Celebrating First-Generation Trailblazers at CSUDH

“I belong here, and I have a community.”

It’s a simple sentiment expressed by one of the many first-generation students who attend California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) during the university’s Sixth Annual First-Generation College Celebration in November. But that fundamental feeling is perhaps the most salient element that any higher education institution can instill in any of its students. Yet for first-generation students, feeling a sense of community in higher education has often been elusive.

First-gen students make up an increasingly larger segment of the student population across the United States. At CSUDH, approximately 45 percent of our student body is first generation. Yet, historically, higher education institutions in the U.S. have not done enough to recognize the unique experiences and challenges this growing cohort of students face. For students whose parents or guardians never attended college or university—which is how we define a first-generation student at CSUDH—the higher education experience can often seem opaque and disconnecting.

“This journey can be lonely,” another CSUDH first-gen student explained. “But having a community of those who are on the same boat makes it all the better.”

For universities like CSUDH, recognizing, honoring, and sharing the stories of these trailblazers in our community—whether they are students, faculty, staff, or alumni—can go a long way toward creating the critical sense of belonging that is so vital for student success.

“I’m happy to learn about how many first-gen students CSUDH has,” another attendee remarked. “It helped me feel a sense of belonging.”

This year’s first-generation celebration helped to foster this vital sense of community by highlighted the stories and experiences of other first-generation students, staff, faculty, and alumni. The event featured a panel discussion with members of the CSUDH community who shared their journeys. Conversations among attendees provided additional opportunities for connection and reflection as well.

The seemingly simple action of recognizing and honoring the unique accomplishments of our students can have a profound impact. Sharing our stories is a way of affirming our worth and belonging. It validates the challenges that accompany a first-generation identity, as well as illustrating what is possible through determination and support. By simply telling these stories, we remind students that faculty members and professionals were once in their shoes as well, navigating similar challenges. And we remind ourselves that it truly takes a village to create environments where first-generation students can thrive.

Building a Community of Belonging

• Fostering a sense of belonging by creating opportunities for students to share their stories, celebrate their achievements, and build meaningful connections with peers, faculty, and staff.

• Being unapologetic about who we are as a campus. We proudly serve a racially and ethnically diverse student population, including those with marginalized identities such as first-generation students, students from lower-income backgrounds, student parents, and immigrants.

• Recognizing and celebrating the rich cultural diversity of our students and campus community by creating spaces for students to find belonging and pride in their identities while building bridges across differences and recognizing and addressing intersectionality in students’ identities and experiences.

• Removing institutional barriers that hinder student success, from administrative hurdles to policies that disproportionately impact marginalized groups.

• Demystifying the hidden curriculum. By speaking out loud about academic language and unspoken expectations, we make higher education more accessible for everyone.

Students bring their whole selves to campus—their lived experiences, cultures, and values enrich our university community. When we honor these contributions, we create spaces where students feel seen, supported, and empowered to excel.

Continuing a Legacy of Serving Diverse Communities

Over 80 percent of CSUDH students are underserved. We are committed to fostering the social mobility that a degree from CSUDH provides to our graduates. This year’s First-Generation College Celebration was a reminder of that commitment and a call to action for all members of our campus community to contribute to this mission.

Participants left the event feeling motivated and inspired.

“I appreciated the event itself and recognizing first-gen students and their struggles,” a student shared. “It was helpful to see staff and faculty go through the same things and share their insights, which really helped me understand the importance of keeping going and reassuring myself that I can actually do it because I have support on and off campus.”

By working together, we can continue to build an environment where first-generation students—and all students—can thrive. Let us celebrate the achievements of our first-generation trailblazers and recommit to supporting their journeys. At CSUDH, we are not just shaping futures; we are changing lives.