This clip for FYS 101 focuses on the importance of opportunity programs, such as HEOP and TRIO SSS.

This clip for FYS 101 focuses on the issue of first gen college students needing to help their family and how they feel like they "can't afford to fail."

In this clip for FYS 101, first gen college students talk about the importance of knowing that they belong here at Syracuse University, as well as the importance of making college accessible to first gen students.

This clip for FYS 101 focuses on the issue of not being able to turn to parents/family for things like academic support.

In this clip for FYS 101, first gen students discuss the differences in language and vocabulary they navigate between home and in higher ed learning environments.

The National First Gen College Celebration takes place every year on November 8th. The 2022 Syracuse University celebration was sponsored by the Kessler Scholars Program, HEOP, TRIO SSS, New Student and Family Programs, and SU Libraries. To celebrate First Gen Day, Syracuse University invited Dr. Eve Hudson to campus. Dr. Eve is an "educator turned founder and president of Evinglerlean Worldwide - a leading social entity inspiring, empowering, and uplifting first-generation scholars and professionals across the globe." You can learn more about Dr. Eve at evehudsonphd.com.

Prior to the scheduled talk at Watson Hall, Dr. Eve took time out of her busy schedule to meet with three first gen students to talk about the first gen experience. At the table were Samantha (Kessler Scholars Program), Isabella (SSS), Bre-Yona (SSS) and OSS Associate Director Amy Messersmith.

This podcast was produced and edited by Amy Horan Messersmith. A special thank you to Nick Piato for his sound engineering expertise.

The National First Gen College Celebration takes place every year on November 8th. The 2022 Syracuse University celebration was sponsored by the Kessler Scholars Program, HEOP, TRIO SSS, New Student and Family Programs, and SU Libraries. One of the ways we celebrated First Gen Day was by gathering first generation college students from across Syracuse University to hear their perspectives and learn from their experiences.

Craig Tucker, the director of the Office of Supportive Services, introduces this podcast by providing some background on the First Generation College Celebration as well information regarding programs on campus that serve first gen students (Kessler Scholars Program, HEOP, and TRIO SSS). This podcast then features a discussion between undergraduate students Anthony Hernandez (Kessler Scholars Program), Genesis Alvarez (HEOP), Mauricio Luna (TRIO SSS), Samantha Vajellos (HEOP/SSS student community member), and Raul Rosique, Jr (Navy student veteran). Also at the table is HEOP Academic Counselor Amy Friers, who is also a proud first gen graduate.

This podcast was produced and edited by Amy Horan Messersmith, associate director of the Office of Supportive Services (HEOP/SSS). A special thank you to Nicholas Piato (The SENSES Project Audio Lab Program Coordinator) for lending his sound editing expertise.