CFANS celebrates First Gen Week
Each year, we join colleges across the United States to celebrate the presence and experience of first-generation college students, faculty, and staff on campus
At the University of Minnesota, we are First Gen Proud. Roughly 1 in 4 students at the University are the first in their family to attend college. Navigating college as a first-generation student can feel simultaneously daunting, exciting, and rewarding.
Celebrate National First-Generation College Student Week with the University of Minnesota from November 6 through 10, and with CFANS and CDes on Wednesday, November 8 during Sweets and Snapshots.
We thank the first-generation college students in CFANS who have shared their stories and experiences:
Nadia Phillips
Undergraduate student, Plant Sciences major
My #UMNFirst Story:
My parents graduated from Waseca High School and went straight into the workforce. They worked for everything they had, and once they had my brother and I, college became a distant idea to them. Although I had a great childhood, I knew early on that they did not have any extra money for a college education for my brother and I. For a long time I did not plan on coming to college, since I knew I could not afford it. It wasn't until my senior year of high school that I realized so many gracious people, companies, and organizations want to financially support people just like me. Through FFA, I was able to receive some financial assistance, and because of the Land Grant Legacy Scholars program here at the University of Minnesota, I was given enough assistance to be able to afford to study here. My freshman year I still had to apply for multiple state and federal loans to be here, but it was reasonable. Therefore, I am so grateful for the University of Minnesota and especially the College of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS) for believing in me enough to want to support my journey here. Without their assistance I would not be here today, and would not be following my passion of studying to become a Plant Pathologist.
My Advice for Other First-Gen Students:
Even though it may seem like you are all alone in not knowing how to apply to colleges, or how to navigate student loans, I promise that you can do it. Once you arrive at the University of Minnesota, you will also have many resources to ask questions to about finances, and how to navigate college. Most importantly though, YOU ARE NOT TRULY ALONE! So many people want to help you. Lastly, you are not a burden for asking more questions than non-first generation students, you deserve to be here just as much as anyone else.
Read more about Nadia Phillips and her path to plant pathology in "College Got Me Out of My Shell," by K. Kiser, M Giving.
Lecia Mata
'22 BS Animal Sciences, BA Ojibwe Language | Veterinary Student at Colorado State, Emergency and Surgical Equine Technicia, and Co-Founder of Natives in VetMed
My #UMNFirst Story:
I've always had a love for animals, when I was in kindergarten and I was asked 'What do you want to be when you grow up?' I always answered veterinarian. My mom was begin college as a nursing student while raising three of her younger siblings and myself and my dad was an auto mechanic. Both of my parents chose to work full-time rather than finish their degree because they wanted to offer me what they felt was more important, stability and unconditional love. I understood college was a necessity with the career I wanted, but the path into college was very intense for me. My family needed me and I decided to begin college while taking care of my sister who was six years old at the time. I lacked the resources to understand the financial aid process, how to select classes and how to utilize university resources. I was overwhelmed and had a constant feeling of imposter syndrome. I questioned if I even belonged in college and why I was admitted to the U or why I was pursuing such an intensive career. With the help of my chemistry professor, the Student Parent Help Center, COIN, AISCC and PES I persevered through my feelings of doubt and obstacles of adjusting to the rigorous college schedule.
My Advice for Other First-Gen Students:
Never look as failure as a finality. Failure is an obstacle intended to challenge us beyond our current prospectives during our journey. When those feelings of burnout, overwhelmed or imposter syndrome arise, sit down and think of all those things you have accomplished so far. As a first-generation student you're defying every statistic society labels us with, you're providing your peers with a unique prospective and overall you bring so much to a community with simply your presence. You're resilient, you're resourceful and you're revitalizing a society built on systematic racism and oppression.
Nick Rajtar
Graduate student, Department of Plant Pathology, Plant Sciences
My #UMNFirst Story:
My parents had only attended college for a year or so and chose to work instead of completing their degrees. During my time as an undergraduate, I worked 20 hours a week on top of going to school full-time to support myself. I encountered some hardships along the way. It took me six years, two major changes, and three different schools to complete my degree. I now have a B.S. in Plant Sciences from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities and am now working on completing my PhD in Plant Pathology. I am extremely grateful for the support from my wife, mentors, family, friends, and pets. I couldn't be more happy with my choice to complete my degree and continue my education.
My Advice for Other First-Gen Students:
Find a major/field to work in that you love and don't be afraid to change majors/schools. Have a hobby that is unrelated to your studies. There will be tough times but the end result is worth it. Don't be afraid to ask for help.
