Spring 2025 Newsletter Edition
A Message from the President
Dear FirstGen Society Members,
Welcome to the start of an exciting new year and the Spring 2025 semester!
As we step into a new semester and new year, I am filled with optimism about the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. For many of us, each semester represents a new chance to grow, to learn, and to push past limits. Our mission at FirstGen Society remains unwavering: to foster the success of first-generation college students and graduates by encouraging and empowering first-gen students as we navigate this journey together. Whether you’re continuing your studies or starting something new, remember that you are part of a vibrant, supportive community that understands the importance of resilience and determination.
This newsletter serves as a vital connection point for all our members across the nation, offering updates, resources, and news from FirstGen Society chapters, events, and initiatives. It’s a way for us to stay in touch and ensure you’re never alone in your experience. Our motto—“Where we connect, empower, and grow together”—continues to be our guiding force, and I’m excited for all the ways we’ll see it come to life this semester.
As you move through the semester, be sure to visit the FirstGen Society Member Portal for exclusive content, resources, and opportunities to connect with fellow members. Through our Five Leadership Pillars and networking opportunities, you'll gain access to the tools and support needed to engage with our FirstGen Society community and strengthen your journey
Together, we’ll build on the legacy of Alpha Gamma Omicron (ΑΓΟ)—our Greek letters that symbolize our strength as the first in our families to pursue higher education and to boldly seek out new opportunities.
Here's to a semester filled with new experiences, lasting connections, and endless growth. I’m excited to see what we’ll achieve together!
Wishing you all continued success,
Anthony Surratt | President
Welcome Founding Chapters
Importance of our brand
"Where we can connect, empower, and grow together."
The FirstGen Society brand represents the strength, unity, and resilience of first-generation college students and alumni. We stand as a community dedicated to breaking barriers, fostering connections, and creating opportunities for personal and academic growth. Our brand symbolizes empowerment, leadership, support, and the drive to succeed, rooted in the belief that by working together, we can achieve more. Through our motto, "Where we can connect, empower, and grow together," we embody the values of leadership, inclusivity, and lifelong friendship, community, and learning that guide everything we do.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR GRADUATES
"Being a first gen and low income student myself, I know, firsthand, the invisible struggles that college students must face. Not only this, but I want to support and work with an organization that focuses on students like myself. I think education should be a human right not a privilege. Being a member of FirstGen Society means that I am a real representation that seeking and successfully going through higher education is possible even without a support system that has been through the same struggles. College may seem out of reach for a majority of us, but I hope that future generations can look at our organization and see that the members, coming from similar backgrounds as them, are able to succeed and make it in the real world." - Dalena
We don't want to miss you! If you graduated recently within the last 2 years, be sure to share your graduation year with us to be featured in our next newsletter. We would love to celebrate you!
First-Gen Voices: Reflections from Our Founders
"Being a first-generation college student is a deeply personal and caring journey. It encompasses the realization that education holds the key to unlocking a brighter future, not just for myself, but for my family and the broader community. It is a privilege, a responsibility, and a platform to make a lasting difference. Through my personal perspective and caring mindset, I strive to embrace this role wholeheartedly, championing the transformative power of education and nurturing a supportive environment for all those who follow in my footsteps." - Adam McBride
" Being a first-generation college student is an honorable thing for me. It is something that I would brag about. I am not only a first-generation student, but also the first in my whole family to go to college. I feel very honored to be a first-generation student. One thing to keep in mind as a first-generation student is the self-accountability and all the responsibilities we have to bear. It may be hard at first, but it is all worth it at the end." -Soneya Tamang
"Being a first-generation college student means to create the snowy trail. The wind and frost blow’s hard against us but if you can overcome this, the footsteps are there to guide the way for the future. It is a representation that change is possible, that anyone is capable of change." - Jamal Henderson
"Determination and perseverance. The world is not kind, less of all to low income, first generation college students. Comparisons to your fellow classmates can be daunting at best, and the lack of knowledge and family connections can be equally frightening. And yet, some may remember this quote from the 1998 Disney movie, Mulan: "The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all." Remember, your status as a first generation college student does not signify weakness. Instead, it represents your endurance, strength, and commitment to a successful future. Although life is full of setbacks, these challenges are not meant to defeat you; instead, take these setbacks as learning opportunities towards a better future. And remember this: The worst that you can be told is "no". You lose 100% of the shots you don't take, so go out on a limb and take that chance, whether it be in your personal, academic, or professional life. I promise you, it's worth it." - Alexis Cutliffe
"Being a first-generation college student is a unique journey marked by determination and breaking barriers. It means navigating uncharted territory, often without the guidance of familial experience, and embracing the challenges as opportunities for personal growth and achievement. The pursuit of higher education becomes a powerful testament to resilience, opening doors not just for oneself but also for future generations, reshaping the trajectory of family narratives." - LaPari Morant
Want to earn a digital badge? Share your story, favorite quote, or write a few sentences on what it means to be a first-generation college student to you. We would love to feature your content in our next newsletter.
MAke Your Voice heard
Join our Advisory Board!
We’re looking for passionate individuals to join us on the FirstGen Society Advisory Board! This is your chance to shape the foundation of our community, support first-generation college students, and make your voice heard in guiding our growth.
As a board member, you’ll have the opportunity to:
- Shape the future of FirstGen Society by helping us create resources, programs, and initiatives that will directly benefit our members.
- Provide valuable input to better serve first-gen students.
- Network with like-minded first-gen students, professionals and community leaders who are committed to empowering the next generation of students.
- Gain leadership experience while making a real, lasting impact.
This is an exciting chance to be part of something meaningful and impactful. We believe your expertise, perspective, and passion for supporting first-gen students would make a huge difference as we continue to grow and evolve.
Purpose & Function
The primary function and purpose of the Advisory Board of the National Leadership Society of First Generation College Students, is to provide strategic advice, new insights, as well as explore new opportunities FirstGen Society needs in order to reach its goals.
Interested in Serving on the Board for 2025?
We’d love to have you serve on the Advisory Board for 2025! If you're ready to commit, simply complete and submit the Advisory Board Form. By doing so, you’ll be agreeing to the terms and responsibilities for the role. Once confirmed, we’ll share more details with you soon. If you have any questions or need more info, please contact us at info@firstgensociety.org.
Access the Member Portal
- To access the Member Portal, log in to the Member Portal using your email address and password that you used for creating your FirstGen Society membership account.
- Set up Your Member Profile using the "Member Profile Set Up Guide" and earn a digital "profile" badge.
Five Leadership Pillars of FirstGen Society
- Participate in our Member Experience Program and learn how you can get involved on your campus, in your community, and with your chapter by demonstrating a service action through one of our Five Leadership Pillars of FirstGen Society. You can submit your service action through the Member Portal to earn a digital badge.
Building a positive mindset for academic success can include:
GOAL SETTING:
Set realistic and achievable goals for the semester, whether academic, personal, or extracurricular. Break them down into smaller steps to make them more manageable.
TIME MANAGEMENT:
Find a balance between study time, extracurricular activities, and social life. Using tools like planners, apps, or time-blocking can help students stay organized and reduce stress. Creating a daily routine can also provide structure and help manage time effectively.
SELF-CARE & MENTAL HEALTH:
It's important to maintain a healthy balance between classes, work, and rest. Find and practice techniques like mindfulness, meditation and deep breathing exercises, be sure to get regular exercise, eat a healthy and balanced diet, and get adequate sleep to keep stress and anxiety levels in check. Maintaining social connections is crucial as well. Regularly check in with friends and family, whether through in-person meetups, phone calls, or video chats, to avoid feelings of isolation.
GROWTH MINDSET:
Adopt a growth mindset, where challenges are seen as opportunities to learn rather than obstacles. This can help you stay motivated and resilient when faced with difficulties.
BUILDING A SUPPORT SYSTEM:
Remember the importance of having a support system—friends, family, teachers, counselors, or your FirstGen Society family —whom you can turn to for help or advice during challenging times.
College TIPS for Spring semester
Here are five NEW tailored tips focused on financial aid and scholarships, budgeting and organizing your spring semester, getting involved in club day and campus events, and leveraging campus resources to help you navigate a successful Spring semester:
TIP #1: Stay Ahead of Financial Aid and Scholarships
- Review Financial Aid Requirements: As you start the new semester, double-check that all your financial aid forms (like the FAFSA) are up to date. Some schools may require additional forms each semester, so don’t miss any deadlines.
- Check for Spring Scholarships: Many organizations offer scholarships specifically for the spring semester. Look into local and national opportunities, and don’t forget to explore any that may be available through your college.
- Visit the Financial Aid Office: If you have any concerns about your aid package or if your financial situation has changed, set up a meeting with a financial aid advisor to discuss your options for additional support or appeals.
TIP #2: Plan and Budget for the Semester
- Budget for Spring Expenses: It’s easy to overlook costs like textbooks, lab fees, or supplies, but these expenses add up quickly. Make a budget early on to plan for these and avoid financial stress.
- Track Your Spending: Use budgeting apps or spreadsheets to keep an eye on your spending. This can help you stay on top of finances and make adjustments if needed before the semester gets too far along.
- Start Applying for Summer Internships: Spring is the perfect time to begin applying for summer internships or job opportunities that could help you with both career development and financial support. Keep an eye out for first-gen-friendly opportunities.
TIP #3: Organize Your Spring Semester Schedule
- Balance Your Classes: As the spring semester picks up, take time to review your course load. Make sure you’re balancing challenging classes with lighter ones to avoid burnout.
- Use a Time Management Tool: Tools like Google Calendar, Notion, or Trello can help you organize assignments, exams, and work-study hours. Set reminders for key deadlines and create a weekly routine.
- Prioritize Well-Being: Don’t forget to schedule regular breaks, exercise, and social activities. Balancing academics with self-care is crucial for long-term success.
TIP #4: Take Advantage of Spring Campus Events and Club Days
- Research Clubs and Organizations: If you missed the fall club fair, make sure to check out the spring events. Attend Club Day, join a FirstGen Society Chapter or Club, or attend similar events to explore student organizations that align with your academic interests or personal passions.
- Join 1-2 Clubs: It’s tempting to sign up for multiple organizations, but try to focus on 1 or 2 that will enhance your college experience—whether through networking, leadership opportunities, or skill development.
- Promote or Start a FirstGen Society Chapter: If your campus doesn’t have a chapter yet, consider starting one! A FirstGen Society chapter provides valuable support for first-gen students. Reach out to us at info@firstgensociety.org for guidance on starting a chapter or promoting your current one.
TIP #5: Leverage Campus Resources for First-Gen Students
- Explore First-Gen Support Programs: Many campuses offer dedicated programs or offices for first-generation students. These often include mentorship, tutoring, career counseling, and other resources tailored to your needs.
- Engage with Peer Mentorship: Many schools offer peer mentoring programs, where upperclassmen first-gen students can help guide you through the challenges of college life. Don’t hesitate to reach out and ask questions about academics or navigating the campus.
- Attend Workshops and Networking Events: Spring often brings a fresh batch of workshops, career fairs, and networking events. Be sure to attend these events to connect with potential employers and develop professional skills.
By staying ahead of your financial aid, keeping an organized schedule, and getting involved with campus resources and clubs, you’ll be setting yourself up for success in the spring semester. Remember, you’re not alone—use the support systems around you on campus and with FirstGen Society to make this semester your best one yet!
Our partners
FirstGen Society supports the Aspire Leaders Program, developed by Aspire Institute, to empower low-income first generation college students worldwide to reach their full potential.
Aspire Institute invites first-gen college students and recent grads to join Aspire Institute's free online program! Enhance your resume and interviewing skills, connect with a global network, and develop leadership and soft skills to distinguish yourself. Stay engaged as an alum to receive continued mentorship and funding opportunities. Be ready to apply in just 15 minutes. Fill out the Aspire Institute interest form for the 2025 Aspire Leaders Program to stay connected!
FirstGen Society is excited to be working with The First Gen Madrina, a supporting resource specialized for first generation college students and graduates that offers resources and life coaching for first-gen students. FirstGen Society members may take advantage of the discounted student coaching rate at $50 an hour with Sara Diaz, a dedicated First-Generation Life and Transition Coach and Workshop Facilitator of The First Gen Madrina.
Scheduling is flexible to meet the needs of the student. At this time, there is a capacity to meet with 5 students at a time. Coaching can be a one-time session or continuous sessions based on the students' needs.
Content Submission
Do you have a story or announcement you are proud of and would like to share within our member community? The First Up Newsletter is a great way to communicate and share our college experiences, personal or academic achievements, as well as showcase FirstGen Society chapter activities and events nationwide.
- What Month is Your Birthday? - We'd love to celebrate you!
- When is Your Expected Graduation Date? - We want to acknowledge and celebrate our new and upcoming graduates!
- What Does It Means to Be a First-Gen Student? - Share your story & we'll feature it.
Contact Us
info@firstgensociety.org