Demons on Fire: First-generation student Peyton Fuller finds support and success with NSU family

November 26, 2024

NATCHITOCHES - Peyton Fuller, a junior from Deville, grew up around animals and aspired from a very young age to become a veterinarian, but her early life in an unstable home placed many obstacles in her path. As the first person in her family to attend college, Peyton speaks frankly about the challenges that first-generation students face in and out of the classroom. Without a family member to offer guidance, preparing for college feel overwhelming.

At NSU, Peyton quickly found her feet through involvement in service and campus organizations where she developed strong relationships with faculty mentors and other first-generation peers. She is pursuing a bachelor's degree in biology with a concentration in biomedical, along with an associate degree in veterinary technology and hopes to attend vet school at LSU.

Peyton sat down recently to talk about overcoming self-doubt, how she has been positively impacted by the relationships she formed with her NSU family and tips for first generation students looking for extra support. The conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity.

What are some challenges that first generation students face that faculty and/or administrators may not be aware of?

Peyton: Definitely communication. As first-generation students, we often have no idea what we are walking into, so for faculty to have an understanding that we have no one to talk to and not everyone wants to be open about their struggle. I didn't seek help my first semester because I was intimidated. I didn't know that was a thing that I could do, build a relationship with my professors.

Have you had any mentors you'd like to mention?

Peyton: My grandma raised me. She has been the biggest mentor that I can have. My cousin has been a big sister to me. At NSU, Linzi Lampert and Max Sanders came before me from my high school [Buckeye] and I wanted to do everything they were involved in and more. [Fellow students and Freshman Connectors] Coree Nash and Chris James - I'll name drop them every single day - because they are awesome people and they are both first generation. Definitely Dean of Students Reatha Cox. I've been able to have a personal relationship with her. She is also a first-generation student, so she is a great mentor to have. She makes your struggle feel seen, but also gives you the tools that you need feel equipped. Dr. Douglas Landry, the head of the Vet Tech department and Mary-Katherine Maggio [director of First Year Experience and Student Engagement] have both been very influential people that have pushed me towards better things.

What have you been involved with at NSU?

Peyton: What haven't I been involved with? As much as I can be. I started out getting involved in the President's Leadership Program, Tri Sigma Sorority, Baptist Collegiate Ministry, Tri Beta Biological Honor Society, Vet Tech Club, Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, Blue Key Honor Society, Purple Jackets, Order of Omega, Demon VIP. I was a Freshman Connector last year.

It doesn't sound like you were intimidated at all.

Peyton: I actually was at first. I came from a history of bad social anxiety that extended from my home life. I let myself get so intimidated in high school that I never let myself be who I really wanted to be. Coming to Freshman Connection, I came with the biggest open mind to not be afraid or intimidated by anything. I got the most that I could out of my Freshman Connection experience and that is exactly what led me to do everything that I have done at this point.

Do you think your experiences as a first-generation student have helped you be a better mentor?

Peyton: Definitely. I had to figure everything out on my own and that makes me more equipped to be able to be there for students. Not only have I gone through what they're going through, figuring out the adjustment to college life, I've also had to do with without a support system behind me. Doing it on your own prepares you to be a mentor for others.

Can you talk about some impactful experiences you've had at NSU?

Peyton: The first impactful experience was going through Freshman Connection. I got to see what college was going to be like. I was able to see what I wanted to get involved with. From there, definitely the first semester in the President's Leadership Program. I was touched by the fact that I was chosen to be part of it and the people that surrounded me in that. I got to go to France with NSU. I never even got to go to the beach on summer vacation, so getting to do something that I never dreamed possible was really awesome. I was awestruck the entire time, seeing the Eiffel Tower. I felt like a little girl living a big dream.

Where did you find that drive in yourself to do better?

Peyton: My theory with people who struggle with a bad homelife is that you either fall into that same pattern, or you do the exact opposite. I definitely did the exact opposite of how my parents were and let their struggle and their addictions drive me to do the exact opposite and be the parent that I wish I always had.

When you reflect on your academic and personal journey, what are some things that stand out as significant?

Peyton: I've always been highly motivated to do the exact opposite of the expectations that were set out for me. I made it a goal when I was about four years old. I was helping my grandma out with the horses and trying to doctor them. I had a plan for myself that I was going to go to college and to vet school and I did everything I could to prepare myself for that. I did dual enrollment classes in high school to help me prepare for college so the transition would be easier.

What made you choose NSU?

Peyton: I toured and saw that we have the most unique vet tech program. I saw something here that I didn't see anywhere else. The family, community. I'll say that every single day. It truly feels like a family. I have so many brothers and sisters now that I never had before and so many mentors, so many people to look up to and so many people supporting me.

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