First-Gen Photo Exhibition

As a first-generation student, I am endlessly thankful that my parents worked hard to provide me with a better education. Furthering my education means being able to build a career for myself and not just have a job. Thanks to them, I have a chance at getting as much out of life as possible. 

Being a first-generation student makes me very proud!

It is a motive of pride and celebration. Having the chance to open the path for future generations encourages me to keep giving my best. I've been in many challenging situations when starting my undergraduate back in Peru, but those shaped my independent and resilient character, so I earned a master's in Public Relations from MSU Billings and now I am pursuing a master's in Public Administration here at MSU. I love being an example for my younger cousins as the first family member in graduate school and in the United States. This is also a chance for me to contribute with other first-generation students.

First generation students are students who need some guidance when in college dealing with finances and learning how to navigate the fundamentals of college. First generation is something to be proud of! You have overcome obstacles In life that most students on campus don’t go through, it makes you stronger than you think. 

It's something I am extremely grateful for having the opportunity previous generations weren't able to have.

I get to create a legacy that my family will be proud of.

Obtaining my degree has been one of my greatest accomplishments in life! I take pride in being a first-generation college student knowing that my hard work has paid off, that I have set a positive example for my son, and that my accomplishment has laid a foundation for his future success as well.

I am proud to be a part of the MSU community. As a web software developer I am excited to design, develop and support MSU's web applications and services to help students and faculty work more fluidly and efficient. It's awesome to be a part of such an incredible university here in beautiful Bozeman.

Being a first gen student is intimidating at times because I was not exposed to as much of what college might look like because my parents did not go. At times, it can be difficult to connect with the general population as most students' parents or guardians acquired their higher education, but the alternative perspectives are always refreshing.

Being a first generation student in my family means a lot to me. I’m very grateful that I have the opportunity to get my degree and start my career in aviation with help from my family.

I didn’t know I was first-gen until my junior year of college, but following this discovery, I understood why I didn’t quite pick-up the ins-and-outs of the college experience as quickly as my peers. To me, being first-gen was a huge part of my college experience and taught me perseverance, tenacity, and courage to do things that I didn’t completely understand. Being a first-gen college student has made me a stronger student and person and I am forever grateful for that.

I really think of my immigrant parents and how much they drilled into me that education is so important; that I am their dreams and hopes personified by having been a university student and now as faculty. My father was the only one of his brothers to graduate high school, and I remember how proud he was then, how much prouder he became with each graduation further. I wish my parents had had the opportunities I did to learn more and push myself further, and I am so grateful to them for valuing my education even when it was difficult to.

My experience as a first-generation student showed me that I am able to accomplish hard things, regardless of what experience or preparation I have (or don't have). It has given me the opportunity to be a "first" in my family and to help lead those in my family who want to attend college. It has also given me a great sense of pride, knowing that I belong to this group!

It means overcoming hurdles to become a guide for the rest of my family.

Being a first-gen student makes me grateful for having a life where I can continually keep learning new things. Having this fulfillment is something everyone--not matter what class--should have the opportunity to acquire.

To me it is a delight and a call to responsibility to encourage other family members pursue degrees in their field of interest

It's being a trailblazer.