First Generation Stories

Hear success stories from our faculty and staff as they share their experiences as a first-generation college student.

Importance of Role Models
Stephen M. Miller, Professor and Chair — Department of Economics
My parents, a high school math teacher, an undergraduate economics professor, and two chairs of economics departments all provided role models that affected my career path and professional development.

All Things Are Possible
Carol Servino, Ph. D Student—School of Public Affairs
I know from experience, all things are possible. That’s what education is all about: new possibilities, options and choices, every day.

Plane to the Future
Wendell Staszkow, Telecounseling Coordinator — Office of Undergraduate Recruitment
My mother told me before I left Hawaii that I was taking a plane to the future, so everything I needed to do was mine to accomplish.

Keeping a Promise
Janet Wilson-McFarland, Legal Secretary — Boyd School of Law
If there is a message to this, it’s “Persistence is the key. Don’t give up.”