New York City can be intimidating to anyone. It’s even harder to imagine being a student facing the process of searching for, applying to, and registering for college in the heart of one of the world’s largest cities. Yet Berkeley College, nestled among the skyscrapers of Midtown Manhattan, has created a warm, welcoming atmosphere that many students—particularly first-generation students—say feels more like a family.
Events and initiatives for first-generation students
The student body at Berkeley College is diverse, to say the least. Students of all ages and backgrounds represent 42 countries. Particular attention is paid to first-generation college students. The College, in collaboration with the FirstGen Forward Network, has launched a new initiative to recognize, celebrate, and support first-generation students. Berkeley College FirstGen Initiative’s team holds events each semester designed to help first-generation college students learn more about navigating aspects of college life and student support resources.
The team is currently developing a student peer-mentoring initiative that connects new first-generation students with the BerkeleyConnect Peer Mentor Program. Additionally, a series of Lunch and Learn sessions are in development for first-generation students, informed by topics identified by students, faculty, and staff. All students are also encouraged to take advantage of the many support services and resources offered by the College, including tutoring through the Center for Academic Success, personal counseling, Career Services, and more.
Focused on her future in a land far away
Leaving her homeland of Mali in West Africa and coming to the United States at age 10 was difficult for Assetou Sanogo, who now studies at Berkeley College in New York City. A Healthcare Services Management major, Sanogo expects to graduate with her Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree in 2027.
Overcoming enormous challenges
“People would laugh at me instead of correcting me,” she said about learning English, her third language, which made it hard for her to communicate and make friends in America. But things became even more difficult a few years later. Shortly after her younger brother was born, her father lost his job, and Sanogo’s family was forced to enter the shelter system, where they stayed for more than two years. “It was embarrassing for my family,” she recalled. “It was even worse that I could see our old apartment from the shelter where we were now living.”
As a young teenager, Sanogo had to babysit her brother, which made studying even more difficult. As a result, she had to repeat eighth grade and attend summer school. But she persevered, graduated from high school, and was determined to be the first in her family to earn a college degree. Looking back, she sees the obstacles she faced as a step in her journey: “The ordeal made me stronger.”
Entering the intimidating world of college
Sanogo’s mother struggled with English as well, making the college search extra challenging. After Sanogo’s first attempt at a different college didn’t work out, a friend referred her to Berkeley College, where she not only found a welcoming atmosphere, she found the support and assistance she needed.
Learning the way
“At my first college, everything was done for me, so I didn’t understand the processes,” Sanogo explained. “At Berkeley, everyone was very helpful, and everything was explained to me. I learned how to apply for admission and financial aid and schedule my courses. Now I’ll be able to help my younger brother and eventually my children.”
Sanogo sees being the first in her family to attend college as a special opportunity and a responsibility. “I know how difficult it had been for my mother to start a new life in a new country. I had seen my sister get married young and have children, but I wanted to focus on my future and my career first,” she pointed out. “I don’t want to live paycheck to paycheck. I want more.”
She began studying part-time at Berkeley College, taking both online classes and on-site classes at the New York City campus. “Berkeley has been very supportive,” said Sanogo. “My classes are great, and my advisors are very helpful.”
Getting more comfortable by getting more involved
Sanogo transitioned to full-time study and got involved with the Federal Work Study program, where she began working with the Student Development and Campus Life (SDCL) department. Helping with on-campus clubs and activities and organizing events helped her overcome her initial shyness and get accustomed to college life.
“The experience of working with SDCL definitely helped me. New students have so many questions and now I’m able to help them,” said Sanogo, whose long-term goals are to grow professionally within the healthcare industry and use her experiences to support and inspire other first-generation students.
Connections that go above and beyond
Suzeana Stewart, Campus Operating Officer in New York City and Director, Student Development and Campus Life, added, “It has been amazing to see Assetou navigate college with resilience and purpose as a first-generation student. Sharing, encouraging, and motivating Assetou throughout her journey reminds me of my own academic path as a first-generation student. I was fortunate to have an advisor who went above and beyond for me, and I strive to do the same for Assetou, not only as her supervisor but as a mentor. Her determination, growth, and quiet strength reflect the same hope and perseverance I carried years ago, and I am grateful that Assetou trusts, seeks, and uses the guidance, resources, and the opportunities Berkeley College has provided to empower herself as a first-generation student.”
A valuable perspective on first-generation students
Stewart also noted that as a first-generation college student, her academic journey shaped not only her educational path but also the leader she is today. “Like many first-generation students, I entered college navigating unfamiliar systems while balancing high expectations and significant responsibility,” she said. “Berkeley College stands out as an institution that challenges students intellectually while also providing the support, mentorship, and sense of community needed to succeed.”
“In my role as Campus Operating Officer, it is imperative to empower first-generation college students to self-identify and take pride in their accomplishments from the very beginning of their academic journey,” she continued. “Berkeley College continues to demonstrate a strong commitment to enhancing awareness and expanding targeted support for first-generation students as they progress toward graduation.”
Building confidence, growing professionally
Shaday Rosario, Assistant Director of SDCL at the New York City and Newark, NJ campuses, agreed that Sanogo's experience working with SDCL has been beneficial. “Her Federal Work-Study role has allowed her social strengths to flourish. She is confident in engaging with others, asking questions, and building relationships, which has supported both her professional growth and her experience as a first-generation student.”
Sherrille T. Shabazz, Ed.D., Vice President, SDCL at Berkeley College, also saw the change, “As a first-generation student, Assetou is deeply committed to her academic success and actively engaged in campus life through her participation in the Federal Work-Study program. She leads by example and is motivated not only by her own goals but also by a desire to inspire and uplift others.”
Putting her own first-generation experience to work
Rosario, also a first-generation college student, finds it particularly rewarding to be guiding new students through the difficult journey of finding and focusing on a college education. The youngest of 10 children, her parents were born in Puerto Rico and spoke limited English, forcing her to translate for her parents during the application and financial aid processes.
“Getting accustomed to college life was hard,” she recalled. “But I was doing it for both myself and my family—I wanted to be an inspiration for my nieces and nephews. I wanted them to know that if I could do it, they can do it!”
From mentee to mentor
Interestingly, Rosario also worked in campus life through her college work-study program. Now, as Assistant Director of SDCL at the Berkeley College New York City and Newark campuses, she encourages first-generation students to get involved through events, clubs, wellness programs, volunteer opportunities, and other activities.
She reflected, “It’s truly been a full-circle experience for me. Ten years ago, I was in Assetou’s shoes as a first-generation student learning the ropes. Now, I’m able to guide new first-generation students through that very same journey and supervise and mentor students like Assetou as they prepare for their futures.”
We are here for you
Rosario noted one particular trivia activity for first-generation students, Celebrity FirstGen Student Trivia, which looks at celebrities who were first-generation college students. “It’s a fun activity that we make into a teachable moment,” she explained. “It reassures students that they are not the only ones who have gone through this experience. We tell them, ‘Don’t be afraid.’ Make the connections. Get out of your comfort zone. Ask the questions. And always know that we are here for you, 100 percent.”
For more information on Berkeley College New York’s approach, please visit their website here.
