By: Charlotte Ormond
The Student Alumni Leadership Council and the University of Maryland Alumni Association hosted a panel discussion for first-generation students and alumni to gather and share their stories and challenges as first-generation Terps.
The panel, led by Jayla Parrott, a junior information science and psychology double major and Vice President of Alumni Programming at SALC, featured three alumni — Hugo Cantu, Brittany Johnson and Susan C. Martin who has a doctorate in higher education administration.
The alums discussed a variety of topics, including their reasoning behind pursuing a degree, the struggles that they faced during their time at UMD and the unique characteristics of first-generation students. The audience included current students as well as alums from various graduating classes.
Johnson highlighted the issue of higher education being unaccommodating for “nontraditional students” like herself. Johnson noted that she didn’t have the same knowledge that other students had when beginning college, which forced her to teach herself how to excel academically.
Johnson discussed the importance of balancing support for first-generation students while maintaining their individuality.
“Making sure they are supported while merging them into traditional student life is the key to making sure [first-generation students] are heard but don’t feel like their uniqueness is stripped away because they had to conform to something,” Johnson said.
Martin emphasized that failure was not an option for her. She served as a resident assistant at UMD in order to receive a housing and meal plan. She also worked as a summer orientation leader to gain networking opportunities.
Martin sympathized with her fellow first-generation students, saying, “There’s a level of feeling like you’re not good enough.”
She highlighted the challenges of lacking an established network but reassured the audience that through hard work and resilience, doors will open and opportunities will present themselves.
Current first-generation terp, Laura Mata, a sophomore public relations and professional writing double major, attended the panel discussion. Mata decided to attend university with the encouragement of both of her parents.
“Prior to college, my parents had always encouraged me to take advantage of both academic and extracurricular activities to find what I had the most interest in and could enjoy,” Mata said. “This inspired me to create my own path knowing the support of my parents would always be there.”
One of Mata’s favorite parts of being a first-generation student is connecting with others who share similar experiences. This panel offered the opportunity to do just that.
Stephanie Nguyen, a sophomore studying information science, also attended the panel. Nguyen shared some of the difficulties that she has faced as a first-generation college student.
“In my experience, setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care can be difficult as a first-generation student, since familial and cultural values may not always align with my journey as a student.”
Nguyen turns to self-care and carving out time to pursue her personal hobbies, interests and relationships to relieve some of this stress.
To conclude the discussion, Cantu advised any first-generation students in the audience to have confidence in themselves and their capabilities.
“You already belong, you just have to play the part,” Cantu said. “You’re doing it for yourself, your family and your last name.”
Featured Image: First-Generation Terps panel in the Samuel Riggs IV Alumni Center on Nov. 7. Photo by Charlotte Ormond.