Paving the Way: Campbell Celebrates First-Generation Students

The Oscar N. Harris Student Union was alive with pride and purpose Thursday as Campbell University celebrated its annual First-Generation College Celebration, honoring students, faculty and staff who are the first in their families to pursue higher education.

The event, in its second year, brought together stories of resilience, gratitude, and courage - proof that being "first" is about more than just starting a new path; it's about changing futures.

Representatives from campus programs, including the Wiggins Memorial Library, Athletics and Student Programs, sat behind colorful tables lining the entrance to the student union. They greeted people and answered questions. They passed out "First Gen" notebooks and team schedules, stickers, pens and sunglasses.

Katy Jones, director of New Student Programs, said last year's event was so successful it was an easy decision to offer it again in 2025. She wanted program coordinators to feature first gen students, faculty and staff who would connect with new students and help them navigate the college process.

Jones said organizers also wanted to educate the community about what being a first generation student means, the challenges they face and the ways the Campbell community can support them.

"I am the first woman in my family to attend a four-year university and extremely proud to say that," said Sarai Rodriguez, a junior nursing major. "It means the most to me that I am able to have this opportunity with the support of my family. Without their hard work, I wouldn't be here."

Rodriguez's words echoed throughout the Student Union, where dozens of first-generation Camels shared their own journeys with stories marked by perseverance and purpose.

Jones, referencing feedback from last year's celebration, said students felt seen and heard. That the Campbell community helped them become familiar with "college knowledge," things such as FAFSA, scholarships, housing applications and the syllabus.

These new students want to make their families proud. They want to succeed, to set an example for future generations, Jones said.

"Being first-generation means honoring the determination and guidance of my parents, who paved the way for me to pursue my dreams," said Carolina Ramirez-Contreras, a sophomore biomedical humanities pre-med major.

"It also means learning to navigate two worlds at once - figuring out college without having someone at home who's done it before. But it's made me more resilient and determined to succeed."

That mix of pride and pressure is something many in the room deeply understand. The campus-wide event gave participants a platform to celebrate their accomplishments and encourage others walking the same path.

"Being a first-generation student means resilience," said Havana Carlton, a senior biomedical humanities major and president of RANSOM. "We don't always have a blueprint, but we take that first step anyway - and that step becomes a leap of faith. I'm proud to say I did something that no one in my family had done before."

The celebration also highlighted the role of mentorship and community. Faculty and staff who once faced the same challenges as today's students now lead the way as mentors and advocates.

Jennifer Seagraves, Instructional Pedagogy Librarian, reflected on her own experience as a first-generation student. "As the first in my family to attend a university in the United States, it was about breaking barriers," she said. "It can be isolating, but there's no shame in asking for help. Find mentors - especially first-generation mentors at Campbell - who can help you navigate the challenges you don't yet know you'll face."

Many of those same stories are fueling a growing first-generation support network at Campbell - a connection between today's students and the faculty and staff who once walked in their shoes.

For Lucero Hernandez, a senior communication major, being first-generation is about honoring where she came from while setting an example for those who follow. "Being first-gen means representing my family and showing that anything is possible with dedication and support," she said. "There's pressure, but that same pressure motivates me to work harder and stay determined."

Students also shared advice for those just starting their college journeys. "Don't be afraid of the challenges," said Makaylee Sanders, a junior health communication major. "Being first-gen can be difficult, but it's so rewarding. Every question you ask, every step you take, shows that you belong here."

"Be proud of your journey," added Alma Garcia, a freshman studying criminal justice. "You're not just changing your life - you're changing your family's story."

The recurring phrase printed on posters and spoken from the podium - "I may be the first, but I won't be the last" - summed up the spirit of the day.

"Being first-gen means honoring the sacrifices my family made for me to be here. Each milestone reminds me that I'm creating a path that didn't exist before," said Jacky Romero, a pre-nursing major.

In a space filled with emotions across the board, Campbell's first-generation proudly personified the university's mission of developing a sense of character, initiative and calling. Each story was a reminder that while being first comes with challenges, it also carries extraordinary strength.

"Education changes lives," said Sherri Yerk-Zwickl, Vice President for Information Technology. "Being able to set an example for others in my family has been rewarding and has helped our generation improve our well-being and future. I was the first - but I certainly won't be the last."

Evan Budrovich Director of Digital Media

BENNETT SCARBOROUGH Photographer