Contact Details
Jenn Brown
Executive Assistant, Vice President for Equity & Inclusive Excellence
GenFirst! Mentors
The GenFirst!@Bucknell Mentoring Program facilitates relationships between first-generation students and first-generation faculty and staff. Our mentors are committed to assisting and supporting you throughout your time at Bucknell.
What's the mentoring program like?
You'll have opportunities to connect and network with your mentor and other mentees at campus programs. Plus, at least twice a semester, you'll share a meal with your mentor to touch base about your Bucknell transition, academics, social life and any concerns you may have. Mentors know a lot about Bucknell, and they know what it's like to be a first-generation student.
Meet our mentors
My favorite leisure activities:
- Reading
- Traveling
- Cooking
Three words that describe me:
Analytical, Passionate, Kind
When I started college, I didn’t realize it was uncommon to be a first-generation college student. I grew up in a small, blue-collar community. Many of my friends had parents who did not go to college, but we were all planning to pursue a post-secondary education. However, I quickly realized that being first generation was not common at my university. While walking to a football game, my friends were sharing where their parents went to college. When it was my turn to share, I stated that my parents didn’t go to college. I was faced with five blank stares and we quickly changed the subject. It was during that moment that I realized my experience, my background, and my family might be different than a lot of my peers.
Unfortunately, when I was in college there weren’t a lot of programs for first-generation students. Even though about 15% of students at my university were first generation, there were many times when I felt like the only first-generation student on campus. Therefore, I kept my identity related to being a first-generation college student private. I would have benefited from more community groups and mentorship to help me realize that I wasn’t alone in my journey.
Despite the challenges I experienced, being a first-generation student gave me an edge. Compared to my classmates, I came to school with more independence and real-world experience. Through a lot of determination (and because of sheer necessity), I learned how to access resources that led to my success in college. I worked while in school, and was better prepared to manage my time in college than some of my other peers. And I definitely knew how to do laundry before I started school.
I am proud of what I have achieved, but I know that I wouldn’t have been successful without my strong family support. Even though my parents didn’t go to college, they insisted on the importance of a college education; and my siblings and I all graduated from college as a result. I look forward to mentoring someone, and increasing support and pride for first-generation college students.
Email: ka025@bucknell.edu
My favorite leisure activities:
- Going to the Gym
- Doing Karaoke
- Traveling
Three words that describe me:
Curious, Optimistic, Energetic
Everything about college was a mystery. As a planner, my only solution was to learn everything I could before I can make a decision regarding college. The year before I started college, I probably called about 40 people in preparation.
Email: m.albrizzio@bucknell.edu
My favorite leisure activities:
- I have three children and enjoy spending time with them.
- Hiking
- Renovating furniture
Three words that describe me:
Energetic, Motivated, Passionate
I started looking at colleges in high school and was unsure of what to do for a career. My parents were supportive of my going, but not having gone down the road themselves were unaware of what the path looked like.
I was interested in architecture and went to Northampton Community College and received an associate's degree. I was able to transfer to Philadelphia University and graduate with a bachelor's degree in architectural studies with a minor in human resource management.
I learned a lot from that transfer experience, such as how a university operates, the necessary preparations that need to occur prior to stepping foot in a classroom and what resources are available to a student for support either socially or financially.
Email:sapanel@bucknell.edu
My favorite leisure activities:
- Spending time with my dog
- Listening to music
- Travelling
Three words that describe me:
A global citizen, friendly and fun, fiercely loyal
As the first person in my family to go to college, I was wholly unprepared for what college entails. Thankfully, I found good faculty mentors who helped me feel a sense of belonging and boosted my academic confidence. College was a life-changing experience for me. I moved from Denmark to the United Kingdom, which meant figuring out which classes to take and how the library works while navigating new cultural experiences. At the time, I had no idea that there was a term to describe my experiences, and in hindsight, I wish my institution had better supported first-generation students.
Email:meb068@bucknell.edu
My favorite leisure activities:
- Caring for my plants
- Hiking
- Watercoloring
Three words that describe me:
Compassionate, optimist, helpful
First-gen experience: I had no idea what liberal arts colleges were but I had peers and teachers urging me to apply, so I did. It was among the best decisions I've ever made. When I arrived on campus, I had about a dozen new experiences every day — from taking a soviet cinema course and discovering what meatloaf actually tasted like, to learning how to sail and and, oh also, how to fail. College as a first-gen student was about learning how to pace myself, how to advocate for my needs, how to rebuild my confidence, and how to nurture life-long friendships with peers who shared my experiences.
Email:sac046@bucknell.edu
My favorite leisure activities:
- I love music (R&B mostly)!
- I love poetry; reading and writing
- Black culture is the center of my joy.
Three words that describe me:
Warmth, tranquility, "go with the flow"
I didn't know that I was a first generation college student until I realized that it was based on your immediate family, not anyone in your family. So, having to navigate things like what is needed in your room, having hallmates, even small things about financial aid and having a job was something that I didn't know about. It wasn't until orientation when I recognized that I needed a lot guidance on how to be successful in college, especially since I didn't know good study techniques due to never really having to study in high school.
Email: qc002@bucknell.edu
My favorite leisure activities:
- Anything soccer
- Running
- Spending time with my two kids – Will and Archer
Three words that describe me:
Passionate, Hardworking, Outgoing
My college search process was heavily tied to the intuitions that were recruiting me for soccer. I visited a number of institutions and discovered along the way that I would be most comfortable in a small, rural, liberal arts college. Colgate University was a great fit for me in many ways but I can remember questioning my decision the majority of my freshmen year.
I was very intimated by the academic rigors as I transitioned from high school to college. I did not feel as prepared compared to my classmates. I can also remember realizing my upbringing and youth were very different from many of my peers. I had never been on an airplane or out of the country and seemed to focus on all the things that made me different.
As I navigated my way through my four years I found my confidence in the classroom and pride in my upbringing. I also learned what was important when building relationships as an adult. I look back now and realize my relationships with my professors, advisors, coaches and teammates played a huge role in my success and individual growth. Finally, the most important relationship that strengthened in my time at college was with my parents who had worked so hard to provide me with the opportunity they did not have.
Email: kek017@bucknell.edu
My favorite leisure activities:
- Outdoor activities (hiking, running, biking, camping)
- Spending time with my dogs, family and friends
- Arts and crafts
Three words that describe me:
Kind, Gentle, Outdoors
I feel really proud to be a first-generation college student. The fact that my sisters and I all are college graduates is so meaningful to my parents. I am so grateful and appreciative to have had access to an education.
I felt pretty out of the loop in my college experience. There is so much I didn't know or understand about SATs, college applications, financial aid, research and other opportunities that college provides. It felt like I was playing catch-up. Grad school felt similar. It's pretty wild to now work at a University and see it all from the other side.
Email: mc089@bucknell.edu
My favorite leisure activities:
- Exercising
- Reading
- Movies
Three words that describe me:
Proactive, Outgoing, Fun
I believe in education as a means for improvement in life. Some of my family members and friends would answer that I have a stubborn attitude with regard to education since I have always had a strong desire for continuing learning and academic growth. I grew up within limited economic conditions in a family consisting of an illiterate single mother and three other brothers. Nonetheless, I continued attending school even when many of my peers in similar adverse economic and social conditions dropped out along the way; I made my best effort to graduate from high school and later succeeded in earning a bachelor's degree.
After finishing high school, I enrolled in the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) majoring in physics and dreaming about becoming an astronaut. But after a while, I realized that down here on earth we were also experiencing many challenging and complex problems, so I reconsidered my dream. Ultimately, I quit and went back to my town. After a couple of years working in different jobs and trades, I ended up enrolling in an undergraduate engineering program, but this time with the belief that I could satisfy both my scientific interests and also broaden my opportunities for better work and further education. As a testament to my stubbornness, let me add that I finished my undergraduate studies in five years (standard) while working in a full-time teaching position and raising two young children.
Email:jjf022@bucknell.edu
My favorite leisure activities:
- Family time
- Running
Three words that describe me:
Hard-working, Athletic, Friendly
I would like to think I am "kind of" first-generation. My father earned his degree, but pursued a non-traditional route as he was also raising a young family and working. He did not live on campus, and most of his classes were in the evening. While I was the third of five children, I was the first to actually conduct a college search that included a few campus visits and tours, and eventually the first to go away to college. Since I aspired to play college soccer, most of my college visits (and search in general) involved soccer recruitment. I basically navigated my college search on my own.
I am grateful that I found a private liberal arts school that provided invaluable skills because of the emphasis on life, leadership and service through a well-rounded education and close-knit campus community. I do recall being overwhelmed during my first year, but my parents always emphasized working hard and asking for help when I needed it. Therefore, I forged many relationships with professors and staff that really helped and supported me along the way. I feel extremely fortunate to have experiences and friendships that will last a lifetime.
Email:cmfindla@bucknell.edu
My favorite leisure activities:
- Trail running
- Reading
- Spending time with my family
Three words that describe me:
Friendly, Resilient, Reliable
When I studied abroad as an undergraduate, I did not understand credit transfer. I left my home campus for an international institution and did not have my classes reviewed with my academic advisor or signed by a campus official within my academic department or any academic department prior to departure. I was a first-generation college student and the first person in my family to study abroad.
My home campus was a state university in the U.S. At that time very few students studied abroad from my home campus. I knew through prayer studying abroad would be a defining time in my undergraduate career.
When I arrived back home from my study abroad program I went through a myriad of campus offices before arriving at a dean then provost level meeting where they took pity on my unfamiliarity of course approval. Without my home university accepting credit from abroad courses I would have lost my financial aid and the ability to return to campus to finish my degree. With a stroke of a pen and support of several campus offices all my courses were approved and added to my transcript, and my financial aid was released.
Now several years later when I look back as an associate director working in the Office of Global & Off-campus Education (OGOE) it seems impossible a student would not understand basic components of leaving their home campus for an off campus program. I did not know how I could not know or understand this concept. I think of all the things I did not know and understand. I think of the people that took extra time to shepherd me, mentor me and provide support so I would succeed. The grace of others can sometimes seem like a mystery. I think of the grace that met me as a first-generation college student.
As an undergraduate, at times, I felt I was in a foreign setting on my own U.S. college campus. I have not told this story very often but it is woven into the fabric of my life and provided to be an instructive experience. I draw upon it when I think about serving others. Today, I have the good fortune of working with students interested in off-campus/study abroad experiences.
Email:jef025@bucknell.edu
My favorite leisure activities:
- I enjoy going to new places, learning about people and investing in people. This translates to travel (when possible), but it mostly translates to time together with others, hosting, taking pictures and creating memory books, watching interesting movies and talking about them, playing board games — all these as much as they are possible while working and caring for a three year old
Three words that describe me:
Attuned to people, Committed, Analytical
I had the first-generation experience coupled with cross-cultural experiences — my entire higher education career happened abroad. I was born in Romania but spent three years at the American University in Bulgaria and then the last two as a transfer student in Holland, Michigan. The journey was amazing and I would not trade it for the world, but the combination of no college guidance from parents (or ability to support me financially) and the newness of living with different cultural experiences also made for challenging moments that I can still remember in detail. I look back on those moments as those where I could have given up, but I did have the wonderful emotional support of parents who were able to see things in perspective and the academic support of professors who knew what I could do and invested in me. So I want to be that person to someone who may need it throughout this journey — it is a journey worth having!
Email:rmf020@bucknell.edu
My favorite leisure activities:
- Spending time with family, friends and church family.
- I play the piano
- I love to watch British crime dramas
Three words that describe me:
Lifelong learner, Motivated, Empathetic
I am the first female college graduate in my family. I started college when I was 18, but was overwhelmed and dropped out of college after one semester. I realized later in life, however, that in order to succeed and advance in my career, I was limited by not having a degree. So, I returned to school as a non-traditional student while raising my family and working full time. I'm proof that you can accomplish your goals, even later in life — but it wasn't easy! I earned my associates online, graduated with a bachelors in corporate communications and minor in HR from Susquehanna University in 2013, and completed two MBAs online afterward (Strategic Management and Human Resources.) Maybe I'm done with my education? Maybe not! For now, I'm advancing my learning with certifications in my profession (SHRM-SCP) and webinars and conferences. I love learning new things and challenging myself to stretch and grow!
The best piece of advice I received from one of my professors is this: When you're having trouble making a decision, always choose the path that leaves the most doors open to you in the future. Love that! And I've taken that to heart in my career path.
I applaud all first-gen students! It's not easy when you don't have family who have navigated the Higher Ed landscape before. I encourage you to lean heavily on your advisor, find your people and reach out to others who can help you navigate your path. I'm here to support you in any way that I can!
Email: kgg006@bucknell.edu
My favorite leisure activities:
- Reading
- Music
- Crafting
Three words that describe me:
Empathetic, Driven, Funny
My first-generation college experience included transitioning from living in small towns my whole life to living in a big city (Pittsburgh), which was very intimidating at the time. I was on my own for the very first time. I had to figure out how to make money, pay bills, budget, provide transportation for myself, feed myself and manage my classes and workload all on my own. I didn't have the opportunity of family assistance. At times, I couldn't afford public transportation and I walked the mile and a half from my apartment to my university (sometimes in snow or rain) to get to class. After a long day of classes, I would make it back to my apartment around 4:30 and leave to go to work until 11 p.m. and then walk home. I was determined to be the first college graduate in my family (and I was).
My first semester in college was certainly educational and reinforced the value of a dollar. I had no meal plan, did not live in a dorm and had no car or cell phone. I paid rent and utilities with two roommates, had to adjust to other people's living styles, worked a part time job nights and weekends, grocery shopped and cooked for myself (I lived off of only Ramen Noodles for my entire first semester of college), had a puppy to care for that I brought with me to college, and had to balance my class load, homework and projects amongst all of it. I had, maybe, a few hours of free time a week and those were often spent at a local coffee shop playing cards with some friends I met while using the coffee shop's free WIFI to do school work.
And although this may all sound very depressing and daunting, I was proud of myself for the things I accomplished on my own. My first semester in college and every one after taught me how to be independent and challenged me to see how far I could push myself to obtain a goal.
Email: argg001@bucknell.edu
My favorite leisure activities:
- Reading
- Spending time with family and friends
- Design
Three words that describe me:
Reliable, Empathetic, Silly
I was a first-generation college student with non-supportive parents. I essentially taught myself how to navigate the college system, and came to graduate school on the recommendation of a supportive faculty member. I understand, likely better than most, the importance of having faculty who sees your strengths and points them out when you cannot see them yourself.
Email: mli004@bucknell.edu
My favorite leisure activities:
- Reading
- Playing video games
- Travelling
Three words that describe me:
Curious, Tenacious, Foodie
Email: kk054@bucknell.edu
My favorite leisure activities:
- Spending time with my daughters
- Traveling
- Reading
Three words that describe me:
Dedicated, Observant, Helpful
Going to college was what was expected of me, and choosing a school was a rather random process. There was no input from my high school guidance counselor, and my family really didn't know where to begin. I elected to attend the first school that accepted me, not pursuing another institution that I later realized would have been a much better fit for me. After the first year, I transferred closer to home and ultimately ended up attending Bucknell.
I did not have the traditional undergraduate experience as I lived at home while enrolled in school. I got involved in a few areas and even held some jobs on campus. I really thought I was "living the life." While things didn't go exactly as I thought they would, I received that diploma!
I eventually came to realize that college was what you made of the experience. Coming back to Bucknell to work has allowed me to take advantage of some of the wonderful opportunities I wish I would have experienced. Don't be afraid to ask for help, guidance or just an opinion — you never know what lies behind the next door!
Email:dkraus@bucknell.edu
My favorite leisure activities:
- Traveling
- Spending time with family (and my dog)
- Arts (music, theatre, film, etc)
Three words that describe me:
Organized, Easy-going, Compassionate
Heading to college as a first-generation student was an adventure. I am also an only child, so there was no one's example to follow. I quickly learned that I needed to be proactive about how to get the information I needed. It was a good push to become more confident in myself, and I learned how to advocate for myself before really understanding what that even meant.
The trickiest part for me may have been navigating life in a new place with people I did not know and with no one in particular in my immediate family that quite understood my situation. I learned a lot about taking risks. Sometimes stepping outside of our comfort zone doesn't lead us to what we expect, and sometimes it does. I learned to accept both of those scenarios and keep moving forward. I'd be happy to meet GenFirst students at Bucknell and chat about your experiences!
Email: mll030@bucknell.edu
My favorite leisure activities:
- Travel
- Food
- Pop culture
Three words that describe me:
Compassionate, Intentional, Fun
As a first-gen college student, I didn't know what I wanted to do — so I tried as much as I could! I wouldn't recommend spreading yourself as thin as I did, but I absolutely recommend trying new things and giving yourself space to evolve. Use all the college resources available; as a first-gen college student, I wish someone would've told me how normal and important it was to allow people to help.
Email: jnl009@bucknell.edu
My favorite leisure activities:
- Reading
- Spending time with family & friends
- Traveling
Three words that describe me:
Soñador, artista, amigo
As a first-generation college student, I struggled with the entire experience — from applying, attending and graduating. I was the first in my immigrant family (one of eight siblings) to attend college, so as much as my family wanted to help me with the process, we were lost. At first, I missed out on an opportunity to attend a prestigious school simply because I didn't know I had to fill out a dorm preference form. This led me to enroll in my local community college — which I loved — and there I learned to navigate my way through higher education. From community college, I attended a state school for undergrad, and then went on to an R1 to complete my graduate studies.
My family wanted me to study medicine, of course. I wanted to study art. As a result of these competing desires, my first semesters in the pre-med track were disastrous and forced me to confront the fact that I, as a young adult, had to make life decisions for myself. I switched my major to studio art, much to the dismay of my family. I could not have been happier with my decision. I loved my art classes. I thrived in those artistic spaces, and my education led me to a successful career as an artist.
These first-gen experiences helped shape my sense of self, to trust my ability to decide on what was best for my future. Now, I want to be of support and get to know other first-generation students.
Email: eal024@bucknell.edu
My favorite leisure activities:
- Listening to music
- Hiking/camping
- Hanging with my family
Three words that describe me:
Gregarious, Curious, Hopeful
I had no idea how to navigate college when I started. I even skipped orientation because I didn't think/know it was important, so I began even further behind! I was at a huge school where it was easy to fly under the radar, which had a lot to do with me not really figuring things out until my junior year. I have always wished I had a different level of support, much like the kind first-gen students get at Bucknell.
Email:ctm015@bucknell.edu
My favorite leisure activities:
- Paper crafting
- Attending music concerts
- Spending time with family
Three words that describe me:
Friendly, Cheerful & Gregarious
I knew education and college was important, but I didn't know how to navigate it, how to pay for it, or what I would study. My high school offered college courses from a local community college (HACC) to earn credit, so I took one class during my junior and senior year. After high school, I earned an associate's degree at HACC, then I transferred to the University of Pittsburgh to finish my bachelor's degree. It was difficult at times to juggle everything while attempting to pay for college on my own. The barriers to access and affordability were difficult for me on top of the rigorous coursework. Thankfully, I had a support system that was very small but important in my growth. My hope is to help students build a stronger support system, navigate college and serve as a resource.
Email: raina.mcgeorge@bucknell.edu
My favorite leisure activities:
- Travel
- Cooking
- Hiking
Three words that describe me:
Curious, Nerdy & Compassionate
Often you hear that being first-generation means that you don’t know what you don’t know. This was certainly true in my case. I didn’t know about so many of the opportunities that were available to undergraduates, or mistakenly believed that many of them were opportunities that I would not be able to afford or otherwise qualify for. For instance, I assumed that only the wealthy students could study abroad, that as a student on a merit scholarship I wouldn’t qualify or would have to go into debt in order to study abroad. I also assumed that honors thesis work was only for a certain subset of select students who had been admitted into an honors college. I was slow to realize that these opportunities (and many more) were open to me. Thankfully, I benefited from a couple of very thoughtful faculty members who helped to make me aware of undergraduate research and teaching assistant opportunities. Initially I was hoping that college would help open doors so that I could find a path beyond lifelong factory work in my hometown. Graduate school was not at all on my radar, but my faculty mentors again helped me to learn about this opportunity, and then served as guides and referees when I began to explore the possibility of going to graduate school. My door is open to first-gen students who want to learn more about opportunities at Bucknell.
Email: kmclain@bucknell.edu
My favorite leisure activities:
- Spending time with my family is my main priority with my free time. I have a four-year daughter who enjoys getting outside or playing at home.
- My favorite form of exercise is cycling, and the countryside around Bucknell is great for this. I also commute by bike in all seasons.
- I enjoy travel and have lived (a year or more) in four different countries: Ireland (my home country), U.S., Canada and Portugal. My wife, daughter and I spend a few weeks every summer in Ireland with my other family members.
Three words that describe me:
Listener, Level-headed, Always learning
I don't know the exact numbers, but a large percentage of college students in Ireland are first-generation. The reason for this is that there are only seven universities in the whole country, and there were even fewer for the previous generation, so most of my peers' parents would not have been to college. Also quite common is that I commuted from home for my first two years, and I had an older sibling who also went to university. For these reasons, my undergraduate experience was easier than for many first-generation students at Bucknell.
A much more difficult transition for me was moving to the U.S. for graduate school. The whole system was different from what I knew, especially the more challenging and relentless homework, but also just learning how things are done in a different country. Even though Ireland and the U.S. share a language, the cultural and social differences can easily be underestimated. The first few weeks were a roller-coaster ride, and the first semester was disheartening. I had difficulty keeping up, and everybody else seemed better prepared than me for the coursework.
With hard work and perseverance, things improved and I regained some confidence. After four years, having grown a lot, I was ready to move on to the next step in my career. I hope that GenFirst!@Bucknell can help our students overcome their challenges, whatever they may be, and thrive at Bucknell.
Email: pm040@bucknell.edu
My favorite leisure activities:
- Reading
- Listening to music
- Driving children to their practices and competitions
Three words that describe me:
Curious, Open-minded, Friendly
I received my undergraduate degree from Southeast University in China. My parents didn't attend college. So we didn't have much clue about colleges, the application process, and college majors. When the opportunity of applying for college came in 1977 after a 12-year interruption due to the cultural revolution, I applied for the majors in the area of electronics and industry engineering, mostly because of what I did before college. In middle school and high school I learned and enjoyed assembling transistor radios from parts. After high school, I worked as an electrician in a chemical plant. The work in these areas seem interesting, that is why I applied for those majors. But in my days, applicants did not necessarily get into the majors of their choice. I ended up being a math major. Though it wasn't my choice, I soon became enjoying math classes, and I can see the usefulness of the subject.
My biggest challenge in college was the transition from high school to college. I was at the top of my high school class. But when in college, I could no longer be the top student in class. It was not because I became any dumber, but because some other students are much more advanced. Because China stopped normal college admissions for 12 years, my classmates have a 17-year age difference between the oldest and the youngest! I didn't give up, but worked hard to learn from others in many aspects. I learned how to manage time, how to tackle difficult problems, how to discuss issues with others, and how to live in college which, in a certain sense, is a small society. At the end I did fine academic-wise. But I think most importantly, I learned many lessons in my college experience outside the classrooms.
In addition to attending classes and finishing assignments, I participated in a number of other activities. I played intramural sports such as basketball, volleyball and running. Southeast University, like many other universities in China in those days, organized very active student intramural sports. Every year, we would have a comprehensive sports competition, like a mini-Olympics, where students in all classes would compete in many events and win champions. Through those sports practice and competition, the students form a strong bond. Through them, we started friendship that would last a lifetime. I also was active in student government and helped in many daily issues.
College years help us grow in the most important ways! The experience will impact us the entire life. Grab the opportunity, don't waste any time.
Email: xmeng@bucknell.edu
My favorite leisure activities:
- Family
- Entertaining
- Learning
Three words that describe me:
Intuitive, Creative, Fierce
As a first-generation college graduate, I was the only one among my siblings to graduate college and pursue graduate school. I challenged the experiences and expectations of being a traditional Latina female amongst the community in which I was raised and lived. I used my success as a call to action for my younger extended family members to go to college to reach and embrace their potential.
Through my role and position at Bucknell, I thrive at being an advocate and supporter of college students, and ideally, a role model to other diverse, first-generation young men and women who question their ability to authentically contribute to our shared community.
Email: cm054@bucknell.edu
My favorite leisure activities:
- Reading fiction
- Hiking
- Biking
Three words that describe me:
Enthusiastic, Hard-working, Curious
I remember that starting college was very hard for me. I didn't know anyone, and I didn't know what college would be like. I remember seeing that a lot of students knew what to do immediately upon arrival. They knew how to be successful. The other students knew how to form study groups, how to study, and how to interact with their professors and other students. I was completely lost. College seemed easy to them and very hard for me. I never really felt fully comfortable. I did well enough and moved on to graduate school and a successful career, but I really wish I could have felt successful in college.
Now, many years later, I see that the problem wasn't internal to me, but the product of my lack of experience and training. The students who were successful were trained to be successful. They had a "family memory" of many generations of college experience. One thing that I think is a really important part of my work as an adviser and professor is to share the necessary skills for college success with my students — particularly first-generation college students.
Email: lp028@bucknell.edu
My favorite leisure activities:
- Hiking
- Listening to music
- Spending time with family
Three words that describe me:
Passionate, Curious, Outgoing
When I went to college, I didn't yet have the words to describe that I was a first-generation college student. However, I felt there was a disconnect between myself and some of my peers. It is only now, in hindsight — many years later — that I fully understand why.
One of the most challenging parts of my first-generation college student experience was dealing with financial aid and navigating that space between what my family was able to handle and what the university needed. I was fortunate to find supportive faculty that mentored me throughout my undergraduate career and helped me to manage both course material and the administrative aspects of a college education.
Email: amp038@bucknell.edu
My favorite leisure activities:
- Going to art galleries, museums
- Motorcycling
- Hiking, road trips, exploring
Three words that describe me:
Curious, Fun-loving, Survivor
When I was 18 and had just moved to Seattle to attend art school, a friend's father introduced me to a wealthy older friend of his who was an art lover and who lived in Seattle. This family friend took me and my visiting friend out for lunch at an upscale restaurant. I decided to order something I'd never had before, something I guessed was eaten only by the jet-set: prawns. I got a plate full of prawns and proceeded to eat them — tails, shells, and all. It was like eating glass. No one said a thing. I concluded it is probably better to just be myself. I still love me some Kraft Mac-n-cheese.
Email: rjr023@bucknell.edu
My favorite leisure activities:
- Hiking
- Elaborate board games
- Playing with my dog
Three words that describe me:
Curious, Logical, Easily sunburned
I grew up in southern New Jersey, the eldest of two with my dad working for a delivery company and my mom working for the local school district. Growing up, my parents put a strong emphasis on our education. I began my first-generation college experience at Georgetown University in Washington D.C., three hours away from home, in August 2001. Within the first two weeks, the city was transformed by the Sept. 11 attacks, and I rapidly had some of my first exposure engaging with the broader world on my independent path.
My college experience allowed me to grow as an individual, including the opportunity to study abroad in Glasgow, Scotland my junior year. I was immediately drawn to the collegiate academic environment, the combination of philosophical classroom debate and hands-on laboratory research — so much so that I ended up majoring in both classics and chemistry. After graduation, I spent a year volunteer teaching high school science and then began my PhD studies in chemistry at Stanford University. After a postdoctoral research position at Cornell, I came to Bucknell to both teach and do independent research.
I am extremely interested in materials chemistry — understanding how the structure of solids at the molecular level controls its properties and how we use them. We work on making new materials for large scale challenges — like improving water purification or controlling how medicines dissolve in the body. It's a little surprising to me to look back and realize how large an impact my first year of college had on my life path — from the career I've followed to even the topics I study. That chance to do research early on, and add something (even small!) to scientific knowledge, still excites me today.
Email: bjs044@bucknell.edu
My favorite leisure activities:
- Spending time with family and friends
- Exercising and being outdoors
- Music — either listening to it, watching it being performed, or playing it myself.
Three words that describe me:
Live, Love, Laugh
My siblings and I were the first in our family to attend college. My parents went to great lengths to make sure we had top-notch preparation in high school. When I arrived to Salisbury University (Maryland) as a first-year student, though, I had to find a new support system, as my parents did not have the experience of living and studying on campus. I think this is where I truly started to become my own person, in the sense that I had to make decisions without the expert guidance of Mom and Dad or the trail-blazing efforts of my older brothers.
Through trial and error, I learned just how supportive faculty and staff are. At least at my school, they wanted to see students succeed, grow and thrive in all aspects. I am very grateful for their time and energy, and now being a professor myself, I want to support and get to know first-generation students in the same ways.
Email: ats011@bucknell.edu
My favorite leisure activities:
- Reading the Bible
- Family time
- Sports
Three words that describe me:
Genuine, energetic and wise
I'm from Silverhill, Alabama, and given that my grandmother had 10 kids, it is amazing to me that out of all my aunties, uncles, cousins, and so on, I am the first one to attend and graduate from college. I applied myself academically and athletically, which enabled me to receive a football scholarship at Bucknell. God deserves all the glory for giving me the courage and strength to leave home and make a new home here in Lewisburg, Pa. I'm extremely grateful for what has been afforded to me, and I have a lot of helpful experiences to share with a mentee.
Email: otrotter@bucknell.edu
My favorite leisure activities:
- Spending time with my child (a college student) and my husband
- Traveling/visiting new locations (especially historical sites)
- Entrepreneurship
Three words that describe me:
MBA, Worked in corporate, GA to PA
College was never something expected or discussed in my family. Halfway through my high school senior year, a high school guidance counselor asked if I had ever considered going to college. I was surprised by this question, but it was the one moment that changed the rest of my life. Her question indicated that someone believed in me and that I could do better. She helped me get into a local two-year college, from which I entered a four-year college.
I then went on to earn my master's degree and then my dream job with a major global consulting and technology firm. But during college, I realized how unprepared I was for the experience. My family could not relate to what I was experiencing. I did not know to seek out the extra assistance I needed. I did not understand the benefits that come from getting involved on campus in extra-curricular activities (i.e., clubs, student organizations, etc.). So, I did not get involved and struggled through on my own. It was afterwards that I realized how much I had missed out on during my undergraduate college experience. My key message to all first-generation college students is to always seek out assistance, mentors and advice and take advantage of as many opportunities as possible to challenge and stretch yourself and grow as a person.
Email: ccw012@bucknell.edu
My favorite leisure activities:
- Travel
- Reading
- Writing
Three words that describe me:
Optimistic, Friendly, Happy camper
I grew up in China during the Cultural Revolution. When we attended colleges in the mid-1980s, pretty much everyone was a first-generation college student. We did not have any support system from school or family to help make our college life easy and most rewarding. Sure, there were "political counselors" assigned by the school to each class, but their primary job was to ensure students' "political correctness." How lucky today's college students are, both in China and in the US, since there are a lot of people who can and are willing to help you.
Before joining Bucknell, I taught at a college in Connecticut with a high percentage of students being first-generation and I learned a lot about and was inspired by these students. As a new Bucknellian, you may face different kinds of challenges, but bear in mind this is a diverse place with people who share your concerns and frustrations and who are here to help you make a smooth transition to college life and beyond.
Email: zz004@bucknell.edu