Story by EDEN STAPLES Photos by BREANNA HOY
Tiger Media Network
Being a first-generation college student is something worth celebrating, and Fort Hays State University did just that during its annual First-Generation College Celebration on Thursday. This nationwide celebration recognizes students who are the first in their families to attend college. For many students, being a first-gen student represents more than just earning a degree; it’s about pride and breaking traditions.
Hugo Perez, the event organizer and first-generation college student himself, says this is the fourth year this event has taken place. He said the event gives the large number of first-generation students the opportunity to feel recognized and appreciated, but also provides a space for students to connect with others through food, conversation, and networking.
“We have a large number of first-gen college students on this campus, and we want to celebrate that identity for our students and just for them to know that they’re appreciated here on campus,” Perez said.
For some students attending the event, the meaning goes deeper. FHSU senior Genesis Wilson said being a first-generation student is a source of pride. Wilson is not only the first in her family to attend college but also comes from a family where graduating from high school was uncommon.
She hopes to show others that first-generation students can pursue challenging majors, take on leadership roles, work and stay involved on campus. Wilson has attended the celebration since its beginning and said her favorite part is getting to talk with other first-generation students and build a sense of community.
“My family comes from a long line of doing GEDs or teen pregnancies, etc. so being able to come to college and be a first-gen student is an honor and a sense of pride, and I’m really excited to be able to show people you can really do big leadership things, you can do a really hard major, you can work, you can be involved, and be a first-gen,” Wilson said. “I love coming to this event every year and being able to talk to people who are also first-gen and just be able to have community here, have some food, and foster conversations.”
Melina Saucedo, an FHSU Freshman, also shared what being a first-generation student means to her.
“First-gen is somebody who is breaking traditions, and finally going ot college even though it may have been hard to get here,” Saucedo said.
Through the annual celebration, Fort Hays State University hopes to remind first-generation students that they have a community supporting them and to recognize the hard work and pride that comes with being first-generation.