Voices of resilience: First-gen students share their stories of success

National First-Generation College Celebration Day on Nov. 8 is an opportunity to recognize those who are the first in their family to pursue a four-year undergraduate degree. At Washington State University, first gen students make up over 35% of the student body system-wide. WSU is hosting special events to recognize the strength of first-gen students and how everyone at the university can better support their journey.

When examining what it means to be a first-gen student, it is best to hear it directly from those who have lived experience. Four individuals - a student, a staff member, a faculty member, and a WSU alum - shared a little about their educational journeys.

Sebastian Walker

Senior engineering major Sebastian Walker said he probably wouldn't be at WSU had it not been for the director of the Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement Program (MESA) at Green River Community College who pushed him to apply for scholarships, internships, and support programs.

"I've always been told that it's not what you know, but who you know," Walker said. "We can't do everything alone and there are many people out there who want to help us."

His desire to help first-gen students make a similar connection is what led Walker to volunteer at WSU Pullman's First Gen Student Center, where he is now a member of the student staff. He described the center as a safe and supportive place where students relax, study, learn about resources, and meet first gen students, faculty, and staff.

"I started a coffee club in the center as a way for students to meet and get to know others," Walker said. "Having a support group is so important."

Romando Nash

His mom frequently watched old reruns of the 1960s television show Perry Mason, and as a young boy, Romando Nash, vice chancellor of Student Affairs on the Pullman campus, would watch the show with her. Mason was a star attorney on the show and Nash made up his mind that he wanted to be an attorney just like him. That meant going to college, of course, something both of Nash's parents did not do.

Despite growing up in a rough, low-income neighborhood in Las Vegas, Nash remained laser focused on reaching his dream, He successfully graduated from law school, but soon discovered his true calling is helping students succeed in college.

"My advice for first-gen students is to ask questions, ask for help, and get involved on campus," Nash said. "They have resiliency and grit that got them this far. They just need to believe in themselves."

Vanessa Delgado

Assistant Professor of Sociology Vanessa Delgado grew up in Prosser, Washington, and as early as middle school she participated in programs that provided mentorship and resources to support her journey to college. She credits Gear Up, Upward Bound, College Assistance Migrant Program, and the McNair Achievement Program for showing her the way.

Now as a professor, Delgado is keenly aware of how unwritten college norms can inadvertently hinder students' success and uses her role to empower first-gen students.

"I strive to uncover the hidden curriculum of college by working closely with students to strengthen their writing habits, teach them effective note-taking strategies, and share campus resources to bolster their success in my class."

Jennifer Bumpus

When Jennifer Bumpus was a student on the Pullman campus 19 years ago, she occasionally called home upset after a difficult test or was frustrated with her packed schedule. Her parents, who did not go to college, were unable to relate to her situation or offer her advice.

This is a common dilemma for many first-gen students who can't lean on their family during difficult times at school. Fortunately for Bumpus, she found a family away from home in the Chicano Latino (now called Chicanx Latinx) Student Center and received valuable guidance from WSU faculty and staff who served as mentors.

"First gen students should know It is okay to experience something new and different, and to feel a little uncomfortable," Bumpus said. "They should be fearless, trust their gut, and have fun."

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