Western Texas College celebrated First-Generation College Day on November 8 in the Student Center. Many students, faculty, and staff attended and discovered that many people on campus are or were first-generation students.
“First-generation college students are trailblazers,” says Cassandra Saenz, Director of TRiO Student Support Services. Saenz is a first-generation college graduate herself.
“It’s about breaking barriers and believing in your potential, no matter the odds,” she added. “We want to celebrate that journey and remind our students that they are never alone in this experience.”
The date of the event recognizes President Lyndon B. Johnson signing the Higher Education Act on November 8, 1965. The law helped make a college education more affordable and a degree more attainable by creating programs to help students pay for school.
Some of the federal programs help students from families with limited income who are the first in their families to go to college. These programs support students in getting into college, staying in school, and finishing their degrees. Western Texas College supports three of these programs on campus: Student Support Services, Talent Search, and Upward Bound.
SSS supports first-generation students, including academic support, advising, tutoring, application assistance, monthly skills workshops, and direct financial assistance to qualifying students. All services are free of charge to college students.
“Navigating college-level expectations and responsibilities can be extremely difficult, even more so for the first-generation college student,” notes Dr. Barb Beebe, College President.
“As a first-generation college graduate myself, I understand these difficulties and work with faculty, staff, and students across campus to address the challenges.”
The event highlighted the journeys of first-generation faculty and staff members who earned degrees. A photo gallery showcased stories of determination, resilience, and triumph over obstacles. Each portrait included a photo and a summary of the graduate’s college journey.
“We want our first-generation students to understand that there are employees on campus who were just like them,” added Saenz. “We know that connections are key to success for students.”
Attendees connected, reflected, and found inspiration in these remarkable stories. Each first-generation faculty and staff participant also received a door hanger proudly identifying them as a first-generation graduate.