California State University, Stanislaus
11/04/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/04/2024 10:24
Courage and Community Highlight First-Generation Celebration Week
Leslie Rocha Delarosa remembers the sacrifices her parents made so she could be the first in her family to attend college.
"All the challenges my parents overcame to push me to where I am now and my sacrifices as a first-gen student are being recognized," said Delarosa, a second-year child development major from Stockton. "It makes me feel amazing to know this is the way I am getting recognized."
For Delarosa, Stanislaus State's First-Gen Celebration Week means the sacrifices of her parents - and her own - are seen.
First-Gen Week honors the resilience and determination of students like Delarosa. With 73% of Stan State's students identifying as first-generation, the week brings together students, faculty, staff and alumni - many of whom were first-gen college students themselves - to share in the celebration.
"First-Gen Week at Stan State is all about honoring the incredible courage and determination of our first-generation students - trailblazers who are becoming their ancestors' wildest dreams and bringing transformative energy and purpose to our community," said President Britt Rios-Ellis. "With 73% of our students being the first in their families to go to college in one of the highest-ranking universities in the nation, serving these students is such a profound honor."
Now in its sixth year at Stan State, First-Generation Celebration Week is part of a nationwide observance started by the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA). Nov. 8 marks the anniversary of the signing of the Higher Education Act (HEA) of 1965, which was a part of President Lyndon B. Johnson's War on Poverty. The HEA was designed to help bring parity to U.S. citizens from underrepresented and low-income backgrounds. In addition to creating federal grants and loan programs to help students pay for their education, the legislation made key investments in institutions of higher education.
Sponsored by the Chicanx Latinx Faculty and Staff Association, the Division of Student Affairs, the Black Faculty and Staff Association and Tri-Alpha Honor Society, Stan State's First-Gen Celebration Week also highlights the support systems and community resources that contribute to a sense of belonging and student success at the University.
Lissett De La Cruz, the diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility analyst in the Office of Inclusive Excellence, sees First-Gen Week as a vital opportunity to foster understanding, recognition and support across the entire campus community.
"These students are the pioneers in their families, being the first to attend a four-year institution. Celebrating their journey is a way to honor the hard work and determination it takes to break new ground and set a precedent for future generations."
-Lissett De La Cruz, DEIA Analyst and Alumna
"These students are the pioneers in their families, being the first to attend a four-year institution," said De La Cruz, a Stan State alumna who graduated in 2016 with a bachelor's degree in psychology and in 2020 with a master's in public administration. She also created Stan State's First-Gen Friday's workshop series in her prior role with the Academic Success Center. "Celebrating their journey is a way to honor the hard work and determination it takes to break new ground and set a precedent for future generations."
De La Cruz noted that honoring first-gen students' achievements is only part of the story. The week of celebration also reinforces Stan State's culture of inclusivity and support for everyone.
First-gen students bring strengths that include adaptability, resourcefulness and a sense of purpose to the University, De La Cruz added.
"Their diverse backgrounds and resilience enrich classroom discussions and campus life, offering a different lens through which we can all learn and grow. Their stories of determination and success inspire everyone around them, highlighting the strength and potential within our community."
Yesenia Cervantes, another first-generation student who is a junior majoring in public health promotion, described how learning to navigate college processes has strengthened her resolve.
"What may be obvious to others may be new to us as first-gen students," Cervantes said. "We're often learning as we go and sometimes that's isolating."
Cervantes credits her "grit" as her biggest asset, something that has helped her through challenging moments.
"First-Gen Week at Stan State is all about honoring the incredible courage and determination of our first-generation students - trailblazers who are becoming their ancestors' wildest dreams and bringing transformative energy and purpose to our community."
-President Britt Rios-Ellis
"Often, we come into these institutions with the statistics stacked up against us, but we remain committed to the goals we set forth for ourselves," Cervantes said.
When asked what message she would share with other first-generation students during First-Gen Week, Cervantes offered words of encouragement.
"You belong here despite the nagging feeling that this is not the place for you," she said. "Your presence here will forever change the trajectory of your family lineage."
Throughout the week, events will help build connections, share resources and create a space to celebrate first-gen accomplishments. De La Cruz emphasized that First-Gen Week highlights the strengths of first-gen students, making the campus a stronger, more connected community.
"It's a time to lift up these students, to show them and everyone else what a vital role they play here," De La Cruz said.
De La Cruz's sentiments reflect Stan State's dedication to fostering a supportive environment for first-generation students - a mission that resonates deeply at the University.
"We're committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment where every first-gen student has the resources they need to succeed and a community ready and eager to support them," Rios-Ellis said. "Juntos, estamos haciendo un impacto duradero en el Valle Central y transformando oportunidades para las futuras generaciones. Together, we are making a lasting impact on the Central Valley and transforming opportunity for generations to come."
Stan State's First-Generation Celebration Week includes a host of activities, and students, faculty and staff members are invited to register for events via the Warrior Life portal.
First-Generation Celebration Week Activities
Monday, Nov. 4
MSI x First-Gen Fridays: Reg and Play
1-3 p.m. Vasché Library, Room 201
Have you picked your classes for spring semester yet? Join us for a chance to ask your questions about your classes with an academic advisor from the Advising and Success Center and get a chance to hang out with the Male Success Initiative Peer Mentors.
Paint Party with Black Faculty and Staff Association
3-5 p.m. Village Café
The Black Faculty and Staff Association is hosting messages to the ancestors themed bottle painting. Give thanks to those who have sacrificed and uplifted students' pursuits of education and brighter futures. Supplies will be provided, but space is limited.
Tuesday, Nov. 5
First-Gen Votes: Find Your Polling Place and Make Your Mark
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. University Quad
Join the First-Gen Committee on Election Day to celebrate your right to vote! The committee will answer any questions first-time voters may have. The first 20 students will receive a special First-Gen Voter T-shirt and there will be sticker and button giveaways to show your first-gen pride. Make your voice heard on Election Day!
Wednesday, Nov. 6
Poetry Workshop with Poet Aideed Medina
1-2:30 p.m. Vasché Library, Room 102
Spend an afternoon with author and poet Aideed Medina to learn Flor y Canto poetry and writing tips and techniques and share your work with others in a safe space.
First-Gen Karaoke Night
6-7:30 p.m. Village Café
Get ready for a fun night of karaoke that welcomes soloists and group performances. Free food and drinks provided, just bring your talent and some friends.
Thursday, Nov. 7
Success as a First-Gen Professional
4-6 p.m. Acacia Building, Stockton Campus
Transitioning from student to professional can be difficult without a support network. Learn about potential barriers and strategies and connect with other first-gen students. This event will be available via Zoom and in person at the Stockton Campus.
Friday, Nov. 8
First-Gen Celebration Brunch and Panel
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Village Café
Enjoy brunch and share experiences with other First-Gen students, faculty and staff.