

Dendy said she was nervous about her first year because, like other First-Generation college students, she didn't know what to expect. It didn't go as well as she'd hoped, but she persevered, always inspired by her grandmother.

"My toughest professor told me, 'I have mine, you have to get yours,' and that's true. But now I understand that First-Generation students truly have a different struggle. Being a First-Generation student means stepping into a world you know little about, yet sensing a responsibility to master it for those who come after you," Dendy said.

Her experience has made her more relatable.

"When I have a student come in my office, and they're crying, sad and doing all they can, I understand, and it resonates with me. They are invested in building a path for themselves. I can feel that that sense of disconnection. I remember that feeling," Dendy said. "When conversing with students, I'm able to support them as much as possible and give them a feeling of understanding because I honestly understand where they are at that moment. Sometimes you need someone who understands you and can listen to your frustrations, and that's the person that I try to be for our students."

Although Dendy has multiple degrees, she reminds students of her rocky start and encourages them to be persistent and brave.

"As a First-Generation applicant, I carried a sense of embarrassment. Don't feel embarrassed; many students, not just First-Gen students, have similar questions to yours. Never stop getting the answers you need," she said. "First-Generation college students bring new perspectives. I encourage all First-Gen students to share their perspectives and experiences because they will enrich their community and bring valuable information."

Dendy encourages students to seek resources, including the admissions team, tutors and others within local high schools, community organizations and online.

"Being a First-Gen college student means learning a new curriculum and a new culture. It's an experience you must be in to understand the magnitude fully," she said. "Being an 18-year-old college student is tough. And navigating coursework on top of that can be scary, but celebrate the small wins, and those around you will join in."