FirstGenFM

Creating a Community for First-Gen Student Success: Insights from FirstGen Forward Leaders

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2211036/open_sms] What drives a first-generation college student to not only enroll but thrive? Join us on First Gen FM as we shine a spotlight on the inspiring stories of Dr. Martina Martin, Catherine Johnson, Ashlee Kocina Young, Wendy Beesley, and Dr. Jennifer Sutton from First Gen Forward. Guests share their personal journey of either discovering her own first-gen identity, and the beliefs that fuel their unwavering commitment to supporting this student population. Dive into the world of FirstGen Forward (formerly the Center for First-Generation Student Success), a nonprofit entity now leading the charge in providing critical resources and strategic programs to institutions. We explore how measuring belonging and preparing students holistically for life after graduation can dramatically improve retention and completion rates. Our conversation unveils the transformative power of data-informed decision-making, emphasizing how it can dismantle barriers and reveal hidden supports crucial for first-gen success. Discover the importance of simplifying processes like FAFSA and using asset-based language to create a more inclusive educational environment. You'll find yourself in a vibrant community of the First Gen Forward Network as you listen, and learn about the community where over 400 institutions collaborate to empower first-gen students. Hear firsthand accounts of the invaluable learning and connections formed within this diverse network, and learn how you can get involved, even if your institution isn't yet on board. Opportunities abound at upcoming NASPA conferences in March and the Student Success in Higher Education conferene in June. As your host, I'm eager to hear from you. Connect with me at Jen@firstgenfm.com to share your stories and insights, and let's continue this journey together, fostering a platform for dialogue and innovation in first-generation student support. FirstGen Forward Established in 2017 as the Center for First-generation Student Success, an initiative of NASPA and The Suder Foundation, the organization has grown and become a collaborative effort across the entire higher education system, working directly with hundreds of institutions that serve millions of first-generation students. In August, 2024, the organization became an independent non-profit under the name FirstGen Forward. Website: https://firstgen.naspa.org [https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ffirstgen.naspa.org%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cj.schoen%40northeastern.edu%7C4ce9d43a6da3464e104108dd3bceb977%7Ca8eec281aaa34daeac9b9a398b9215e7%7C0%7C0%7C638732481518522328%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=6vs9%2BrBQCAwxeY3t79BVHuSUhlQ%2FPBRVG0E4wBqyC8Y%3D&reserved=0] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/firstgenforward/ [https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fcompany%2Ffirstgenforward%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cj.schoen%40northeastern.edu%7C4ce9d43a6da3464e104108dd3bceb977%7Ca8eec281aaa34daeac9b9a398b9215e7%7C0%7C0%7C638732481518543445%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Hy3JAXG1kBOv3mu0oUCgfBIH5dG9u9V%2Fi261BlMCydo%3D&reserved=0] Email: network@firstgenforward.org [network@firstgenforward.org]   Podcast guests Please help others find this podcast by rating and reviewing wherever you listen! You can find me at https://www.firstgenfm.com/ [https://www.firstgenfm.com/] and on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenschoen/]. My email is jen@firstgenfm.com.

Writing Smart Girl, a memoir of a first-gen journey: A conversation with author Dr. La'Tonya "LT" Rease Miles

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2211036/open_sms] What happens when a first-generation college graduate transforms her experiences into a powerful memoir? Dr. La'Tonya "LT" Rease Miles joins me on FirstGen FM to share how a simple conversation with her daughter Zoe and an inspiring interview with Erica Alfaro sparked the creation of her memoir, "Smart Girl." LT describes how writing allowed her to reflect on pivotal moments and gain deeper insights into her own story. Her narrative unfolds through thematic chapters, capturing the essence of first-gen challenges and triumphs that shaped her journey. LT shares about reconnecting with influential figures from her past, each playing a crucial role in her self-discovery. From her experiences on the cheerleading team to the guidance of Coach Marsh, LT reveals how these connections challenged her insecurities and helped redefine her understanding of identity and support. With a disciplined writing process that spanned over two years, LT not only tells her story but also pays homage to those around her, highlighting the unique dynamics of first-generation education pathways. Exciting things are on the horizon with the upcoming launch of the "Smart Girl" podcast in 2025. LT is teaming up with Professor Samantha Pinto to dig deeper into the memoir's themes, promising engaging conversations with insightful guests. As the book prepares for release, LT enthusiastically invites listeners to engage with her on social media, share ideas for podcast topics, and even suggest cities for her upcoming tour. With hopes to visit Boston and dreams of catching a Celtics game, LT is ready to connect with the first-gen community, sparking a vibrant dialogue around the her story and the stories that define us together. For more about La'Tonya "LT" Rease Miles https://www.latonyareasemiles.com/about [https://www.latonyareasemiles.com/about] https://www.linkedin.com/in/latonyareasemiles/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/latonyareasemiles/] Please help others find this podcast by rating and reviewing wherever you listen! You can find me at https://www.firstgenfm.com/ [https://www.firstgenfm.com/] and on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenschoen/]. My email is jen@firstgenfm.com.

Guiding Students From First-Gen Student to First-Gen Professional with Lisa Rivera

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2211036/open_sms] Lisa Rivera, the  director of First Generation Student Initiatives at Suffolk University, joins us to share her journey from being a first-gen student in Florida to making her mark in higher education. Listen as Lisa recounts how the AVID program and her mentor, Ms. Dennison, were pivotal in her path to Allegheny College. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of mentorship and supportive educational programs, sparking curiosity about how such resources shape first-generation students' academic journeys and beyond. Transitioning from college to career can be a daunting experience, especially for first-gen students. Lisa opens up about her early professional hurdles, from working multiple jobs to make ends meet to the unexpected challenges she faced at a temp agency. Her narrative highlights themes of resilience and adaptability as she navigated job hunting and career building without prior internships. Through Lisa's experiences, we explore how first-gen students can leverage curiosity and a willingness to learn in creating their professional paths, even when things don't go as planned. More about Lisa Rivera https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisamriv/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisamriv/] lisa.rivera@suffolk.edu Lisa Rivera, EdM, is the inaugural Director of First-Generation Student Initiatives, joining the Center for First-Generation & Educational Equity at Suffolk University in November 2022, where she leads initiatives to enhance programming and support for first-generation students, faculty, and staff. A first-generation college graduate and AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) alumna, Lisa earned a bachelor’s degree in Communication Arts and Women’s Studies from Allegheny College in 2014 and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies with a concentration on Higher Education Administration from Boston University in 2019. Previously, Lisa spent seven years at Boston University’s Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine, where she advanced through roles in admissions, student affairs, and career development. She supported the student lifecycle from recruitment to career entry, including facilitating admissions cycles, coordinating student affairs and student organization programming, and delivering career readiness guidance, including teaching lectures on preparing for career and residency interviews and leading an annual career fair, integrating student support with strategic planning to enhance retention and success. An advocate for first-generation students, Lisa has co-advised Alpha Alpha Alpha (Tri-Alpha) chapters, the national honor society for first-generation college students, at both Boston University and Suffolk University, participated in allyship and developed championing first-generation programming at both universities for faculty and staff audiences, and presented at the NASPA national conference on support for first-generation graduate and professional students and the BACHA’s local conference on career readiness for higher education professionals. With a commitment to equity and access, Lisa continues to foster community and create pathways for first-generation success inside and outside of the classroom. Please help others find this podcast by rating and reviewing wherever you listen! You can find me at https://www.firstgenfm.com/ [https://www.firstgenfm.com/] and on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenschoen/]. My email is jen@firstgenfm.com.

How New Policies May Shape the Future of American Higher Education: Thoughts from a recent webinar

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2211036/open_sms] In this episode, I share a few takeaways on post-election landscape with insights from Ted Mitchell and Michelle Asher Cooper from a recent webinar: Post-Election Outlook: What to Watch in Higher Education. I talk about what I heard from these experts from the American Council on Education and the Lumina Foundation, and the potential impact of the new Republican administration. They focused on possible shifts in accreditation standards and their critical implications for financial aid. I share insights from this thought-provoking webinar, featuring experts who are cautiously optimistic about navigating these changes while maintaining the resilience of educational institutions.  Join me, Jen Schoen, as we question the media's portrayal of higher education value and confidence, highlighted by surprising poll results where 90% of Americans still hold higher education in high regard. We discuss the dire consequences of small and regional college closures on first-gen and low-income students. Michelle Asher Cooper's emphasis on listening to communities and scrutinizing congressional leadership priorities offers a hopeful outlook, even as the challenges loom large. This episode is a must-listen for educators and students preparing to face the evolving educational landscape. Please help others find this podcast by rating and reviewing wherever you listen! You can find me at https://www.firstgenfm.com/ [https://www.firstgenfm.com/] and on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenschoen/]. My email is jen@firstgenfm.com.

Navigating Career Paths: Success Stories and Strategies for First-Generation Students with Mike Wysocki

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2211036/open_sms] Join us for a conversation with Mike Wysocki, a first-generation graduate,  who reveals how he turned hurdles into stepping stones on his journey to success. From a working-class suburb of Boston to the broader horizons of UMass Amherst, Mike candidly shares how a change in major from engineering to sociology opened unexpected doors. He talks about the critical role of attitude and determination in carving out a career path, and why he chose the business world over social work. This episode offers valuable insights into the winding road of career choices and the importance of exploring opportunities to find what  fits. Curious about how effective communication can set you apart in the job market? Mike shares his experience of being published in various magazines, and how it became a unique asset during job interviews, underscoring the power of accomplishments on a resume. We also discuss the motivation behind his book, "Careers by the People," and his aim to guide first-generation, low-income individuals in balancing financial success with personal fulfillment. Mike emphasizes the necessity of understanding teams and collaboration to become an indispensable asset in any organization. In our discussion, we explore the unpredictable journeys people take to find success and fulfillment, from unconventional career paths to the importance of mentorship and real-world experience. Mike shares anecdotes of individuals who broke the mold and found joy in unexpected fields, and stresses the critical role of making informed career choices. If your students are facing similar challenges, he offers encouragement and practical advice on how to harness available resources like faculty and alumni networks. Connect with Mike through his website, LinkedIn, and YouTube channel for more inspiration and guidance on navigating your own career journey. Mike Wysocki After toiling in corporate America for 30+ years, Mike Wysocki finally put his sociology degree to work by researching a variety of occupations and collected hundreds of responses from industry veterans then choosing the best 101 for the award-winning and best-selling book Careers By the People. www.careersbythepeople.com [https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.careersbythepeople.com%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cj.schoen%40northeastern.edu%7C6706d041416640ccabdb08dd002340a8%7Ca8eec281aaa34daeac9b9a398b9215e7%7C0%7C0%7C638666873635218578%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=pTqsIhJD%2F%2BfeCWKoI4nG7ecNcSE3Qxs%2BUatJ%2Bss7tX4%3D&reserved=0] www.linkedin.com/in/mike-wysocki-021679/ [https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2Fmike-wysocki-021679%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cj.schoen%40northeastern.edu%7C6706d041416640ccabdb08dd002340a8%7Ca8eec281aaa34daeac9b9a398b9215e7%7C0%7C0%7C638666873635238792%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=wtwKrNHSf4L1acDKuOsX5KKcYuChH7LM3o%2FKtJ1PV68%3D&reserved=0] https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2F%40careersbythepeople&data=05%7C02%7Cj.schoen%40northeastern.edu%7C6706d041416640ccabdb08dd002340a8%7Ca8eec281aaa34daeac9b9a398b9215e7%7C0%7C0%7C638666873635259225%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=NuQmkywl4oSp7kwY9bt5rR3JEL8HXkN4UJyVAJgc5tk%3D&reserved=0 Please help others find this podcast by rating and reviewing wherever you listen! You can find me at https://www.firstgenfm.com/ [https://www.firstgenfm.com/] and on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenschoen/]. My email is jen@firstgenfm.com.