News

Happy First-Generation College Celebration Day!

Nov 08 2025

Today, Nov. 8, is National First-Generation College Celebration Day — and for the first time, over 50% of Goshen College’s first-year cohort is first-generation! The college celebrated with an event Friday, inviting first-generation students, alumni and employees to share their stories and responses to the questions below. The responses here are selected from anonymous submissions from first-generation students and alumni.

The Academic Success Center, which hosted Friday’s celebration, will continue gathering these stories and celebrating first-generation students through the rest of the year.

What does being first-gen mean to you?

  • Standing on the shoulders of those who paved the way for me.

  • Paving a path for my family.

  • I did it!

    Who are you doing this for?

    • My future students.

    • My degree was for all my Latinos.

    • My mom.

    • Obviously the fam, but ultimately, it’s to achieve greatness for myself.

    • All the first-gens.

    • Family, friends, and myself.

      What inspires you as a first-gen?

      • Seeing a need for difference and becoming it.

      • Success.

      • Proving those who didn’t believe in me wrong!

        Who has been your biggest cheerleader?

        • Family.

        • My mom 🙂

        • Friends!

        • My parents.

          A piece of advice for other first-gens:

          • Remember your why.

          • Try the most you can, make friends, have fun!

          • It’s okay to ask for help.

          • Every step you take is closer to your dream. Always think positively. Have no fear. And take your art wherever you want.

          • Keep pushing.

          • Get involved! Join a club! Attend campus events!

            Related posts

            More Articles Posts
              More Articles Posts