Here are a few of many available videos below
Notable quote: "Don't do this. Don't put yourself in a position of having to accept a job that you hate. That you have to go out and do all the time to support your family...but I've got to go at midnight to this dark, dirty place, sometimes too hot, sometimes too cold, that has torn my body to shreds and sent me for surgery after surgery, so that I can support my family."
Overview:
Todd Hibbs, the wrestling coach at Alma College, a first-generation college student himself, talks about first-generation college students, or firgens, as he calls them. First, he goes over the technicalities, how firgens are defined, which colleges tend to focus more on than actually helping and supporting them.
He then gives his own definition of firgens, which is more encompassing and inclusive, giving an umbrella over the students who fall under the many different definitions being thrown around, yet still share a common goal and a common struggle, aside from various differences in their backgrounds.
Here is an outline of the obstacles firgens face according to him:
He then personalizes the struggle by sharing his own backstory as a person who grew up in a working class family.
Afterwards, he points out how other underrepresented students received the support they needed and went on to make great strides, most notably women surpassing the men. Then he questions whether or not we support firgens in the way we have for other underrepresented students.
Statistics in the video:
Between 33% to 50% of students are firgens
(Dept. of Education, 2010)
About 80% of firgens DO NOT graduate in 6 years.
(Pell Institute, 2011)
Todd Hibbs, the wrestling coach at Alma College, a first-generation college student himself, talks about first-generation college students, or firgens, as he calls them. First, he goes over the technicalities, how firgens are defined, which colleges tend to focus more on than actually helping and supporting them.
He then gives his own definition of firgens, which is more encompassing and inclusive, giving an umbrella over the students who fall under the many different definitions being thrown around, yet still share a common goal and a common struggle, aside from various differences in their backgrounds.
Here is an outline of the obstacles firgens face according to him:
- Gaining a College Vision
- Economic Difficulties
- Insufficient Support Systems
- Cultural Capital Issues (the difference and gap between blue collar and white collar, low-income and middle class)
He then personalizes the struggle by sharing his own backstory as a person who grew up in a working class family.
Afterwards, he points out how other underrepresented students received the support they needed and went on to make great strides, most notably women surpassing the men. Then he questions whether or not we support firgens in the way we have for other underrepresented students.
Statistics in the video:
Between 33% to 50% of students are firgens
(Dept. of Education, 2010)
About 80% of firgens DO NOT graduate in 6 years.
(Pell Institute, 2011)
"It's better to be prepared for an opportunity and not have one, than to have an opportunity and not be prepared."
Things don't get easier, you get better.
"It doesn't matter where you come from, what you look like, how you talk, how you dress. If you want to become something, and you want to be something, you can. You know there's nobody holding you back but yourself."
Brief Overview: Kansas State University College of Education students share their backgrounds, thoughts, and feelings.
Things don't get easier, you get better.
"It doesn't matter where you come from, what you look like, how you talk, how you dress. If you want to become something, and you want to be something, you can. You know there's nobody holding you back but yourself."
Brief Overview: Kansas State University College of Education students share their backgrounds, thoughts, and feelings.
First-gen students define themselves, share their stories, and address a couple of stereotypes and misconceptions along the way.
Michelle Obama shares her experience as a first-generation student in a message to all first-generation students.
"No matter where you come from or how much money your family has, I want you to know that you can succeed in college and get your degree and then go on and build an incredible life for yourself, that been my life story and my husband's as well. And if you're willing to put in the time and the effort, I want you to know that it can be your story too.
"No matter where you come from or how much money your family has, I want you to know that you can succeed in college and get your degree and then go on and build an incredible life for yourself, that been my life story and my husband's as well. And if you're willing to put in the time and the effort, I want you to know that it can be your story too.
Simply watch and listen.
