BSOS Terps Join in the National First-Generation College Celebration

November 8, 2022

Dear BSOS Terps,

I welcome you to join me in celebrating the annual National First-Generation College Celebration today, especially those of you who are first-generation students and graduates. 

As a first-generation college graduate with family hailing from Puerto Rico, I am proud of the courage and curiosity exhibited–and friendships and other connections forged–by first-generation students. I am grateful for the peers, faculty, staff, family members and friends who support them. 

While I enjoyed my time as an undergraduate student immensely, there were many moments when I felt out of the loop. I had never heard the term “graduate school” before I entered college. Sometimes, I felt that I was speaking a different language than some of my fellow students and professors. 

It wasn’t always easy to build my own knowledge base and network, but by asking questions and seeking help, and by finding a support network of other first-generation students, I was able to take full advantage of the opportunities surrounding me. The community I gained throughout my undergraduate and graduate education were well worth the effort. As I progressed through my academic and professional careers, I made a point to be a resource, a sounding board, and a welcoming community member to other first-generation students who came after me.

This celebration is an initiative of the Council for Opportunity in Education and the Center for First-generation Student Success. Learn more and access resources here. And, of course, please visit the First-Gen Terps website to learn more about resources on campus.

Congratulations on all of your accomplishments to date, and on the community and connections you have built along the way. You are not alone on this journey.

Sincerely,

Susan 

Dean Susan Rivera
College of Behavioral and Social Sciences

Published on Tue, Nov 8, 2022 - 9:39AM