First-Gen College Celebration
Welcome to the First-Gen College Celebration (FGCC)!
This event aims to promote the experiences and achievements of first-generation students across the nation. FGCC began in 2017 and is held every year on November 8th to mark the anniversary of the Higher Education Act (HEA), which was established to strengthen educational resources and provide greater financial assistance. UC’s Gen-1 program brought this celebration to UC, and we look forward to recognizing the accomplishments of our first-gen Bearcats.
Definition of First-Gen Grad Student
At UC, first-generation college students are defined as students whose parent(s)/guardian(s) did not earn a bachelor’s degree within six years after high school graduation. UC offers many support services and opportunities for first-generation students. In alignment with other university definitions, a First-Generation Graduate Student includes:
- Someone who is from the first generation in their family to receive a bachelor’s degree and is now pursuing graduate-level education.
- Someone who is from the first generation in their family to pursue graduate-level education.
- Someone who is from the first generation in their family to pursue graduate-level education in the United States.
- Someone whose family has a history of graduate education, but who doesn’t have access to that knowledge (for example, the family member who has a graduate education has passed away or is estranged from the student).
Words of Wisdom from First-Gen Grad Students
Here at the Graduate College, we want to highlight some of our first-generation graduate students (past and present) and share their advice and encouragement:
“I know the road you’re walking because I too, am a first-generation student. The journey is filled with challenges, but every obstacle you face is an opportunity to grow stronger, smarter, and more resilient. You’re not just breaking new ground for yourself—you’re creating a path for others to follow. Your presence on campus is not just important, it’s powerful. As a current doctoral student, I confidently say our voice matters! You bring a unique perspective and are capable of amazing things. Your story is just beginning - keep pushing forward. You’ve got this!”
— Cindy Jones, Director for The Marian Spencer Scholarship Program
“Do not give up on your aim goal! Do everything that you can to gather as much knowledge, experiences while in grad school. When you feel, you cannot continue anymore, take a step back, assess the situation and get back on track. Stay positive and aim higher!”
— Teraina Mataoa, MS Pharmacogenomics & Personalized Healthcare
“As an international student and the first graduate student in my family, I want to remind all first-gen grad students that you are not alone in this journey. You’re navigating new academic environments, cultures, and expectations, all while making your family proud. The challenges may be unique, but they also make you stronger and more resilient. Embrace every learning experience, and don’t hesitate to reach out for support when you need it. You’ve already accomplished so much by being here—keep pushing forward, because you are building a future not just for yourself, but for those who look up to you.”
— Rajarajeswari Goriparthi, civil engineering, MEng
“As a first-gen graduate student, remember that your journey is unique and powerful. Embrace your challenges, as they are a testament to your resilience and determination. Seek out mentors and build a support network; you don’t have to navigate this path alone. Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small, and remind yourself that you are paving the way for those who will follow. Your success is not just your own—it’s a legacy for future generations. Keep pushing forward and believe in your ability to create change!”
— Adi Narayana Manga, MS IT
“Focusing on the challenges and what’s ahead is easy, but don’t forget to acknowledge how far you’ve come. Every exam passed, every paper written, and every class completed is a victory. Celebrate the small wins—they matter as much as the big ones.”
— Ferdinand Kpieleh, PhD IT
"Don’t let yourself devalue your efforts, rather you should be the first to recognize why, how and for what you have decided to choose this path. Count on yourself and don’t be afraid to take advice. Believe that people around you understand you and that at some stage they have gone through the same situation or have helped similar students. Believe in yourself and most importantly believe in the people around you.”
— Rohit Pal Singh, PhD Computer Engineering
“It’s always possible to make a difference and reshape the legacy of your family. There’s an opportunity to create a positive influence and revolutionize the customs of your family’s heritage.”
— Curtis Strong, MS Sr. Sports Administration
“Nobody knows anything for sure. Be curious, explore broadly…”
— Sumadhar Thota, PhD student
“You have it more figured out than you think you do. Imposter syndrome can make you feel as though you didn’t rightfully earn your place within an institution or even as though you do not belong in a current institution. Stay as far away from this mindset as you can and even fake the confidence in yourself until you believe it. You can do anything you put your mind to. Make the plan, work the plan.”
— Ashley Stewart, MS Criminal Justice
“First-generation students are not always sure what avenues to take to become college graduates. We may stumble into uncharted territory, but no matter what, keep going. College graduates do not have an age limit. Pursue your education, and realize that educating oneself is a lifelong journey. Enjoy the process.”
— Nicole Blount, Urban Educational Leadership EdD and Office of the President and Board of Trustees
“Every day, you choose to either run toward or away from your life goals. As a first-generation college student, the path may come with extra challenges, even just to reach the starting line. No matter where you are in your journey, remember that you are building a legacy—for yourself and for others who see you as an inspiration for their own future. You got this!”
— Sara Burcham, PhD Epidemiology
“You may have friends who were fortunate enough to have educated parents who set them on the right track from a young age. That’s okay—you don’t need to feel bad or blame your parents. You cannot change your parents’ circumstances, nor can you fully understand the challenges that may have prevented them from pursuing education. However, you are not late, and you are not missing anything. You are still in control of your own fate, and you can achieve what your parents may have wished for but could not accomplish for yourself and on your own terms.”
— Mina Alsada, MPA – SPIA
“You are the author of your own story.”
— Ravi Kumar, MS material science
We are proud of our first-generation graduate students!
Follow @uc_studentaffairs to stay up-to-date on First-Gen College Celebration events happening all week. Always remember: You belong here!