First to Fly on Zoom: Building Community Online During Remote Learning and Instruction

During a semester of remote learning and instruction, First to Fly: First Generation at Monmouth set out to bring the first-gen campus community together with weekly virtual gatherings online. 

On most Tuesdays this fall, "First to Fly on Zoom" offered first-gen students, faculty, employees, or anyone who wanted to learn more about identifying as first-gen the opportunity to network, share experiences, share resources and most importantly, continue to build community in a virtual space. Each session was co-hosted by First to Fly Graduate Assistant Juliana Florez and Claude Taylor, Director for Academic Transition and Inclusion. Some of the weekly conversation themes included navigating the transition from high school to college; tips for connecting with family while away at college; understanding impostor syndrome; considering graduate education; and coping with stress and anxiety during recess and finals. 

First to Fly is a campus-wide initiative, established in 2017, that is designed to offer academic, social, and personal support for students who identify as a first-generation. Support for first generation students includes individual and small group advising; the First to Fly Mentor Community; and peer support through the First to Fly student club. This student success initiative connects Monmouth students who are first in their families to go to college with campus resources and encourages their active engagement with an inclusive, multicultural community of support.