To celebrate National First Generation College Celebration Day, Florida Gulf Coast University hosted a celebration for first-generation students, staff and faculty. First generation college students are the first in their family to attend college. <\/p>\n
Vanessa Lopes-Simon, the president of FGCU’s First Generation Organization, says first-gen students have a unique set of challenges that need to be acknowledged, but also celebrated.<\/p>\n
“First-gen means a whole bunch of things. Not only does it mean facing a more challenges because you are new to this unfamiliar environment of of college and entering the workforce,” Lopez-Simon said. “But it also means inspired, driven, motivated. A need to build each other up in community.”<\/p>\n
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To celebrate National First Generation College Celebration Day, Florida Gulf Coast University is hosting a celebration for first-generation students, staff and faculty.<\/p>\n
Campus offices and organizations like TRIO Student Support Services and Career Development Services were at the event Wednesday with resources tailored to first generation students.<\/p>\n
FGCU’s Senior Director of Academic Support Programs and Services Valerie Garcia-Rea says this support is what the celebration is all about.<\/p>\n
“Sometimes first-gen students have a lonely sort of feeling,” Garcia-Rea said. “This celebration helps them to know that they’re not alone, and again, provide resources and support to help them be successful.”<\/p>\n