Today@Sam Article

Celebrating First-Generation Students

Oct. 30
SHSU Media Contact: Emily Binetti

By Mikah Boyd

FirstGen_KatKlub_009Starting Nov. 2, Sam Houston State University will celebrate first-generation college students through a week-long series of events centered around first-gen student success and achievement. Additionally, Bearkats are encouraged to use the hashtag #CelebrateFirstGen2020 throughout the week.

First-generation students are students who are the first in their family to attend a four-year college or university to attain a bachelor’s degree. Within SHSU’s current student population, 40 percent report being first-gen.

The week will kick off with a social media campaign by TRIO Student Support Services called “Voices of First-Generation Students,” featuring first-generation faculty and staff videos and photos. Through this campaign, students will see some familiar faces they may not have known were first-gen. The goal is to create a sense of community between students and faculty.  

To see the photos and videos, follow TRIO SSS on social media: @shsutriosss for Twitter and Instagram and TRIOSSS1964 on Snapchat.  

Additionally, Career Services and TRIO are partnering to present First Gen Career Conversations with Career Services counselor, Julio Quiralte. In this series of virtual events, he will address questions and concerns that first-generation students sometimes face in the career development process. Students interested can register for any of the Zoom meetings at 2 p.m. and learn about the following:

  • Nov. 2: Career Competencies- Develop the Skills Employers Want
  • Nov. 3: Selecting the Right Major for Your Career
  • Nov. 4: Networking: On and Off Campus
  • Nov. 5: Tips for Successful Job/ Internship Searches

On Nov. 5, first-gen students are invited to participate in the National First-Generation College Student Celebration from 6-7 p.m. The virtual event will provide students an opportunity to mingle with their peers. Entertainment will be provided by DJ Faro, and students will be able to participate in trivia games and win prizes in this evening of fun. Students interested in participating can register online.

Rounding out the week of festivities, a different virtual celebration on Nov. 6 will include a discussion about the history of the first-generation student definition. The event will take place online and those interested in attending must register beforehand.

 

 

 

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Communications Manager: Mikah Boyd
Telephone: 936.294.1837

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