Indiana University Northwest celebrates first-generation college students

On Wednesday, November 5, Indiana University Northwest hosted a First-Generation College Celebration, honoring students who are the first in their families to work toward earning a degree. The event began at noon in the library plaza with yard games and sweet treats, including a build-your-own caramel apple bar. Inside, students and faculty gathered for a mixer with the Indiana University Northwest Board of Advisors and the Chancellor’s Cabinet. At 1:15 p.m., a student panel featuring first-generation students shared their experiences, accompanied by light refreshments.

The panel included Mina Mahmood, a senior in neuroscience; Gabriela Mora, a senior in nursing; Pascha Campbell, a freshman in communications; Hailey Pospishil, a freshman in forensic science and social work; and Evan Cowsert, a junior in  finance. Each was selected to be a panelist for their leadership and active involvement on campus.

The students discussed their challenges, who inspires them, how they celebrate achievements, and advice for future first-generation students. 

“If I were not to have come to IUN and pursued higher education in the first place, I think of how different my life would have been,” expressed Mahmood. “So many opportunities wouldn’t have been provided to me. There are so many things that I would have never learned. I think education is really important because you find out not only a lot of stuff about what you want to do with your life, but you also find out a lot about yourself. I really do value the community that I’ve built here on this campus, the peers that I have, the people that I get to work with in student organizations. It’s really amazing when you’re working with other people, and you realize that you’re part of something bigger. So when I’m working with other people on campus, that’s when I feel the most productive and motivated.”

Cowsert reflected on the responsibilities of being a first-generation student.

“Being a first-gen student taught me to value education as both a privilege and a responsibility,” he said. “You have to be able to hold yourself accountable for any mistakes that you make, whether it’s not studying enough or not making it to class on time. I strive to inspire future generations, to show them they can take the opportunity to go to school and pursue a degree.”.

Mora encouraged students to explore and remain flexible in their studies. 

“My advice for new students is to dabble in different types of classes, being able to explore different things, and being okay with not knowing what you necessarily want to do right away,” she said. “In high school, there’s a lot of pressure, but not everyone has it figured out, and it’s okay. Anyone can do it (college). You just have to put in the work and you’ll succeed.”.

The panelists also emphasized the resilience required to navigate challenges. 

Pospishil said, “First-gen students don’t want you to feel bad for them. Every first-generation person I’ve met is very strong. They know what they want. They’re going to go get it. I overcame obstacles, so I’m resilient. Being first-generation and continuing  my education has opened me up to many opportunities and provided me with a way to share my story with others. I have a bigger support system and am able to have fun and learn more.”.

Campbell highlighted the importance of sharing experiences with others. 

“It’s hard being first-generation, but I think it’s also an honor,” she expressed. “All of us on this panel are paving the way for someone. You could share your story, and have someone think, ‘If they did it, I can do it too.’ It’s important to let others know the struggles you went through, so they can see that it’s okay. You don’t have to be perfect. You’re going to go through trials and tribulations, but I think it’s how you handle it and how you come on top that really sets yourself apart.”.

All of the panelists emphasized the importance of being involved on campus and having support systems. 

“Just be your authentic self; it encourages and invites other people around you to do the same,” Mahmood said. “It’s easy to make a big change on a smaller campus. Even your smallest wins feel pretty huge, so just continue to do even small things and value them as if they’re still big wins.  It’s going to take time. Surround yourself with people who will celebrate your wins as if they’re their own.”.

Cowsert reflected on the diversity and connections he’s found at Indiana University Northwest.

“Being at a very diverse school has given me the opportunity to meet tons of different people from all different parts of the world,” he said. “Being able to get to know where these people come from, their journey, and their inspiration to either travel across the world to pursue an education or move out of Gary to pursue an education is truly inspiring. Being able to have those conversations with those people and get to know where they come from, it’s been a blessing.”

Campbell shared her perspective on the honor of being first-generation.

 “My family called me the trailblazer, but being a first-generation in my family was truly a blessing,” she said. “I was thankful for being able to open doors for future generations and set that procedure for us. There’s a lot of pressure on first-generation students, but I feel like I’m just proving to myself that, even though my parents didn’t go, I still can go, be successful, and graduate.”.

The students credited programs and offices across campus for supporting their academic and personal growth. Numerous faculty members, the Group Scholars Program, TRIO Student Support Services, and the Office of Career Services were highlighted for their continued support. 

“They really, truly care about the success of all the students, and I admire that a lot about this university,” Campbell said.

For more information about Indiana University Northwest, visit their website at northwest.iu.edu.