Advising the First-generation College Student

Throughout my time working with first-generation college students I have always heard that these students need extra help–more resources, more hand-holding, more everything–but is this really the case? In my opinion, there is a duality in the answer, and it is not so black and white. Educators are aware that each student, regardless of background or demographics, is an individual with differing needs, but we sometimes get stuck in data and generalities without considering the individual. A blanket discussion on first-gen may be beneficial when talking at the state or national level, but when we look holistically at the individual, there is much more nuance.

My experiences have led me to understand that first-gen students do not inherently need extra anything, but meeting and treating these students as individuals is part of the advising process to assess their needs and how to best support them throughout their college careers. Some students may need a standing appointment or continuous check-ins, while others are more independent and able to work through issues and find resources with little help. What I think matters most is checking our assumptions and listening to understand rather than listening to respond with students. As Hemingway wrote: “When people talk, listen completely. Most people never listen.”

A blanket discussion on first-gen may be beneficial when talking at the state or national level, but when we look holistically at the individual, there is much more nuance.

I do not believe that first-gen students need any extra or special resources different from what any other student needs. However, I think that the biggest need for a first-gen student (and really, all students) is a committed and supportive environment and staff. The connections students make with faculty and staff can greatly transform their perspectives and ambitions; not because they “need” more but because the connections lead to trust which leads to confidence. The needs of a first-gen student are no different than any other student: they need access to tutoring, financial advisement, career and degree planning, etc. What they need more than anything, though, is a supportive connection on campus that can make them feel safe and confident in their pursuits. When we, as educators, remove our egos of what we think a student needs and listen to understand, we can really begin to connect with the individual rather than the data-driven assumption of who a student is by virtue of their demographics or identifiers. We want our students to approach each day excited about their courses, degree, and futures, and sometimes, all it takes is a friendly advisor or professor to help guide their decision making as they assess where they feel this excitement.

The biggest need for a first-gen student (and really, all students) is a committed and supportive environment and staff.

Florida SouthWestern State College’s (FSW’s) First-Generation in College Committee is looking at ways to connect with these students from day one, and our first initiative will be the First-Generation in College Celebration slated for November 8th. This event will promote the student success resources FSW offers as well as discussion panels with past and current first-gen students who will share their experiences and answer questions. What this event means most to us is implementing the perspective that the first-generation identifier is a badge of honor students should wear and that FSW celebrates. I would encourage all first-gen students to attend to learn more about FSW’s resources, hear the stories of other first-gen students, and begin to proudly proclaim “I am First-gen!”