THE FIRST GENERATION
Stories of Success & Struggle
Defining Success
Regarding student success, we operationalize it as student engagement in the broader UGA community, academic success in terms of persistence and progression toward graduation, and ultimately graduation itself.
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—Dominique Quarles
Director of Diversity and Inclusion, Office of Institutional Diversity
From our work with the Office of Institutional Diversity, we were aware that the University of Georgia is invested in the success of its students, including those who identify as first-generation. However, we understood that “success” itself most likely takes on different meanings for different people. In conducting this research, we hoped to develop a better understanding of how the specific circumstances of first-generation UGA students may or may not shape their definitions of success, as well as their capacity to achieve that success in the context of the infrastructures and resources available to them at UGA.
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Several recurring themes emerged from our interviews with first-generation students at UGA. We found that many of our participants characterize success in terms of personal happiness, fulfillment, and the ability to make meaningful change in the world around them.
I want to go to work everyday and do something I love, no matter the pay. I want to be an incredible mother and wife someday. I want to be selfless. To be able to make a positive impact in the lives of others is my idea of success.
Alaina
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Definitely being employed and making a good salary, but being employed at job that I like. That would be great... A job that I looked forward to going to. One that brings me joy and that I know that I'm making a difference in someone’s life. Knowing that I'm appreciated, that my work and opinions are valued and that people really care that I'm there.
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—Destin
Our interviews also revealed that for many of our participants, family plays a significant role in shaping their definitions of success.
I am a reason for them to believe in the American Dream.
Ben
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Barriers to Success
Many participants mentioned a lack of resources and guidance that would meet their specific needs as first-generation students. The statements made in the following text and audio recordings do not reflect the personal opinions of the researchers, but are presented in the hopes of conveying—as accurately as possible—the experiences and circumstances of the first-generation students who participated in our project.
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Many of our participants mentioned the difficulty of navigating financial aid, classes, and professional opportunities without the guidance of their parents.
Throughout our conversations with these individuals, it also became clear that their identities as first-generation college students were rarely visible or salient. Because of this, many participants felt disconnected from other UGA students with similar backgrounds.
This is the first time I've seen representation of our demographic at UGA... this was the first time I've seen anything pertaining to the first-generation student. To see someone talk about this was kind of mind-blowing.
Ben
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As far as people from here... I don't think I've talked to anyone about it, or I don't think I've met anyone specifically that said, "My parents didn't go to college."
Walker
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Supporting Success
As they recounted their experiences as first-generation students, many of our participants also discussed their encounters and interactions with various support services available to them at UGA. Students had mixed reviews of existing programs, including Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) and TRIO Student Support Services. The following statements do not reflect the personal opinions of the researchers, but rather the insights of the first-generation students themselves.
Several participants also envisioned additional opportunities—services and programs they believe to be currently unavailable at UGA—that would benefit them as they continue in their pursuit of success. Multiple students mentioned their desire for a network connecting current students with peer, faculty, and alumni mentors, and suggestions for additional support services also emerged.
If there were services for students who were significantly struggling with
housing and basic necessities that would have helped when I was an undergrad.
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—Matt