First-Gen Directory

Don't be afraid to ask questions. So many people will go out of their way to help you but only if they know you need it.

I graduated from UD in 2024 with a Bachelor's in Sociology and Public Policy and then again in 2025 with a Master's in Urban Affairs & Public Policy! My tip for first-gen students like myself is to take in all that's around you! I was hired full-time after college because I read a newsletter during my first year and applied for a job—you never know where an opportunity will come from! I currently advise the student organization We're First and would love to help you get connected with your First-Gen Flock here at UD!

Go to office hours and introduce yourself to your professors at the beginning of semesters. It'll make it much easier when you need support, help, have questions later down the line.

You've got this! And when you need it, there are so people who are ready to help answer your questions and figure things out with you. You are not alone and you don't have to figure everything out all at once.

Ask for help! Higher Ed is not intuitive and there are more resources on campus to help you than you would think.

Take advantage of all the resources, engage at your leisure but get involved and take care of your wellbeing. You got this!

Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better. - Maya Angelou

I graduated from Pitt with a BA in Sociology and went on to receive my Master of Public Health and Master of Social Work from there, as well. I didn't really have the language to know I was a first-gen student when I was in school, and I couldn't always put my finger on why I felt different from other students. I often couldn't relate to other students who didn't have to worry about tuition bills, rent or the cost of groceries, and sometimes it made me a little resentful of my peers.

Sometimes it was also hard to go home over holidays and breaks. My family were my biggest champions, but I often felt like there was a growing canyon between us as my values and beliefs changed during college. Navigating those complexities with people you love deeply is/was hard! Finding your people and connecting with other first-gen students is so key, because it makes you feel less alone in your experience!

I am a UD alumna. I received my undergrad degree in psychology from UD. I then went on to get my graduate degree in social work from Widener University. I came back to work for UD because I wanted to make a positive impact on student success.

One quick tip for first-gen students: Reach out to supports early on. Don't wait until you feel like you are under water!

Ask for help!

As a first-generation student, remember that you do not have to navigate college alone. Make time to take advantage of the many resources available on campus. Faculty and staff genuinely care about you, are invested in your success and are ready to help, but it starts with taking the first step.

Meet with your academic advisor, connect with the Career Center, visit the Writing Center and never hesitate to ask questions or seek support when you need it. The sooner you reach out, the more opportunities you'll have to thrive both academically and personally.

Jennifer was born and raised in Staten Island, NY. She earned her Bachelors degree in Psychology from Monmouth University and later went on to earn a Masters in Education from Rutgers University and her Doctorate in Education from West Chester University.

Through her experience being an employed student during her undergraduate career and supervising student employees, she developed a professional and scholarly passion for understanding the experiences of employed students and providing broader access to employment and professional opportunities for students. This is how she found herself working in the Career Center at University of Delaware, specifically for the Career Access and Mobility team.

One piece of advice she has for first-gen students is to find ways to develop connections and mentorship with faculty and staff here. They can be so resourceful to your success.

I grew up in Central Florida and made my way to the University of South Florida where I first studied Fine Arts but eventually got my B.A. in Economics. It was there when I joined my sorority Sigma Delta Tau (SDT). Following graduation with sights on working in Higher Ed as a Greek Advisor I went on to pursue my M.Ed. with focus in higher education student affairs from the University of West Florida (UWF). I've also completed certifications in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace (USF), Program Design (LTS), QPR Suicide Prevention, Anti-Violence Advocate (UPenn), Hazing Prevention (HPO) and completed Excel Summit for FSL Directors (Rise Partnerships).

I currently serve as the Director of Fraternity & Sorority Leadership and Learning (FSLL) at the University of Delaware and have had a 15+ year career as a FSA previously working at University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) and UWF. I am an active volunteer in the fraternity and sorority industry, serving on the SDT National Executive Board as a Vice President and Chief Panhellenic Officer for the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) where I also am a current RFM and Total Specialist. I've also volunteered and consulted for several fraternal organizations and am a recipient of the Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors (AFA) Shelly Sutherland Outstanding Volunteer Award and Sue Kraft Fussell Distinguished Service Award.

I live in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with my husband, who is also in Higher Education and member of a fraternity, and our two children. I love to continue my talent and passion for visual art through my Etsy shop and creative outlets in my job.

My tip for first-gen students is to take the time to explore who you are, what drives your energy, and where your passion and talent lies. Never be afraid to ask the question "what am I not asking that I should be asking, and likely don't know about" as there are so many resources on campus that you might not know about and that can help you, I know looking back now that I could have had so much more support in college as a first-gen if I just asked more questions.

Hello there! My name is Jodie Scott and I am FIRST-GEN Proud! I graduated from the University of South Carolina in 2016 with my bachelor's degree in Nursing. I immediately began my nursing career at Lewis Gale Medical Center in Roanoke, VA, within their Cardiac Critical Care Unit. In 2018, I became the unit's youngest clinical coordinator, where I would assist in unit staff scheduling, hospital policy adherence and patient bed management. In 2020, I began Travel Nursing when my husband and I moved to Delaware, sight unseen! In 2022, I applied to UD's Student Health Services and was offered a position within their Primary Care Department. In 2023, I was offered the role of Immunization and Allergy Nurse Clinic Manager, where I remain today.

As a first generation graduate, I am forever grateful for my family's sacrifices that gave me the opportunity to become the person I am today. I know from first hand experience the challenges of navigating a world that is so unknown and being alone in it. My quick tips for any future first-gen student is that:

#1: You do BELONG! Don't let yourself think differently.

# 2: Soak every moment in.

#3: Go to your professors' office hours.

Prioritize your education but don't forget to have fun!

There are more opportunities than you can imagine—read everything and ask questions!