What is a First-Gen student?
First-generation students are defined as those students who come from families where their parents or guardians did not complete a four-year college degree.
Meet our First-Gen Ambassadors
Leslie Lopez
Hi! My name is Leslie Lopez and I am a Senior studying Interior Design minoring in Art History. I am a first-generation student with origins from Mexico, and I’m proud of all the accomplishments I have been able to achieve. Everything I work for is not only for myself, but also for my parents who have made sacrifices to allow me to focus on school and my career. Being a first-generation student is fun, but also daunting as I have had to be exposed to many new experiences that my support system hasn’t had to deal with before. While it can get scary I know I am meant to be where I am and to keep pushing forward. I am proud to be first-gen!
With my studies, I hope to pursue a professional field focusing on commercial design specifically Boutique Hotels or Restaurants. I live for everything flashy and show-stopping, so I look forward to when I’m able to collaborate with a team of talented designers to create a captivating interior. Aside from dynamically designed interiors I also hope to spread the message of sustainability and implement it on any project I am part of. We only have one Earth and I believe it is never too late to start making a more sustainable choice, especially with design.
Grace Cable
Hello, my name is Grace Cable and I am a Junior majoring in Political Science with minors in Law & Society and Spanish. As a first-generation student, it can definitely be difficult to navigate everything that comes with college life. My parents couldn't earn college degrees, but they sacrificed and stood by my side my whole life so that I could get the opportunities that they did not. So together, we navigated college for the first time. When you are first gen sometimes your goals seem distant and out of reach, but at Purdue with the help of my parents and the utilization of many resources, I have learned that my dreams are not so far from reach.
I am currently on the Pre-Law track and I plan to attend law school after earning my bachelor's degree. College can be scary, especially when you have to figure everything out on your own, but that is why it is important to ask for help, get involved, and put yourself out there. I have found many great opportunities and communities at Purdue that have helped support my academic goals and career aspirations. I am currently the Treasurer of Pi Sigma Alpha, a clerk for Purdue Student Government Supreme Court, a Pre-Professional Student Ambassador, and an employee at Student Legal Services. Still, most importantly, I am a Boiler Mentor for the College of Liberal Arts. If you had asked me freshman year where I would be in 2 years I would not have expected to tell you all this. Knowing others who have been in your position and share a similar path as you can make college a lot easier, and being able to help other students in this way is very rewarding.
Tiffany Garcia
As the first in my family to go to college or pursue any kind of post-secondary education, I take great pride in being a first-generation college student. Growing up, I always noticed the hard work my parents put into their goals daily. They wanted a better life and future for their kids. Seeing how they have accomplished so much from having nothing is the motivation I use every day to accomplish my own goals. I am extremely thankful for having my parents’ support every day. Not only do I have a great support system at home, but at school as well. It is extremely hard coming to college without knowing one bit of what college is like. I personally had no one to ask for advice or guidance. It was a whole new world that I was navigating primarily on my own. Coming to Purdue, I was not aware of the immense number of resources that the university has to offer. There is a resource for any type of problem that one could encounter. I am currently a junior majoring in Brain and Behavioral Sciences on a Pre-PA track. I hope to become a physician assistant one day to give back to my community. One of my main reasons for wanting to become a PA are my grandmothers. The language barrier that occurs can at times prevent them from fully expressing their health concerns. As a native Spanish speaker, I hope to use that advantage to help my future patients to the best of my ability.
As a first-generation student, I know what it feels like to be lonely and scared. But always remember, you are not alone! Proudly, I can say that the first-generation is growing. Therefore, go out and grow your network. Find those that are also on a similar path and take on this journey with each other’s support. Todo se puede en esta vida!