November 8th is First-generation Day at WSU – but what does that mean, and what do we do to give first-generation students the specific support they deserve?
Being a first-generation student often carries a weight of responsibility that others do not feel. They are pioneers within their families; by attending college or university, by being among the first in their family to graduate with a four-year degree, they are not just opening new doors for themselves, but for their whole family. They not only push back the frontiers of education, but also of society. Such an accomplishment brings with it a justifiable sense of pride, but it can also bring a sense of worry, or even guilt.
Entering higher education is not an easy feat for anyone, but being the first to do so brings unique challenges. Some must do it wholly on their own, and they may feel a need to prove themselves against expectations. Others do it with the support of family and friends, but that carries a burden of responsibility that goes beyond themselves. No matter how one does it, a first-generation student bares a weight that is unique to themselves. They feel a need to succeed that others may not understand, and often experience a sense of isolation as they encounter difficulties that their own family has no frame of reference for. This all creates educational, economic and emotional difficulties unique to their experience.
At Murrow, we don’t just try to help students deal with these challenges, we do so because we understand it. Approximately 35% of the Murrow College student body are first-generation students, and there is a significant proportion of staff and faculty who were first-gens themselves. Perhaps more importantly, there is a vast cadre of first-generation alumni. Professionals who have fought their own way through those challenges and who want to help make the way easier for others. That is why we have the Murrow First program, to focus specifically on first-generation students and give them the specific support they deserve.
Murrow First
Murrow First assists students by guiding them in finding college resources and career advice. We offer in depth and personal insight into journeys of other first-gens, people who have “been there” and experienced the same types of unknowns about the college and career pathways. This program connects first-generation students to mentors, alumni who work in the fields that students want to enter. These Murrow First Mentors participate in a virtual series of workshops that prepare them to understand the unique challenges faced by first-generation students in today’s university environment. They regularly meet with students, help guide them through the ups and downs of their college journey, and often when the connection is deep, help them on the road through their careers.
As a First-gen Forward Institution, WSU is hosting a variety of events in the coming weeks aimed directly at first-generation students. You can find a schedule of those programs, here. Murrow College will support system-wide efforts with a few of our own events on November 8th:
A video chat with first-generation alum Steve Wymer
Steve is a purpose-driven leader, who has advised and served as spokesperson for three US Senators, and worked in senior executive roles at TiVo, Nextdoor, eBay and others. He holds a truly global perspective and is excited to share his story and give his support to other first-gens.
Opportunities for First-generation Students at Murrow College
The Murrow Center for Student Success will celebrate and educate about the Murrow First and Coaching Collaborative programs. It will raise awareness of these groundbreaking programs and encourage first-generation communication students to sign up for these opportunities.
If you want to donate your time to be a Murrow Mentor, email sara.stout@wsu.edu to learn more.
If you want to donate to make a gift to the Murrow Center for Student Success, which houses programs such as Murrow First and the Coaching Collaborative, click here…