By ALEJANDRA TAPIA/Contributor
The First-Gen Program helps students navigate their college careers.
The program offers a “community of support for first-generation college students through information sharing, advocacy, and connections between students, faculty and resources,” says the program’s website.
Lori Faullon, a sophomore majoring in nursing, said having access to these resources has made a huge difference.
“The school has really shown me that they put their students first and it’s given me confidence in my future,” she said.
Besides providing support, the program offers opportunities for first-gen students to connect through meetings, volunteer projects and more.
Aaliyah Talton is a member of the organization.
“The First-Gen organization has made me feel more comfortable—like a sense of belonging,” she said. “To me, knowing that there are other students that are sharing the same experience as I am lets me know that I have people that I can lean on.”
At the beginning of each month, the “First-Gen Newsletter” lists important things that may need to be done and information about tutoring, academic advising and campus activities.
Juan Mancilla, a construction management major, praised the information for helping him get to his senior year.
“My parents didn’t go to college, so everything college-related was very new to me,” he said. “The program and resources UT Tyler gave me helped me a lot navigating my journey,”
He said the program taught him more about the financial aspects of college and gave him networking opportunities.
“And now I’m set to graduate in the spring,” he said.
