Farmingdale State College (FSC) was proud to recently host its fourth annual First-Generation College Student Celebration, a week of festivities bringing together FSC’s campus community to honor the College’s many first-generation students. Currently, 30% of FSC students are the first-generation to attend college. 

The celebration began with a kick-off event in the Campus Center Ballroom, which included a brief program, refreshments, and raffles. At First-Gen Night of Support, FSC Residence Life welcomed students to an interactive event that promoted student connections and well-being. The fun-filled evening included valuable exchanges, activities, and free resources. At Friends & Firsts, students enjoyed engaging discussions, peer connections, and a meaningful friendship bracelet exchange. The week concluded with a Tri-Alpha Honor Society information session in Gleeson Hall.  

“We wanted to go above and beyond with this year’s week-long celebration,” said FSC Department of Academic Support & Access Programs (ASAP) Executive Director Janice Rivera, co-chair of the FSC First Generation College Student Planning Committee. “We created this event to not only celebrate first-gen pride, but to also continue building and creating a community of support and friendship among first-gen students and their allies.” 

“We're here to celebrate you,” agreed fellow FSC First Generation College Student Planning Committee co-chair Kevin Jordan, EdD, vice president for diversity, equity, and inclusive excellence and chief diversity officer. “You made the important decision that you want a college education. So, we're here to celebrate the fact that your dream has become a vision, and your vision has become an affirmation, and your affirmation will be a reality.” 

“I too am first-gen,” shared Robert S. Prezant, PhD, FSC president. “My parents would always tell me, ‘Work hard, be focused.’ That was a mantra I heard, especially from my father, who moved a lot of obstacles out of the way so that I would have the opportunities that I have had. 

“You have opportunities,” he added. “You are the generation that will make a new difference in this country. You are the generation that will take the lead. Your diploma will be your ticket as first-gen students, and that is really meaningful. The next step is, what are you going to do with that ticket? I know what that ticket meant for me. I'm looking for that kind of success for all of you. Use your ticket wisely.” 

FSC Research Aligned Mentorship (RAM) Program Academic Counselor Allie McGlone, co-chair of the First-Gen Celebration Committee, said her personal experience as a first-generation college student gives added meaning to her campus roles. 

“I’m happy to help and guide students every day with their college journey. I like being the kind of support that I really didn’t have before,” she said. “So, it’s definitely come full circle, being a first-gen student and now being in this advisory role and working on this committee--it resonates with me a lot. And I want to continue supporting students any way that I can and helping make Farmingdale an even more inclusive and supportive place for our first-gen students.” 

Student Perspectives  

Aariyana Hernandez, ‘27, a professional communications major, said for her, being a first-generation college student means “putting in a lot of hard work, but it’s also meaningful for my parents because they didn’t get this opportunity. 

“Farmingdale absolutely provides a lot of opportunities and programs to give us a hand up and make sure we are having a positive academic experience. It means a lot to all of us. It feels like we’re acknowledged and noticed,” Hernandez added. 

Emma Burke, ’27, a professional communications major, shared that learning to navigate college as a first-generation student is “very different but it’s very rewarding,” and agreed FSC offers a positive experience. 

“FSC is 100% a supportive place,” she said. “It has helped me in so many ways. I am part of the RAM Program, so they were very helpful with everything. The same with the College. It’s a very welcoming school even though I was very nervous to come here. And the energy today is great. I just feel supported and loved and very happy to have an opportunity like this.” 

Damari Machado, ’25, an applied psychology major, said she enjoys “setting an example for others that are similar to my story,” and thinks, “Farmingdale State College has a lot of opportunities for all its students, but they are very supportive with the first generations. They make it possible for us to be seen and recognized,” she added. 

Andrew Le, ’27, a business management major, thinks events like FSC’s First-Generation College Student Celebration “bring more of the community together and provide more of a unity. 

“My parents never had this opportunity, so it’s special. I hope to make them proud,” he added. 

View more photos from the 2024 First-Generation College Student Celebration on our Flickr Gallery. 

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