TRIO Student Support Services held a breakfast last month where staff members and students came together to share their experiences and offer valuable advice for first-generation college students, a phrase used to describe those who don't have an immediate family member who attended college. As Director of TRIO Gabe Santner pointed out during the breakfast, many of the faculty and staff have had similar experiences to QCC's student population. Their stories of resilience, determination and success offered inspiration for newcomers to higher education.
The panel of speakers included:
- Parenting Student Navigator Michelle Brennan
- Enrollment Counselor Geovanni Cruz
- Advising Coordinator Jennie Guzman Gayflor
- TRIO Counselor Jonathan Moraes
- Learning Manager of the Writing Center Kirsten Patey
Many members of the panel were first-generation college students or returned to school at an older age after raising a family or immediately entering the workforce.
"I didn't know I was a first-generation student. I didn't think of it that way but looking back, my parents didn't know the system at all. I had to do it all on my own," said Guzman Gayflor.
Besides navigating systems alone, the speakers addressed another common challenge for first-generation students: imposter syndrome.
"When I came back to school in my forties, I had a really big case of imposter syndrome," Brennan shared. "If you're questioning whether you belong at QCC, I'll tell you, you absolutely do belong here."
A unanimous opinion amongst the panel was that students at QCC don't have to go it alone and their strongest advice was to ask for help and tap into QCC's resources.
"Reach out if you need help and start right away. Don't wait until the problem gets bigger," Cruz encouraged.
QCC President Dr. Luis Pedraja, another first-generation student, echoed this sentiment.
"Informal mentors and professors took an interest in me and were instrumental in my success. Look for those mentors and support structures. There are people here who support you and believe in you," Pedraja stated.
Several speakers highlighted the importance of finding a support network. Cruz and Guzman Gayflor suggested finding study partners to stay motivated and hold each other accountable. Patey noted that family and friends might not always be supportive and it can be useful to make connections on campus with people who share your values and goals.
Patey, representing the college's tutoring services, described available resources and encouraged students to take advantage of them early and often.
"We have math, writing and subject tutoring, both in-person and online," Patey said.
Participation in campus life was another recurring theme. Clubs, sports, internships, and work-study programs were all suggested as ways to get involved and meet more people who could potentially become part of a support system.
"You want to get the whole college experience. We have so much to offer at QCC, more than students realize. Join a club, or start one of your own," Moraes said.
The speakers also acknowledged that everyone's path through college is different and one path may include taking a pause in schooling. Brennan noted that this is natural and shouldn't be seen as a failure. One way to avoid becoming overloaded is to be realistic when scheduling courses.
"Go at your own pace. Don't look at what others are doing; do what you need to do for yourself," Moraes advised.
One student shared, "If it wasn't for TRIO and Parenting Student Services, I would've dropped out all over again. Now nothing can stop me, I don't care if I'm 80."
TRIO serves 140 students of any major who are first-generation or low-income by offering advising, tutoring, employment assistance and general support for just about any challenge that may arise during a student's academic journey.
For more information, visit QCC.edu/trio.