First-generation student event is Nov. 9

By Mallory Stiles
Editor in Chief

The second annual LCC First-Generation College Celebration will be happening Thursday, Nov. 9, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in room 2214 of the Gannon Building.

For those who don’t know, a first-generation college student is someone who is the first in their family to attend or graduate from a college. LCC would like honor such students with an event all its own.

Celebrations are held at colleges all across the country in early November in recognition of the Higher Education Act of 1965, which increased access to a college education at an affordable price.

That fact is well-known, but LCC Academic Success Coach Director Sarah Garcia-Linz said she brought the idea for a party all the way home from a First-Generation Student Success conference she attended in Baltimore.

“I've been working with students at LCC for many years,” Garcia-Linz said, “and know how challenging it can be to simply start the college process, let alone navigate college and get through it successfully. We have many students who are the first in their families to attend college, and that is a huge feat and should absolutely be celebrated!

“We also have a lot of faculty and staff who were first-generation college students, and we want to recognize them as well.”

She said any student who attends is sure to leave with something.

“We will have music, food, opportunities to share advice with other students, hear a staff member share their story, and a chance to win two $100 scholarships (courtesy of the LCC Foundation),” she said.

“We will also have buttons and stickers with the LCC First Gen logo to show your pride as a first-gen student.”

For those unable to attend, there is a first-generation display in the second-floor atrium of the TLC Library that is worth checking out. Badges and stickers can be requested anytime.

LCC would also like encourage any first-generation student to tell their story, if they would like, on an LCC page dedicated to the cause. To do so, click here.

First-Generation LCC student Mohammed Hassan admitted he had no idea about the event, but said he would be happy to attend.

“I would love to go, depending on if I have class or not,” Hassan said with a smile.

He said sometimes he does struggle to feel seen, but when asked directly if he felt under-represented, he shrugged and said:

“Not at LCC.”