Sharing First-Gen Stories
Every year on November 8th, we celebrate First-Generation College Celebration Day, honoring first-gen students and graduates in their accomplishments and careers. November 8th is also when we commemorate the signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965 by then-President Lyndon B. Johnson. This act created federal financial aid programs to fund students’ educations and made key investments in colleges and universities across the country. This act made higher education more accessible than ever before, allowing more low-income and first-generation students to pursue college degrees.
We celebrate first-gen students and graduates for many reasons, some of which you will read about today in the answers given to us by numerous first-gen graduates about how they overcame stigma, struggles, and self-doubt to become successful college graduates. Many of these individuals work on campus now, years after their graduation from UNA, and others are making big impacts in the Shoals community and further with their work.
Raysha Rhea
UNA Class of 2010 and 2021
What is your current role: Adjunct Professor of Marketing in Sanders COBT, Event Coordinator for Sanders COBT
As a first-generation graduate, what motivated you when you were down?: My mother passed away when I was 8 years old. She was a single mom and worked so hard to provide for me. I wanted to make sure that I could always provide for my family one day and that is why I decided to get my degree. I knew she would be so proud of me to know that I worked 2 jobs in college and still managed to get my marketing degree in 4 years.
Can you think of a time that stood out to you as a first-generation student?: The day I got accepted into grad school at UNA. No one in my family had graduated from college and I did that in 2010 with a BBA in Marketing. I had a successful career in sales and until I started working in higher education, I had never thought about going back to school. When I decided to pursue my MBA, it was such a feeling of accomplishment to be accepted and start working on a new educational goal. I felt like I could do anything that I set my mind to.
What was a resource that helped you during college?: My advisor. He truly cared about me as a student and understood that this was all new to me. I did not have a typical family environment, no siblings and no parents. My grandparents and uncle raised me after my mom passed away. While they had successful careers, they never went to college. I had no idea what to expect when I came to UNA and my advisor helped me and made sure I was making the right choices.
What is one piece of advice you would give a first-generation student right now?: Focus on the big picture. If you get overwhelmed or stressed out and feel like there is no way you can do this, you can. Take a step back and remind yourself of why you are doing this in the first place! No matter where you come from or what has happened to you, you have the potential to do whatever it is you want to do in life.
Brian Morgan
UNA Class of 1991
What is your current role: Sanders COBT Executive-in-residence/Faculty
As a first-generation graduate, what motivated you when you were down?: "No-Negatism" (my made up word for negative whispers and situations)
Can you think of a time that stood out to you as a first-generation student?: Every day with my fraternity (Phi Gamma Delta - FIJI). It gave me friendships that have lasted a lifetime.
What was a resource that helped you during college?: Dr. Dan Leasure mentored me. I will see him again one day on the other side! Great man.
What is one piece of advice you would give a first-generation student right now?: Correct your compass. Set it due north. Seek guidance to navigate all areas of life.
Jimmy Shaw
UNA Class of 2001, 2005, and 2008. Samford University Class of 2013.
What is your current role: Superintendent of Florence City Schools
As a first-generation graduate, what motivated you when you were down?: The thought of having to tell my mother and father that I quit.
Can you think of a time that stood out to you as a first-generation student?: A professor told me that I was not cut out for education and in the next semester, a professor told me that I was meant to teach children. I had a few of my classmates that experienced the same thing of being told that we did not belong in education, and they transferred to other schools, but I was pretty stubborn. I decided that I may fail, but I would not quit. As a first generation student, the first professor almost had me convinced to quit. The second professor gave me the wind in my sails to continue to push forward.
What was a resource that helped you during college?: I had some caring professors that encouraged me at my lowest moments. Dr. Hancock, Dr. McDaniel, and Dr. Lovett just to name a few.
What is one piece of advice you would give a first-generation student right now?: You belong. You are not there by accident. It takes what it takes to finish, and you have it in you to finish and excel. The question you have to answer is, are you willing?
Any additional comments or details?: Love everyone. Follow your passions. Be confident. Work hard. Play hard!
Scotty Rainwater
UNA Class of 2010. Georgia Southern University Class of 2013.
What is your current role: Accommodations Coordinator at Jefferson State Community College
As a first-generation graduate, what motivated you when you were down?: What motivated me was my drive to succeed. There were many times that it was financially difficult and I had to make sacrifices. There were times that I was afraid I was not cut out for college. There were times that I just didn't want to keep going to school. However, there was always a voice in my head that told me it was all going to be worth it and I was where I was supposed to be.
Can you think of a time that stood out to you as a first-generation student?: I remember the first time I was aware I was a first-gen student and I did not even know there was such a thing. I was applying to colleges and applying for scholarships, and I asked my parents for help. They just told me they supported me and wanted to help, but that they did not know anything about college. They had not saved any money for me to go to college. It was expected that I would go to college, but there were no plans in place for me to do so. I realized that I would have to do it on my own.
What was a resource that helped you during college?: I think the biggest resource that helped me during college was living on campus and working in residence life. It got me connected to campus and to my peers. It made getting to class easy. It made college more financially possible. It gave me mentors and guidance professionally. I know I would not be where I am today if I had not lived on campus.
What is one piece of advice you would give a first-generation student right now?: You're making a great decision that will change your life and the lives of your children if you choose to have any. When you're feeling like it is too much or you can't do it, remember that you have a lot of campus resources that want to help you succeed. Counseling, Student Health, tutoring, disability services - use them!
Tia Nall
Wallace State Class of 2010 and 2013. UNA Class of 2018.
What is your current role: UNA One Stop Counselor
As a first-generation graduate, what motivated you when you were down?: No matter the setback, my faith in God was my biggest motivator. I had the support of incredible mentors-Mrs. LeAnna Brown and Mr. Mark Linder-who supported and guided me. I also had a community of peers who were supportive. I am so thankful for how they all poured into me. I almost did not graduate. Through Mark's encouragement, I held on to the reminder that I needed to finish no matter what it took because it was important to me as a first gen. I was determined, not only for myself but for them. I did not finish as well as I would have liked, but I am content because I know what I went through to finish. This is my success and I am proud of it. I love sharing what I learned.
Can you think of a time that stood out to you as a first-generation student?: Having the opportunity to serve and represent the student body in various student leadership capacities was the highlight of myUNA experience. My time as a Resident Advisor and involvement with Encounter (an RSO) is by far the most memorable years of my college career. I saw the most growth in my life during these years. Serving in these capacities helped me develop my identity professionally and spiritually. My time in these roles/groups helped shape my passion for people. It's why I enjoy working in student services today.
What was a resource that helped you during college?: Student Counseling Services and having mentors. I also utilized the Women's Center and food pantry throughout my time at UNA. Being able to access these resources was helpful in my journey.
What is one piece of advice you would give a first-generation student right now?: Take charge of your education. You are responsible for the outcome of your learning experience. Remain a student of life.
Any additional comments or details?: Tia is a product of adoption and the firstborn (and only girl) of three siblings. She grew up in the Cullman County area where she was able to take advantage of programs like dual enrollment and Upward Bound. After a failed attempt at nursing school, Tia transferred from a community college to UNA. It took her longer to graduate but along the way, she had mentors who supported, guided, and advocated for her. Transferring to UNA was one of the best decisions I made in my academic career. Ironically, Tia now works in higher education just like her mentors. At UNA, she knew she wanted to become a Counselor or work in the field of Higher Education. Three years after she graduated from UNA, she was hired as a part-time administrative assistant for the UNA Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. In 2021, she transitioned to a new department called the UNA One Stop where she helps students with general questions in the areas of financial aid, student accounts, registrar, and mane card. She hopes to one day take on greater mentoring/life coaching capacities, earn her Master's Degree and is an aspiring business owner.
Shelby Luna
UNA Class of 2016 and 2017
What is your current role: Adult Education Instructor at NWSCC
As a first-generation graduate, what motivated you when you were down?: Showing my family that their sacrifices and efforts did not go to waste.
Can you think of a time that stood out to you as a first-generation student?: Participating in my first first-gen gathering! Sharing my stories with those walking the same path I did! Also, my mom was overjoyed and crying happy tears at my graduation.
What was a resource that helped you during college?: Collier Library and my advisors: Dr. Mauriello, Dr. Winner, and Dr. Burkhead.
What is one piece of advice you would give a first-generation student right now?: If you think you’ve done enough and you’re ready to give up, push one more time. Then, push another time after that. You are unstoppable!
Tammy Rhodes
UNA Class of 2009 and 2015
What is your current role: Director of FYE
As a first-generation graduate, what motivated you when you were down?: Remembering that I was building a legacy for my family, and that achievement is ancestral; Also, that I was making my mom and dad proud.
Can you think of a time that stood out to you as a first-generation student?: Graduating with my Master's degree and having my family at commencement screaming my name.
What was a resource that helped you during college?: The relationships that I built with Dr. Lott/Dr. Minor/Dr. Burkhead in the English Department. The resource was the mentor relationships.
What is one piece of advice you would give a first-generation student right now?: Find a faculty mentor and create a lasting friendship and mentor relationship with them.
Kristina McMahan
UNA Class of 2014
What is your current role: Medical/Clinical Psychology Doctoral Candidate
As a first-generation graduate, what motivated you when you were down?: At ten-years-old, many friends complimented my ability to be an attentive listener, to choose thoughtful responses for a variety of situations, and suggested I would make a great therapist one day. I often found myself dreaming of things that seemed impossible to achieve for a little girl who came from a poorly educated, low socioeconomic status household in the deep south. Specifically, I wanted to finish high school, graduate from undergraduate studies debt free, and get paid for going to school one day. As I reflect on it now, those were lofty goals for a ten-year-old with my background. I come from a family where most did not graduate high school, but that never seemed to limit my goals. What my family lacked in education and financial resources, they made up for in determination, discipline, and openness. For example, my mother successfully cared for two elderly adults with chronic health conditions, and my father started his own construction business. My parents’ values of determination, discipline, and openness were my motivators when proving the system wrong.
Now, as a 27-year-old, I am amazed at how well these values served me throughout my life. I successfully reached each goal I dreamed of achieving at age ten. My parents often express their admiration for my accomplishments, and I am reminded of the pivotal moment when I dared to dream. As you might imagine, I utilize the values that helped me attain my goals in my current studies as a Medical/Clinical Psychology Doctoral Candidate. My family created a legacy of “figuring it out” and having the willingness to do so. Because of this legacy, it is deeply ingrained within me to find attainable steps to achieve a goal, remain open to new opportunities, and keep my eye on the prize. These values and reminders kept me motivated when I was down.
Can you think of a time that stood out to you as a first-generation student?: As a first-generation student, there are several pivotal moments in my educational journey that stand out, all revolving around one central theme: money. Before embarking on my undergraduate studies, I dedicated immense effort to achieve the ACT scores necessary to secure scholarships. Additionally, I applied for the Honors Program (now Honors College) to access extra scholarships and benefits like free printing and computer access.
Throughout my undergraduate years, I maintained a constant pursuit of financial stability. I worked tirelessly to make ends meet and save money for future goals. This experience is particularly unique for me as a first-gen student, as it sets me apart from many of my peers who may not have encountered these financial challenges.
What was a resource that helped you during college?:
Several resources stand out:
- Academic Scholarships
- Honors Program (College, now)
- Psychology Department mentors (namely, Dr. Larry Bates and Dr. Richard Hudiburg) who helped me secure funding for research
- FAFSA
- UNA Library - free access to some required textbooks
What is one piece of advice you would give a first-generation student right now?: One valuable piece of advice for a first-generation student is to actively seek out and utilize available resources and support. Many colleges and universities offer programs, workshops, mentors, and financial aid opportunities specifically designed to assist first-generation students. Take advantage of these resources to help you navigate the challenges of higher education, both academically and financially. Don't hesitate to reach out to professors, academic advisors, and peers for guidance and support. Building a strong support network can make a significant difference in your success as a first-generation student. Having the right connections can make all the difference, and just because our paths begin on rougher terrain doesn't mean we can't succeed and excel.
Thomas Chase Hagood
UNA Class of 2004.
What is your current role: Senior Associate VP for Academic Affairs & Dean of Undergraduate Studies at the University of Utah
As a first-generation graduate, what motivated you when you were down?: The support of faculty, staff, peers, and a family who very much wanted me to succeed.
Can you think of a time that stood out to you as a first-generation student?: 2003 Jimmy Carter Works project with the UNA Habitat for Humanity group--we built homes in LaGrange, Georgia during an alternative spring break--a few doors down from President Jimmy Carter and First Lady Rosalynn Carter. Engagement and leadership in UNA Habitat was formative in my undergraduate career!
What was a resource that helped you during college?: Faculty who cared deeply about my success.
What is one piece of advice you would give a first-generation student right now?: Whatever your aspiration, your dream, your goals in life...you CAN do this! Folks have come before you and we want to support you however we can! Seek out mentors; seek out help; and don't forget to reach back out to those who come up after you!
Thank You!
Thank you to all of our wonderful first-gen graduates who took part in this to share their experiences and impart wisdom to current first-gen students! Hopefully after reading through all of these answers, you have a better understanding of what it means to be a first-gen student, and what the most common motivators are behind first-gen student success. Campus resources and mentorships are some of the most beneficial tools to any student, but especially those who don’t have a family with experience with college and the struggles faced during this time. Remember to utilize campus resources like the Career Center and the Success Center if you are struggling with a class or want guidance on where to go with your degree.