{"id":100983,"date":"2026-11-11T08:17:26","date_gmt":"2026-11-11T14:17:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tigermedianet.com\/?p=100983"},"modified":"2026-11-11T08:17:28","modified_gmt":"2026-11-11T14:17:28","slug":"fhsu-hosts-annual-first-gen-student-celebration","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/tigermedianet.com\/?p=100983","title":{"rendered":"FHSU hosts annual &#8216;first-gen&#8217; student celebration"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>Story by EDEN STAPLES<\/strong> <strong>Photos by BREANNA HOY<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Tiger Media Network<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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&#8217;s about pride and breaking traditions.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWe 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\u2019re appreciated here on campus,\u201d Perez said.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow aligncenter\" data-effect=\"slide\"><div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_container swiper-container\"><ul class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_swiper-wrapper swiper-wrapper\"><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"790\" height=\"662\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-101045\" data-id=\"101045\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/First-Gen-Landscape.png?resize=790%2C662\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/First-Gen-Landscape.png?w=940 940w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/First-Gen-Landscape.png?resize=310%2C260 310w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/First-Gen-Landscape.png?resize=150%2C126 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/First-Gen-Landscape.png?resize=768%2C644 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 790px) 100vw, 790px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\"> Students writing thank you cards to a faculty member <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"790\" height=\"988\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-101044\" data-id=\"101044\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/First-Gen-Portrait-1.png?resize=790%2C988\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/First-Gen-Portrait-1.png?resize=819%2C1024 819w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/First-Gen-Portrait-1.png?resize=208%2C260 208w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/First-Gen-Portrait-1.png?resize=120%2C150 120w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/First-Gen-Portrait-1.png?resize=768%2C960 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/First-Gen-Portrait-1.png?w=1080 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 790px) 100vw, 790px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">The event having the option to write thank you cards to an advisor or faculty member <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"790\" height=\"988\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-101043\" data-id=\"101043\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/First-Gen-Portrait-2.png?resize=790%2C988\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/First-Gen-Portrait-2.png?resize=819%2C1024 819w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/First-Gen-Portrait-2.png?resize=208%2C260 208w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/First-Gen-Portrait-2.png?resize=120%2C150 120w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/First-Gen-Portrait-2.png?resize=768%2C960 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/First-Gen-Portrait-2.png?w=1080 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 790px) 100vw, 790px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">The food and drinks provided at the event <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"790\" height=\"988\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-101042\" data-id=\"101042\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/First-Gen-Portrait.png?resize=790%2C988\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/First-Gen-Portrait.png?resize=819%2C1024 819w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/First-Gen-Portrait.png?resize=208%2C260 208w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/First-Gen-Portrait.png?resize=120%2C150 120w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/First-Gen-Portrait.png?resize=768%2C960 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/First-Gen-Portrait.png?w=1080 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 790px) 100vw, 790px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\"> First generation student Sabrena Munery <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"790\" height=\"662\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-101041\" data-id=\"101041\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/First-Gen-Landscape-1.png?resize=790%2C662\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/First-Gen-Landscape-1.png?w=940 940w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/First-Gen-Landscape-1.png?resize=310%2C260 310w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/First-Gen-Landscape-1.png?resize=150%2C126 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/First-Gen-Landscape-1.png?resize=768%2C644 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 790px) 100vw, 790px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">Students enjoying the refreshments provided <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><a class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-prev swiper-button-prev swiper-button-white\" role=\"button\"><\/a><a class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-next swiper-button-next swiper-button-white\" role=\"button\"><\/a><a aria-label=\"Pause Slideshow\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-pause\" role=\"button\"><\/a><div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_pagination swiper-pagination swiper-pagination-white\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>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.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cMy 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\u2019m 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,\u201d Wilson said. \u201cI 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.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Melina Saucedo, an FHSU Freshman, also shared what being a first-generation student means to her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cFirst-gen is somebody who is breaking traditions, and finally going ot college even though it may have been hard to get here,\u201d Saucedo said.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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&hellip; <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":142,"featured_media":101050,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[3398,11],"tags":[16583,16596,16676,16675],"class_list":["post-100983","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-campus-news","category-news","tag-breanna-hoy","tag-eden-staples","tag-first-gen-students","tag-first-generation-students-2"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/Screenshot-2026-11-11-081847.png?fit=937%2C679","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/tigermedianet.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/100983","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/tigermedianet.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/tigermedianet.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/tigermedianet.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/142"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/tigermedianet.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=100983"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"http:\/\/tigermedianet.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/100983\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":101051,"href":"http:\/\/tigermedianet.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/100983\/revisions\/101051"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/tigermedianet.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/101050"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/tigermedianet.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=100983"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/tigermedianet.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=100983"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/tigermedianet.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=100983"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}