“I stand here incredibly proud to be a first-generation student, an achievement fueled by deep gratitude for the path that was built for me. My family’s and ancestors’ sacrifice and unwavering belief paved the way for this moment, and their strength is my foundation. Now, as I cross this stage, the purpose is twofold: to honor their legacy and to dedicate myself to making the pathway easier and more visible for every future first-gen student who follows behind.
“This degree is more than a piece of paper; it represents breaking barriers, rewriting narratives and transforming potential into reality. It’s a collective victory that belongs to every person who cheered me on and invested in my success. I feel a powerful responsibility not only to leverage this education but also to share the tools and knowledge I’ve gained, ensuring that the next wave of first-gen students steps onto a campus that feels less intimidating and more like a place of unlimited possibility.”
— Shalaia Myers, senior African American studies and psychology student, First-Generation Student Advisory Board president