In November, Western Oregon University (WOU) celebrated its second annual First Gen Week. As first-generation coordinator at WOU, it was my first time hosting First Gen Week and it was nothing short of amazing. The week led me to rediscover the organizations and departments that have already been doing the work supporting first-generation students, even before my position was created.
Starting, and ending, the week was TRIO. Since its creation in the 60s, TRIO has supported first-generation students in all levels of education. At WOU, TRIO has been around for 30+ years. For the week, the kick-off and the National First Gen Day were all in the TRIO Lounge, a space recently built in the new Student Success Center building. Since first-generation students had already grown accustomed to events being held in the TRIO lounge, it made hosting events for the week easier. Especially for the new incoming students who still do not know their way around campus. As TRIO employees commonly share: “TRIO Works!”.
The other events were focused on departments that have already been successful at serving students. For example, the Basic Needs department hosted a SNAP Drop In while I held tours to their Food Pantry/Stitch Closet. The Student Health and Counseling Center sent two counselors to talk about mental health within first-generation students. Even the Center for Professional Pathways, a department focused on career readiness, held a fair to connect first-generation students with fellow Alumni, recruiters, and receive a professional headshot. Each day had one department highlight the services they offered. Even the departments who did not have a day were still invited to table for the First Gen Fair. Students who commonly use these resources were already comfortable, while students who have not experienced it before, will now feel comfortable returning. "First Gen Week not only had events where students could learn about resources and how to access those resources, but it also allowed the students to be students. It provided a space where they can sit down and take it all in, be in a space that is all about them. Allowed them to reflect on not only their powerful path to WOU, but those important figures that can stand by their side as they stride for that milestone on that stage. First Gen week allowed students to network in a relaxing, de-stressed way from mid terms, and more importantly, helped them feel like they belong on campus." said Adrian Trujillo, Assistant Director of the TRIO Student Enrichment Program at WOU.
The other events were focused on departments that have already been successful at serving students. For example, the Basic Needs department hosted a SNAP Drop-In while I held tours to their Food Pantry/Stitch Closet. The Student Health and Counseling Center sent two counselors to talk about mental health for first-generation students. Even the Center for Professional Pathways, a department focused on career readiness, held a fair to connect first-generation students with alumni and recruiters, and students were able to sit for a photographer taking professional headshots.
A first-generation college student will always be a first-generation college student. Being the first in my family to attend college, receive an undergraduate degree, enroll into a graduate program, and be in a career rather than a job, it’s scary to face the new. With the work that we do for our students, it’s important to remember the work that has been done already. We can highlight those who serve our first-generation college students while also evolving in our efforts. Whether it be TRIO, or institutional departments, the work for first-generation college students is already there, we just have to help our students find it. The efforts go beyond a day or a week. It’s forever.
For more information on Western Oregon University's approach, please visit their website here.
