Rutgers University–New Brunswick is celebrating First-Generation Week. We would like to recognize some of our staff members who were first-generation students.
Kasey March, Department Administrator Supervisor
What does being a first-generation student mean to you?
Being first-gen is a bit like being an explorer. You head off into a new environment after high school. The people there seem to understand the environment and you use all the skills of resourcefulness you can muster to learn how to navigate. I know now that some of my peers freshman year were just as confused as I was. But it could feel isolating because when I had a question about something I couldn't call home and ask my family for guidance. As a first-gen student, your family also isn't familiar with your new environment so you learn to make new connections on campus. Sometimes faculty, staff, or even other students that you trust to help you. The first few weeks on campus that can be difficult, particularly if you're not especially extroverted!
What do you think being first-gen brings to your experience or perspective?
Being first-gen made it important for me to have mentors while I was in college. One of my first on-campus jobs was working as an RA and in that role I connected with a supervisor who is a trusted friend to this day. She was a great resource when I had questions about how to navigate processes, like the first time I needed to withdraw from a class. Or what I should wear to an academic conference.
How has your experience as a first-generation student impacted your professional life?
I find myself thinking about first-generation students in my daily work. Is it easy for them to contact our office? Is what we do and how to contact us obvious from our website? Lots of students benefit from making this information clear, but by keeping those students in mind is what helps me step outside my role and look at our work from a different perspective.