A message from the First-Generation Student Working Group Co-Chairs, Christabelle Dragoo and Angela Rovak
Dear First-Generation Students, Faculty, and Staff –
Welcome to the start of Fall 2021! On behalf of the First-Generation Student Working Group, we are thrilled to welcome everyone back to campus and welcome our newest Ducks who are beginning their journey in higher education! As first-gen students ourselves, we’re both familiar with the different aspects in life that have come together for students to get here and the variety of emotions they may be feeling right now. The start of a new academic year can be filled with hope and enthusiasm, while navigating a college campus and new academic expectations can be overwhelming and intimidating.
To the Class of 2025, the culmination of all our past efforts that lead to your first day of college is anything but serendipitous – it takes a monumental effort filled with inspiration, bravery, support, research, and a willingness to lean into the unknown.
Most importantly, we recognize that the educational path for first-gen students is intentional; a decision to embark on an opportunity that is unfamiliar to us, our family, and our community. And now, as Co-Chairs, we are honored to be here to help you reach your goal of becoming a first-generation college graduate!
With the same spirit and intention, the First-Generation Working Group will continue to support you in a variety of ways:
- We invite you to explore and bookmark the First-Generation Student Support Blog which highlights monthly posts by our team members on navigating college life.
- Want to ensure you know about the most recent blog update, and to stay informed about any additional events, announcements, and activities for the first-generation community? Sign up for our email list here!
- SAVE THE DATE! We invite you to join us for the 2021 First Generation Celebration on Monday, November 8, 2021 from 11:00am to 1:00pm. This celebration joins dozens of universities across the nation to celebrate first-generation students and the valuable contributions they make to our campuses. On November 8, we will host a celebration ceremony and reception in the ground-floor common area in Justice Bean Hall. Later in the week, specialized workshops and events for first-generation students will be held on campus.
- Class of 2025, make sure you go through all of the modules in the First Year Experience Community! This is your secret weapon to navigating college and understanding the unwritten rules of higher education.
And with that, we wish you a great week back on campus! If you have any questions or want to get in touch with the First-Generation Student Working Group, you can reach us at firstgen@uoregon.edu.
Go Ducks!
Angela Rovak and Christabelle Dragoo