First-generation students forge successful paths

Part of Michigan State University’s land-grant mission is a commitment to expanding opportunities for a diverse population of learners, including first-generation college students.

To be the first member of a family to pursue and complete a college degree is an achievement worthy of recognition, as the journey to that moment often covers challenging and unfamiliar territory.

Nov. 8 is designated as First-generation College Celebration day by the Council for Opportunity in Education and the Center for First-generation Student Success. The date marks the anniversary of the Higher Education Act of 1965, which was intended to provide opportunities for many minority and low-income Americans.

Michigan State is one of 11 large public research universities working together to increase graduation rates for low-income, minority and first-generation students as part of the University Innovation Alliance. With first-generation students accounting for more than 15% of last year’s entering class, a 90% retention rate for first-year students and a record-high graduation rate of 81%, MSU continues to increase access, opportunity and successful outcomes.

MSU programs such as Trio Student Support Services and the Neighborhood Student Success Collaborative provide first-generation students with assistance in navigating the university system, building academic skills and engaging in meaningful academic and life experiences.

Read about the experiences of some first-generation Spartan students as well as faculty members who were the first in their families to earn a college degree.

First-generation stories

“That term ‘first-gen’ is a title that comes with its own unique set of challenges, yet I don’t know that I would change it if I could.” Read more

Name: Josh Klein
Hometown: Lake Orion, Michigan
Year, areas of study: Senior, human biology major, entrepreneurship and innovation minor
College: College of Natural Science and Broad College of Business

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“My history teaches me to persevere in spite of all odds.” Read more

Name: Janet Ibarra
Hometown: Bangor, Michigan
Year, areas of study: Senior, social policy and political science major, Chicano/Latino studies minor
College: James Madison College and College of Social Science 

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“Everybody at MSU wants me to achieve great things. I want that too.” Read more

Name: Marcus Bingham Jr.
Hometown: Grand Rapids, Michigan
Year, areas of study: Junior, media and information major
College: College of Communication Arts and Sciences

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“In May, it will feel amazing when I receive my diploma, thankful for every sacrifice my parents have made.” Read more

Name: Renee Prvulov
Hometown: Chesterfield, Michigan
Year, areas of study: Senior, professional and public writing major, creative writing: fiction minor
College: College of Arts and Letters

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“To any other first-generation college students worried about how they will manage college, my best advice is to find a mentor.” Read more

Name: Jalin Jordan
Hometown: Farmington Hills, Michigan
Year, areas of study: Senior, chemistry major
College: College of Natural Science

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“For those students who feel as if they don’t fit in or that money will be an issue, take my advice: You DO belong here and there will be ways to get things done.” Read more

Name: Kiara Zarate
Hometown: Pharr, Texas
Year, areas of study: Sophomore, child development major, Chicano/Latino studies minor
College: College of Social Science

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“A big part of my journey is that I took advantage of every single resource that came my way.” Read more

Name: Kathrine Yacoo
Hometown: Warren, Michigan
Year, area of study: Second-year medical student
College: College of Osteopathic Medicine

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