By Nancy Navarro, Nov 19, 2024
Cal Poly Pomona celebrated its annual First-Generation College Student Week from Nov. 4 to Nov. 8. and honored the achievements of students who are the first in their families to attend college.
Over half of CPP students identify as first-generation students, the most recent 2023 CPP fall enrollment data show. The weeklong celebration included workshops and activities meant to support, motivate and encourage first-generation students while also building a sense of community on campus.
Throughout the week, faculty, staff and student groups worked together to create a supportive environment.
Hector Chacon, a district representative for California Sen. Bob Archuleta and first-generation student, visitedCPP to express his support to the first-generation students.
“First of all, I think it’s a great program to have at Cal Poly Pomona or any college for that matter,” Chacon said. “First-generation college students are very unique, and I think it’s very beneficial to the incoming potential students and even the current first-generation college students.”
One of the highlights of the week was the testimonio sessions Nov. 4 in the Bronco Student Center, where first-generation graduates shared their personal stories of perseverance, success and the challenges they overcame.
The speakers for the event included and Alvaro Huerta, an urban and regional planning and an ethnic women’s studies associate professor..
“A lot of times, all it takes is one teacher to believe in you,” said Huerta, highlighting how a single supportive teacher can have a big impact on the success of first-generation students.
Tuesday, Nov. 5, began with free giveaways and information about the resources available to first-generationstudents on campus. The day concluded with a session on how to overcome imposter syndrome
According to Chacon, one of the biggest challenges for first-generation college students, both in the past and present, is not having someone to guide you.
“As a first-generation student, you often have to figure out how to navigate the college system on your own and look for mentors you can relate to,” Chacon explained.
Paul Boyadjian, a general civil engineering student at CPP, said that first-gen students especially struggle to navigate college without having any guidance at home.
“It’s a very different system, and I think many people aren’t prepared for the shock of it, especially if you’re coming from a family that has not traditionally pursued higher education,” Boyadjian explained.
The featured events held Nov. 6 included “First-Gen’s Guide to Success” and “First-Gen on Tap.” These sessions aimed to help students connect with mentors who could offer guidance and support.
Nov. 7 was filled with events. . The day kicked off with a talk by special guests Dr. Yvette Martínez-Vu and Dr. Miroslava Chavez-Garcia, who discussed their book, “Is Grad School for Me? Demystifying the Application Process for First-Gen BIPOC Students.”
Students also had the opportunity to attend a workshop hosted by the Educational Opportunity Program on the importance of networking. The day continued with an overview of the Career Center’s resources, providing students with valuable tools for their career development. To finish the day, “I Am First” program hosted an ofrenda to honor deported family members and friends.
The week concluded Nov.8 with first-generation students encouraged to show their pride by wearing their I Am First shirts at a CPP volleyball game against Cal State L.A.
“The key to life’s journey is never giving up, no matter how hard it gets,” said Chacon, echoing Huerta’s thoughts. “Take it one step at a time, focus on getting your degree first. That’s the most important part. Graduate school or professional school can come later, but getting that degree is your first big step.”
Featured image courtesy of Nancy Navarro