The Sprouts of ESU First-generation Community Are In Full Bloom
Jessica Santiago, Grace Logan, Jayla Bainbridge, East Stroudsburg University / The Center / May 03, 2023
East Stroudsburg University's first-generation students had a week-long rollercoaster of events as they learned support was everywhere if they knew who and what to look for, while many learned what it meant to be a first-generation college student. This experience is called The GenOne Celebration Week.
The week started with an emotional meet-and-greet at Beers Lecture Hall where staff and faculty members from many different departments came to share about their path in becoming a first-generation college student. There were several testimonies that brought tears to students and faculty’s eyes. Many were overcome by the power of their faculty authenticity and genuine show of emotion on stage. Not only were the words of encouragement powerful but many of the stories seemed familiar to our student’s personal experiences.
“I felt as if I didn’t belong anywhere because I didn’t have the background many of my peers have, but after learning I was a first-generation student and I was not alone I felt empowered to finish my college career.” - Grace Logan, Psychology Major, Senior
“When you see you are ahead don’t forget to reach back and support the ones behind you.” - Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) Faculty
The event that followed was focused on our commuters, but nonetheless it was to support all first-generation students at East Stroudsburg University. The “We are here for you” event brought all students into our commuter lounge where light refreshments were served, and they had a chance to win many incentives. It gave them the opportunity to converse and get to know each other after such an emotional night the day before.
On Wednesday, we had a delicious lunch while we listened to inspirational speeches from our successful first-generation alumni. It was a great opportunity for our students to engage, ask questions and learn about the power of networking and building connections to help accomplish goals and get further ahead in life. Many of them could now imagine themselves as successful and accomplished individuals at East Stroudsburg University and beyond.
Our “Paint & Sip” event the following day had the most attendance. By then most students were familiar with each other and felt more connected. Several friendships began, a sense of belonging was established, and the GenOne community emerged. Once again, our students were given East Stroudsburg University gear, got to keep their painting, and learned about more resources available to them on campus and nation-wide.
Our final and most fun event of the week was Jeopardy. Many students, staff and faculty showed up to play a fun and engaging game of Jeopardy. Our first-generation students showed how competitive and driven they could be. Faculty and students were divided into several groups and given more time to bond and build connections. They showed great enthusiasm while playing the game.
It was beautiful to see the progression of events, student’s self-confidence being built, and the complete transformation of many of them throughout The GenOne Celebration Week.
