Samantha Ballard
IST | Chemistry Instructor
What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?
I'm proud that my love of learning and desire for education has provided me with a
life I enjoy, am professionally fulfilled in, and provides a means to support my family.
Educating students at SUNY Cobleskill and realizing my passion coming full circle
is a gift that I am incredibly thankful for.
What obstacles did you face in this context?
Education is expensive. My parents struggled in helping to pay for my education, and
I appreciated every bit of their effort. I also worked full-time as a student to support
myself. It was hard and difficult at times to stay the course, especially as a young
adult.
What advice do you have for other first generation students?
The quest is worth it and you are not alone! Enjoy the journey .. the twists, turns,
bumps, joys, pain, successes and failures .. it will make you who you into who were
becoming all along!
Shannan Breault
Senior Counselor
What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?
It brings a sense of pride and accomplishment. Being encouraged and supported by
my parents allowed me the opportunity to pursue my academics after high school without
having to jump right into the work world as they did. Being a first-gen also brought
a huge sense of responsibility because I felt I had to succeed, not only for me, but
for my parents, as they did not have the opportunity to go to college. My father went
into the Navy and my mother entered the work force right after high school.
What obstacles did you face in this context?
Finances were probably the biggest obstacle I faced. In addition to financial aid,
loans, and scholarships, I worked as an RA and a work study student during the school
year, held jobs during the summer to help with the costs.
What advice do you have for other first generation students?
Be proud, stay focused, and enjoy the experience.
Lisa Marie Cohen
ASAP|ACE Advisor
What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?
Everything! Growing up my mother worked every single day dressing up to go to work
at a bank and my father fixed furniture at home while taking care of us kids. They
taught me at an early age to love reading and books. When I was older I learned to
follow my passions and study English in College. Eventually I went on to receive
my MFA from Sarah Lawrence, teach overseas, visit 20 countries, work at SUNY, become
a professor and now a student advisor. Being first gen means - anything is possible.
What obstacles did you face in this context?
I knew nothing about college, FASFA, the experience or finding my place at SUNY Potsdam.
I will be honest with you I failed statistics three times, I dropped out of college,
I briefly enrolled here at SUNY Cobleskill as an earlychildhood ed major, but I realized
that wasn't my journey. I went back to SUNY Potsdam, I found a new advisor who believed
in me, I got a job working in the cafeteria on campus, I joined clubs and when I graduated
- my family was proud - but more important - I was.
What advice do you have for other first generation students?
Ask questions. Don't be afraid of failure. Be true to yourself. Join clubs. Talk to
your advisor (that might be me)! Be your own best advocate. Know yourself. Enjoy life.
Get lost on campus. Have ice cream at Stewarts in town. Remember: the journey is the
destination.
Amy Corbett
Professor, Applied Psychology
What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?
I was glad to be able to set an example for generations to come. College was an important
goal to me, and vital to my career.
What obstacles did you face in this context?
My family couldn't give me any advice or guidance as to how to navigate college,
from things like understanding who to ask about registration, to roommate issues,
to talking with my professors. They had no frame of reference to try to help.
What advice do you have for other first generation students?
Use the resources on campus to help you get ahead. Talk to professors / staff who
have had the college experience and may be able to help with questions. College is
hard, but there are answers to be found!
Jenny Essler
Assistant Professor
What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?
Being a first-generation college student meant I was carrying a lot of weight during
college - emotionally, mentally, financially. It meant I didn't know the academic
systems and I didn't have the help to learn them like many of my peers did. But it
also means that I overcame all of that, and I am proud of myself for being able to.
What obstacles did you face in this context?
Other than financial obstacles, the biggest one was just absolutely not knowing anything
about college. I had no idea what offices to go to, how to make connections with faculty,
a lot of the "unspoken" things you have to do to be successful. I was extremely lucky
to have an excellent mentor, who took me under her wing (shoutout Dr. Brosnan at GSU!).
Without her, I would have been totally lost, and not taken advantage of so many opportunities
because I simply would not have known about them, or felt confident enough to go for
them.
What advice do you have for other first generation students?
My advice would be to find the people who want to help you. There are so many of us
who can completely empathize with all of the unique struggles that come with being
a first-generation college student, from personal to academic struggles. Accept that
there are things you didn't know coming into this that your peers maybe have known,
and that is okay and out of your control. What is in your control is getting support
when and where you need it, and putting in effort to succeed in your goals. Find people
who are willing to support you and all of your unique needs!
Scott Ferguson
Professor and Executive Director of the Institute for Rural Vitality
What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?
I have learned that I and others can accomplish anything they truly desire and set
their mind to successfully acheive.
What obstacles did you face in this context?
Meeting the financial obligations of paying for college and personal management to
balance family, work and the pursuit of my education.
What advice do you have for other first generation students?
Believe in yourself. Do your very best. Never give up on your hopes and dreams. Surround
yourself with a supportive network that will help you achieve your hopes and dreams.
Jennifer Golden
Director of Educational Opportunity Program and CASE
What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?
Pride and Opportunity
What obstacles did you face in this context?
Financial Literacy and Pressure to Finish in 4 years
What advice do you have for other first generation students?
Seek Supports on Campus and Use the Resources-Advising and Tutoring
Alex Jobson
University Police Officer 2 - Lieutenant
What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?
Being a first-generation college student means overcoming obstacles and embracing
a determined mindset. It involves learning how to navigate unfamiliar waters and not
succumbing to pressure when faced with challenges. Instead, it’s about understanding
when to seek help, acknowledging that I couldn’t navigate these challenges alone.
As a police supervisor on campus, this experience not only allows me to empathize
with students who may also be navigating these unfamiliar territories for the first
time but also enables me to understand and support them through these moments.
What obstacles did you face in this context?
Some of the largest obstacles I faced included learning how to succeed amidst the
complexities of higher education. I lacked the family guidance needed for navigating
applications, applying for financial aid, and understanding the expectations regarding
coursework, especially in comparison to high school. Being a first-generation college
student thrust into these challenges, I acquired valuable skills such as time management.
Additionally, I learned how to maintain a balance between work, personal life, and
education. Besides my role as a police supervisor on campus, I am currently pursuing
a Master’s degree while ensuring I have ample time at home to spend with my family.
What advice do you have for other first generation students?
I would offer three pieces of advice for other first-generation students. First,
I would say to enjoy your time in college, but don’t forget the reason you are here
- which is to receive a quality education to better your future. Second, believe in
your abilities and don’t be too proud to ask for help when you need it. Utilize campus
resources and your professors; chances are, many of them were once first-generation
students too! Lastly, I would remind them of Thomas Edison and his quote when struggling
with inventing the lightbulb: ‘I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that
won’t work.’ Don’t be afraid to make mistakes! We all make them; but it’s what we
do after we make those mistakes that defines us.
Mike Jorgensen
Athletics Operations - Campus Recreation Coordinator
What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?
Proud, yet Humble. I am proud of what I accomplished in college, but very humble
about what I don't know and continue to learn.
What obstacles did you face in this context?
The biggest obstacle is "knowing that you don't know" and asking for help. Most first
gen college students are stubborn in that, so they don't ask until it is too late.
What advice do you have for other first generation students?
Put down your devices, take the earbuds out, and talk to people. Talk to classmates,
talk to the custodians, grounds people, food service staff, instructors, staff, and
even administration (Yes, they like to talk too)!! You cannot achieve success without
the assistance and acknowledgement of the people that surround you, and sharing their
experiences in conversation is the best way to learn how to learn.
Jihnay Lewis-Williams
EOP Counselor
What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?
I feel like I broke generational curse, and I was able to achieve a college degree.
Now first in my family to go to the master's degree level.
What obstacles did you face in this context?
I always felt like I could not make it because college course work is much different
from high school, but the EOP Summer Program helped prepare me for many obstacles
that I overcame.
What advice do you have for other first generation students?
Never give up and Slow Down and Enjoy the ride!
Bill Li
Ten Eyck Hall Residence Director
What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?
If I have to use two words to decribe it: opportunity and pressure. For me, I am
not only a first-gen scholar, but also a first-gen immigrant. Starting a journey that
neither of my parents can guide me from their experience, it was a challenge for sure.
But at the same time, as I started college, I realized how many more opportunities
and how much more resource I have compared to them when they were at my age. The pressure
comes from the idea that "I can't fail this because look at how good I have it", but
I think I was able to transform that pressure into perseverance. Of course, not only
did I get support from my parents, but also from my peers and my school. Some of my
best friends today are still from college!
What obstacles did you face in this context?
Navigating the college system itself was a challenge. I didn't even know what GPA
is before starting college in the U.S. Understanding curriculum, grades, degree requirements
and other ins and outs of college was certainly not easy. Another difficulty for me
has to do with things that are not "required", but still essential to the college
career, such as social life, engagement, career and professional development. Again,
because my parents have no experience in these aspects, I had to test the water out.
I remember vividly that during my 2nd or 3rd week of class, some students were already
talking about the upcoming career fair and internship. At that time I didn't even
have a resume or a tie! Slowly I learned more and more, and things made much more
sense.
What advice do you have for other first generation students?
Don't be afraid! That means don't be afraid to ask questions, don't be afraid to
try things out, don't be afraid to ask for help, and don't be afraid that you are
gonna mess your college career up just because your parents didn't go to college!
I am sure that 99% college students, even if their parents have college degrees, are
also trying to figure things out for themselve. We are actually all in the same boat!
Andrew Martin
CIO
What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?
Possibility! Optimisim! It doesn't have to be only what my family knew.
What obstacles did you face in this context?
Not having a personal community that could understand or help. Financial barriers.
Understanding which way to turn in the process.
What advice do you have for other first generation students?
Seek and build a support community. These can be friends, family, peers, educators,
people that have been there and can relate. This community can help you through tough
times and will have your back to help you achieve your next steps on the journey you
are on.
Darcy Medica
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?
It was very important to my parents that I go to college, since they did not. This
was a message that I received from them from an early age, and I knew that I had to
work hard to have a better life for myself and my children, and to honor the sacrifices
that my parents made for me to go to college.
What obstacles did you face in this context?
My family had very limited financial resources, and both of my parents lost their
jobs during my Junior year of college, so finances were always a concern and I worked
all through college, and multiple jobs in the summers. I also had some adjustments
to make academically. I had always done well in classes in high school without having
to study, and that definitely did not work in college! I needed to learn new tools
to help me be successful in my classes.
What advice do you have for other first generation students?
Don't give up! There are so many opportunities that your education will open to you.
If you find that you are struggling in any way, reach out to the resources on campus.
There are people who want to help you to be successful and you CAN do this!
Patricia Piatov
Department Chair
What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?
It means coming from a home where your parents didn't have comparable opportunities
that I did in education. It makes me sad that they didn't have opportunities, but
so proud of them for immigrating here and making a life for me where I could graduate
college. So many people don't have that. I do my best to pay that forward - ask me
if you need something- I'm allergic to "No."
What obstacles did you face in this context?
For education later in life (past being a little kid), I had to be on my own. My
folks were 100% supportive, but definately couldn't help with my calculus homework.
What advice do you have for other first generation students?
Know that you will have support here. As a small campus, you CAN do this. Speak up,
find someone you click with, and we will find a way to support you in both academics
and life.
Anthony Tesiero
Assistant Director of Residential Life
What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?
To me being first-gen means that I am helping shape the trajectory of my family for
the future. First-gens navigate the foggy road of college not only for their own development,
but to also be a guide for their families later on. Additionally, I feel that the
first-gen experience is extremely rewarding personally.
What obstacles did you face in this context?
As a first-gen student, I didn't have help from my parents when applying, attending,
or graduating college. I had to learn on my own and from campus resources how to be
a student, how to advocate for myself, and how to be successful. I also had to lean
on these resources and friends to vent when thing were difficult.
What advice do you have for other first generation students?
You've got this! Our campus provides so many resources for you. Use these resources,
they can only help. Also get involved on campus!
Dr. Ben Weikert Weikert
Department Chair, Associate Professor, General Education Coordinator
What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?
My maternal grandparents were both one of 10 children and grew up in poverty during
the great depression. They had 7th grade educations. My dad was accepted into a BBA
program at Penn State in 1967, but couldn't afford to stay on after his first semester.
To me, being a first-generation college student was a way to represent their teachings,
values, and hard work in a new context.
What obstacles did you face in this context?
Luckily, my older siblings acted as family guinea pigs for processes like applications,
financial aid, scholarships, graduate school etc.. I think that these processes can
prove challenging for families and students who are first generation college students.
What advice do you have for other first generation students?
Follow your interests and commit to reaching your fullest potential. You can never
been too giving, too