Contact Details
Jenn Brown
Executive Assistant, Vice President for Equity & Inclusive Excellence
GenFirst! Mentors
The GenFirst!@Bucknell Mentoring Program facilitates relationships between first-generation students and first-generation faculty and staff. Our mentors are committed to assisting and supporting you throughout your time at Bucknell.
What's the mentoring program like?
You'll have opportunities to connect and network with your mentor and other mentees at campus programs. Plus, at least twice a semester, you'll share a meal with your mentor to touch base about your Bucknell transition, academics, social life and any concerns you may have. Mentors know a lot about Bucknell, and they know what it's like to be a first-generation student.
Meet our mentors
My favorite leisure activities:
- Gardening (with my corgis)
- Learning
- Shopping
Three words that describe me:
Goal orientated, Kind, Good listener
I wanted to be a lawyer from the age of 6. College was how I was going to get there. I learned that strong grades alone weren’t enough to magically get you an invite to college. I had to navigate an unfamiliar system of testing, applications and financial aid. Initially I went to a college I hated and transferred to a college I loved! Every hard step and every misstep that I had to deal with along the way to get to college was well worth the experience I had while I was there and the impact it has had on my life long after graduation. My takeaway — dedication and conviction that you’ll reach your goal are more powerful than you may think. If you’re interested in law school, I’m happy to tell you that story as well.
My favorite leisure activities:
- Reading
- Traveling
- Cooking
Three words that describe me:
Analytical, Passionate, Kind
When I started college, I didn’t realize it was uncommon to be a first-generation college student. I grew up in a small, blue-collar community. Many of my friends had parents who did not go to college, but we were all planning to pursue a post-secondary education. However, I quickly realized that being first generation was not common at my university. While walking to a football game, my friends were sharing where their parents went to college. When it was my turn to share, I stated that my parents didn’t go to college. I was faced with five blank stares and we quickly changed the subject. It was during that moment that I realized my experience, my background, and my family might be different than a lot of my peers.
Unfortunately, when I was in college there weren’t a lot of programs for first-generation students. Even though about 15% of students at my university were first generation, there were many times when I felt like the only first-generation student on campus. Therefore, I kept my identity related to being a first-generation college student private. I would have benefited from more community groups and mentorship to help me realize that I wasn’t alone in my journey.
Despite the challenges I experienced, being a first-generation student gave me an edge. Compared to my classmates, I came to school with more independence and real-world experience. Through a lot of determination (and because of sheer necessity), I learned how to access resources that led to my success in college. I worked while in school, and was better prepared to manage my time in college than some of my other peers. And I definitely knew how to do laundry before I started school.
I am proud of what I have achieved, but I know that I wouldn’t have been successful without my strong family support. Even though my parents didn’t go to college, they insisted on the importance of a college education; and my siblings and I all graduated from college as a result. I look forward to mentoring someone, and increasing support and pride for first-generation college students.
Email: ka025@bucknell.edu
My favorite leisure activities:
- Going to the Gym
- Doing Karaoke
- Traveling
Three words that describe me:
Curious, Optimistic, Energetic
Everything about college was a mystery. As a planner, my only solution was to learn everything I could before I can make a decision regarding college. The year before I started college, I probably called about 40 people in preparation.
Email: m.albrizzio@bucknell.edu
My favorite leisure activities:
- Travel
- Binge-watching documentaries
- Reading, volunteering in my community
Three words that describe me:
Tenacious, Thoughtful , Caring
As a first-generation college student, I entered higher education with a mix of hope, uncertainty, and determination. While I had extended family members who attended college, no one in my immediate family did. I received little support from my parents or siblings. Without the internet or widespread institutional support systems that exist today, access to information was limited. I often found myself piecing together my schedules and financial aid. Balancing academics with a full-time job, living on my own, and overcoming self-doubt were all part of my journey. Despite these challenges, I discovered a deep sense of resilience and resourcefulness that continues to shape my life and career.
My favorite leisure activities:
- I have three children and enjoy spending time with them
- Hiking
- Renovating furniture
Three words that describe me:
Energetic, Motivated, Passionate
I started reviewing colleges in high school and was unsure of what to do for a career. My parents were supportive of going to college, but were unaware of how to start or adventure down the journey since they had not gone to college.
I was interested in architecture and went to Northampton Community College and received an associate's degree. I was able to transfer to Philadelphia University and graduate with a bachelor's degree in architectural studies with a minor in human resource management.
I learned a lot from that transfer experience, such as how a university operates, the necessary preparations needing to occur prior to stepping foot in a classroom and what resources are available to a student for support either socially or financially. Its interesting to see my path as I started out not knowing much about college to eventually working in higher education.
Email: sapanel@bucknell.edu
My favorite leisure activities:
- Spending time with my dog
- Listening to music
- Travelling
Three words that describe me:
A global citizen, Friendly and fun, Fiercely loyal
As the first person in my family to go to college, I was wholly unprepared for what college entails. Thankfully, I found good faculty mentors who helped me feel a sense of belonging and boosted my academic confidence. College was a life-changing experience for me. I moved from Denmark to the United Kingdom, which meant figuring out which classes to take and how the library works while navigating new cultural experiences. At the time, I had no idea that there was a term to describe my experiences, and in hindsight, I wish my institution had better supported first-generation students.
Email: meb068@bucknell.edu
My favorite leisure activities:
- I love music (R&B mostly)!
- I love poetry; reading and writing
- Black culture is the center of my joy.
Three words that describe me:
Warmth, Tranquility, "Go with the flow"
I didn't know that I was a first generation college student until I realized that it was based on your immediate family, not anyone in your family. So, having to navigate things like what is needed in your room, having hallmates, even small things about financial aid and having a job was something that I didn't know about. It wasn't until orientation when I recognized that I needed a lot guidance on how to be successful in college, especially since I didn't know good study techniques due to never really having to study in high school.
Email: qc002@bucknell.edu
My favorite leisure activities:
- Anything soccer
- Running
- Spending time with my two kids – Will and Archer
Three words that describe me:
Passionate, Hardworking, Outgoing
My college search process was heavily tied to the intuitions that were recruiting me for soccer. I visited a number of institutions and discovered along the way that I would be most comfortable in a small, rural, liberal arts college. Colgate University was a great fit for me in many ways but I can remember questioning my decision the majority of my freshmen year.
I was very intimated by the academic rigors as I transitioned from high school to college. I did not feel as prepared compared to my classmates. I can also remember realizing my upbringing and youth were very different from many of my peers. I had never been on an airplane or out of the country and seemed to focus on all the things that made me different.
As I navigated my way through my four years I found my confidence in the classroom and pride in my upbringing. I also learned what was important when building relationships as an adult. I look back now and realize my relationships with my professors, advisors, coaches and teammates played a huge role in my success and individual growth. Finally, the most important relationship that strengthened in my time at college was with my parents who had worked so hard to provide me with the opportunity they did not have.
Email: kek017@bucknell.edu
My favorite leisure activities:
- Outdoor activities (hiking, running, biking, camping)
- Spending time with my dogs, family and friends
- Arts and crafts
Three words that describe me:
Kind, Gentle, Outdoors
I feel really proud to be a first-generation college student. The fact that my sisters and I all are college graduates is so meaningful to my parents. I am so grateful and appreciative to have had access to an education.
I felt pretty out of the loop in my college experience. There is so much I didn't know or understand about SATs, college applications, financial aid, research and other opportunities that college provides. It felt like I was playing catch-up. Grad school felt similar. It's pretty wild to now work at a University and see it all from the other side.
Email: mc089@bucknell.edu
My favorite leisure activities:
- Exercising
- Reading
- Movies
Three words that describe me:
Proactive, Outgoing, Fun
I believe in education as a means for improvement in life. Some of my family members and friends would answer that I have a stubborn attitude with regard to education since I have always had a strong desire for continuing learning and academic growth. I grew up within limited economic conditions in a family consisting of an illiterate single mother and three other brothers. Nonetheless, I continued attending school even when many of my peers in similar adverse economic and social conditions dropped out along the way; I made my best effort to graduate from high school and later succeeded in earning a bachelor's degree.
After finishing high school, I enrolled in the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) majoring in physics and dreaming about becoming an astronaut. But after a while, I realized that down here on earth we were also experiencing many challenging and complex problems, so I reconsidered my dream. Ultimately, I quit and went back to my town. After a couple of years working in different jobs and trades, I ended up enrolling in an undergraduate engineering program, but this time with the belief that I could satisfy both my scientific interests and also broaden my opportunities for better work and further education. As a testament to my stubbornness, let me add that I finished my undergraduate studies in five years (standard) while working in a full-time teaching position and raising two young children.
Email: jjf022@bucknell.edu
My favorite leisure activities:
- Trail running
- Reading
- Spending time with my family
Three words that describe me:
Friendly, Resilient, Reliable
When I studied abroad as an undergraduate, I did not understand credit transfer. I left my home campus for an international institution and did not have my classes reviewed with my academic advisor or signed by a campus official within my academic department or any academic department prior to departure. I was a first-generation college student and the first person in my family to study abroad.
My home campus was a state university in the U.S. At that time very few students studied abroad from my home campus. I knew through prayer studying abroad would be a defining time in my undergraduate career.
When I arrived back home from my study abroad program I went through a myriad of campus offices before arriving at a dean then provost level meeting where they took pity on my unfamiliarity of course approval. Without my home university accepting credit from abroad courses I would have lost my financial aid and the ability to return to campus to finish my degree. With a stroke of a pen and support of several campus offices all my courses were approved and added to my transcript, and my financial aid was released.
Now several years later when I look back as an associate director working in the Office of Global & Off-campus Education (OGOE) it seems impossible a student would not understand basic components of leaving their home campus for an off campus program. I did not know how I could not know or understand this concept. I think of all the things I did not know and understand. I think of the people that took extra time to shepherd me, mentor me and provide support so I would succeed. The grace of others can sometimes seem like a mystery. I think of the grace that met me as a first-generation college student.
As an undergraduate, at times, I felt I was in a foreign setting on my own U.S. college campus. I have not told this story very often but it is woven into the fabric of my life and provided to be an instructive experience. I draw upon it when I think about serving others. Today, I have the good fortune of working with students interested in off-campus/study abroad experiences.
Email: jef025@bucknell.edu
My favorite leisure activities:
- I enjoy going to new places, learning about people and investing in people. This translates to travel (when possible), but it mostly translates to time together with others, hosting, taking pictures and creating memory books, watching interesting movies and talking about them, playing board games — all these as much as they are possible while working and caring for a three year old
Three words that describe me:
Attuned to people, Committed, Analytical
I had the first-generation experience coupled with cross-cultural experiences — my entire higher education career happened abroad. I was born in Romania but spent three years at the American University in Bulgaria and then the last two as a transfer student in Holland, Michigan. The journey was amazing and I would not trade it for the world, but the combination of no college guidance from parents (or ability to support me financially) and the newness of living with different cultural experiences also made for challenging moments that I can still remember in detail. I look back on those moments as those where I could have given up, but I did have the wonderful emotional support of parents who were able to see things in perspective and the academic support of professors who knew what I could do and invested in me. So I want to be that person to someone who may need it throughout this journey — it is a journey worth having!
Email: rmf020@bucknell.edu
My favorite leisure activities:
- Spending time with family, friends and church family.
- I play the piano
- I love to watch British crime dramas
Three words that describe me:
Lifelong learner, Motivated, Empathetic
I am the first female college graduate in my family. I started college when I was 18, but was overwhelmed and dropped out of college after one semester. I realized later in life, however, that in order to succeed and advance in my career, I was limited by not having a degree. So, I returned to school as a non-traditional student while raising my family and working full time. I'm proof that you can accomplish your goals, even later in life — but it wasn't easy! I earned my associates online, graduated with a bachelors in corporate communications and minor in HR from Susquehanna University in 2013, and completed two MBAs online afterward (Strategic Management and Human Resources.) Maybe I'm done with my education? Maybe not! For now, I'm advancing my learning with certifications in my profession (SHRM-SCP) and webinars and conferences. I love learning new things and challenging myself to stretch and grow!
The best piece of advice I received from one of my professors is this: When you're having trouble making a decision, always choose the path that leaves the most doors open to you in the future. Love that! And I've taken that to heart in my career path.
I applaud all first-gen students! It's not easy when you don't have family who have navigated the Higher Ed landscape before. I encourage you to lean heavily on your advisor, find your people and reach out to others who can help you navigate your path. I'm here to support you in any way that I can!
Email: kgg006@bucknell.edu
My favorite leisure activities:
- Reading
- Music
- Crafting
Three words that describe me:
Empathetic, Driven, Funny
My first-generation college experience included transitioning from living in small towns my whole life to living in a big city (Pittsburgh), which was very intimidating at the time. I was on my own for the very first time. I had to figure out how to make money, pay bills, budget, provide transportation for myself, feed myself and manage my classes and workload all on my own. I didn't have the opportunity of family assistance. At times, I couldn't afford public transportation and I walked the mile and a half from my apartment to my university (sometimes in snow or rain) to get to class. After a long day of classes, I would make it back to my apartment around 4:30 and leave to go to work until 11 p.m. and then walk home. I was determined to be the first college graduate in my family (and I was).
My first semester in college was certainly educational and reinforced the value of a dollar. I had no meal plan, did not live in a dorm and had no car or cell phone. I paid rent and utilities with two roommates, had to adjust to other people's living styles, worked a part time job nights and weekends, grocery shopped and cooked for myself (I lived off of only Ramen Noodles for my entire first semester of college), had a puppy to care for that I brought with me to college, and had to balance my class load, homework and projects amongst all of it. I had, maybe, a few hours of free time a week and those were often spent at a local coffee shop playing cards with some friends I met while using the coffee shop's free WIFI to do school work.
And although this may all sound very depressing and daunting, I was proud of myself for the things I accomplished on my own. My first semester in college and every one after taught me how to be independent and challenged me to see how far I could push myself to obtain a goal.
Email: argg001@bucknell.edu
My favorite leisure activities:
- Hiking
- Going to movies
- Traveling
Three words that describe me:
Curious, Tolerant, Patient
My dad left school at the age of fourteen and my mother trained as a nurse back when that was an apprenticeship in a hospital and not a university degree. Their hard work allowed my younger brother and me to grow up in a comfortable middle-class home. They wanted me to go to college, but truly didn't care what subjects I took or what I majored in: when I chose literary studies and history, they were thrilled and I've been grateful for their openness to what excited me (rather than them) ever since.
One thing this meant was that I arrived at university not really knowing how it worked because no one in my immediate family had any experience of it — I had a list of classes that I was enrolled in and a dorm room assignment, but it took me a few months to work out how the university functioned as an institution and a few years to figure out the best way for me to get the most out of it. As a GenFirst mentor, I hope to help first-generation college students at Bucknell get the most out of our university as soon as possible. This doesn't mean telling you how it works; this means me listening to how YOU want it to work. As an immigrant to the USA, I think I might be especially useful to students who are adjusting to our nation as well as to college life.
Email: jchunter@bucknell.edu
My favorite leisure activities:
- Reading
- Spending time with family and friends
- Design
Three words that describe me:
Reliable, Empathetic, Silly
I was a first-generation college student with non-supportive parents. I essentially taught myself how to navigate the college system, and came to graduate school on the recommendation of a supportive faculty member. I understand, likely better than most, the importance of having faculty who sees your strengths and points them out when you cannot see them yourself.
Email:mli004@bucknell.edu
My favorite leisure activities:
- Reading
- Playing video games
- Travelling
Three words that describe me:
Curious, Tenacious, Foodie
Email: kk054@bucknell.edu
My favorite leisure activities:
- Traveling
- Spending time with family (and my dog)
- Arts (music, theatre, film, etc)
Three words that describe me:
Organized, Easy-going, Compassionate
Heading to college as a first-generation student was an adventure. I am also an only child, so there was no one's example to follow. I quickly learned that I needed to be proactive about how to get the information I needed. It was a good push to become more confident in myself, and I learned how to advocate for myself before really understanding what that even meant.
The trickiest part for me may have been navigating life in a new place with people I did not know and with no one in particular in my immediate family that quite understood my situation. I learned a lot about taking risks. Sometimes stepping outside of our comfort zone doesn't lead us to what we expect, and sometimes it does. I learned to accept both of those scenarios and keep moving forward. I'd be happy to meet GenFirst students at Bucknell and chat about your experiences!
Email:mll030@bucknell.edu
My favorite leisure activities:
- Travel
- Food
- Pop culture
Three words that describe me:
Compassionate, Intentional, Fun
As a first-gen college student, I didn't know what I wanted to do — so I tried as much as I could! I wouldn't recommend spreading yourself as thin as I did, but I absolutely recommend trying new things and giving yourself space to evolve. Use all the college resources available; as a first-gen college student, I wish someone would've told me how normal and important it was to allow people to help.
Email:jnl009@bucknell.edu
My favorite leisure activities:
- Being outside in nature
- Gardening
- Listening to music
Three words that describe me:
Diligent, Trustworthy, Hopeful
My older brother and I were the first individuals in our family to attend college, so everything about the process was overwhelming — from visiting colleges, to applying for financial aid, and writing the dreaded application essay. I remember my parents really struggling with the enormity of it all.
Once at Dickinson College, I felt incredibly homesick the first semester and even though I was a very strong student in high school, college classes were on an entirely different level. While I entered as a biochemistry major, I remember getting a C in biology during my first semester and quickly coming to the realization that biochem wasn’t going to be my calling or my career passion.
I took an environmental science class and almost immediately changed my major to environmental studies and moved into the college’s Center for Sustainable Living, The Treehouse, as a second semester freshman — a first! I added a second major, religion, after I took an environmental ethics class and had my eyes truly opened by one memorable and passionate professor.
I decided to study abroad in Jerusalem, Israel, the summer after my sophomore year. That was my first experience on a plane — can you imagine? The long flight and the uncertainty of living abroad (and in a convent!) challenged me in countless ways, forming core memories that influence me to this day.
When I graduated, I kept in touch with many of my professors and mentors that helped me to blossom and grow — I am truly grateful for their positive influences 20+ years later.
Email: lisa.leighton@bucknell.edu
My favorite leisure activities:
- Discovering a new city
- Spending time with friends
- Learning something new
Three words that describe me:
Approachable, Enthusiastic, Quick-witted
As a first-generation college student, I missed out on many opportunities due to a lack of understanding about how the system worked. The old adage, "you don't know what you don't know," rings especially true in this context. Without a clear picture of what college could be, it was easy to feel lost. It would be a pleasure to help you navigate the collegiate landscape and make the most of what it has to offer.
Email: amy.levan@bucknell.edu
My favorite leisure activities:
- Reading
- Spending time with family & friends
- Traveling
Three words that describe me:
Soñador, artista, amigo
As a first-generation college student, I struggled with the entire experience — from applying, attending and graduating. I was the first in my immigrant family (one of eight siblings) to attend college, so as much as my family wanted to help me with the process, we were lost. At first, I missed out on an opportunity to attend a prestigious school simply because I didn't know I had to fill out a dorm preference form. This led me to enroll in my local community college — which I loved — and there I learned to navigate my way through higher education. From community college, I attended a state school for undergrad, and then went on to an R1 to complete my graduate studies.
My family wanted me to study medicine, of course. I wanted to study art. As a result of these competing desires, my first semesters in the pre-med track were disastrous and forced me to confront the fact that I, as a young adult, had to make life decisions for myself. I switched my major to studio art, much to the dismay of my family. I could not have been happier with my decision. I loved my art classes. I thrived in those artistic spaces, and my education led me to a successful career as an artist.
These first-gen experiences helped shape my sense of self, to trust my ability to decide on what was best for my future. Now, I want to be of support and get to know other first-generation students.
Email: eal024@bucknell.edu
My favorite leisure activities:
- Paper crafting
- Attending music concerts
- Spending time with family
Three words that describe me:
Friendly, Cheerful & Gregarious
I knew education and college was important, but I didn't know how to navigate it, how to pay for it, or what I would study. My high school offered college courses from a local community college (HACC) to earn credit, so I took one class during my junior and senior year. After high school, I earned an associate's degree at HACC, then I transferred to the University of Pittsburgh to finish my bachelor's degree. It was difficult at times to juggle everything while attempting to pay for college on my own. The barriers to access and affordability were difficult for me on top of the rigorous coursework. Thankfully, I had a support system that was very small but important in my growth. My hope is to help students build a stronger support system, navigate college and serve as a resource.
Email: raina.mcgeorge@bucknell.edu
My favorite leisure activities:
- Travel in our RV
- Hang out with family
- Read
Three words that describe me:
Passionate, Driven, Foodie
I always knew I wanted to go to college and find a career that would allow me to travel and to be financially secure. First, I chose marketing as my major, but in my sophomore year, I realized I wasn’t creative. At all! So, I changed my major to accounting, a subject I was doing well in. I learned that accounting was a set of tools I could take anywhere. In undergrad, I focused on my coursework and studied for the CPA exam, which I passed right after college.
I had a great career as an accounting professional, traveled the world, and worked my way into a senior management role in a large company. During that time, I also earned my MBA. After 15 years in a corporate environment, I returned to school to earn my PhD in accounting. I have taught at Bucknell for 16 years. I can honestly say I enjoyed each of the many professional roles that I have been blessed to have, but being a college professor is the best one of all!
I firmly believe that education will open doors for you. It may be a different door than you first thought, but with some introspection and the advice of your faculty and family, you will find your “door”. Learn all you can as an undergraduate here at Bucknell. Pursue your interests, consider how you want your future to look, and you will find your “door”. Don’t be afraid to go in a different direction than you first thought.
My favorite leisure activities:
- Spending time with my family
- Cycling
- Travel
Three words that describe me:
Listener, Level-headed, Always learning
I don't know the exact numbers, but a large percentage of college students in Ireland are first-generation. The reason for this is that there are only seven universities in the whole country, and there were even fewer for the previous generation, so most of my peers' parents would not have been to college. Also quite common is that I commuted from home for my first two years, and I had an older sibling who also went to university. For these reasons, my undergraduate experience was easier than for many first-generation students at Bucknell.
A much more difficult transition for me was moving to the U.S. for graduate school. The whole system was different from what I knew, especially the more challenging and relentless homework, but also just learning how things are done in a different country. Even though Ireland and the U.S. share a language, the cultural and social differences can easily be underestimated. The first few weeks were a roller-coaster ride, and the first semester was disheartening. I had difficulty keeping up, and everybody else seemed better prepared than me for the coursework.
With hard work and perseverance, things improved and I regained some confidence. After four years, having grown a lot, I was ready to move on to the next step in my career. I hope that GenFirst!@Bucknell can help our students overcome their challenges, whatever they may be, and thrive at Bucknell.
Email: pm040@bucknell.edu
My favorite leisure activities:
- Reading
- Listening to music
- Driving children to their practices and competitions
Three words that describe me:
Curious, Open-minded, Friendly
I received my undergraduate degree from Southeast University in China. My parents didn't attend college. So we didn't have much clue about colleges, the application process, and college majors. When the opportunity of applying for college came in 1977 after a 12-year interruption due to the cultural revolution, I applied for the majors in the area of electronics and industry engineering, mostly because of what I did before college. In middle school and high school I learned and enjoyed assembling transistor radios from parts. After high school, I worked as an electrician in a chemical plant. The work in these areas seem interesting, that is why I applied for those majors. But in my days, applicants did not necessarily get into the majors of their choice. I ended up being a math major. Though it wasn't my choice, I soon became enjoying math classes, and I can see the usefulness of the subject.
My biggest challenge in college was the transition from high school to college. I was at the top of my high school class. But when in college, I could no longer be the top student in class. It was not because I became any dumber, but because some other students are much more advanced. Because China stopped normal college admissions for 12 years, my classmates have a 17-year age difference between the oldest and the youngest! I didn't give up, but worked hard to learn from others in many aspects. I learned how to manage time, how to tackle difficult problems, how to discuss issues with others, and how to live in college which, in a certain sense, is a small society. At the end I did fine academic-wise. But I think most importantly, I learned many lessons in my college experience outside the classrooms.
In addition to attending classes and finishing assignments, I participated in a number of other activities. I played intramural sports such as basketball, volleyball and running. Southeast University, like many other universities in China in those days, organized very active student intramural sports. Every year, we would have a comprehensive sports competition, like a mini-Olympics, where students in all classes would compete in many events and win champions. Through those sports practice and competition, the students form a strong bond. Through them, we started friendship that would last a lifetime. I also was active in student government and helped in many daily issues.
College years help us grow in the most important ways! The experience will impact us the entire life. Grab the opportunity, don't waste any time.
Email: xmeng@bucknell.edu
My favorite leisure activities:
- Family
- Entertaining
- Learning
Three words that describe me:
Intuitive, Creative, Fierce
As a first-generation college graduate, I was the only one among my siblings to graduate college and pursue graduate school. I challenged the experiences and expectations of being a traditional Latina female amongst the community in which I was raised and lived. I used my success as a call to action for my younger extended family members to go to college to reach and embrace their potential.
Through my role and position at Bucknell, I thrive at being an advocate and supporter of college students, and ideally, a role model to other diverse, first-generation young men and women who question their ability to authentically contribute to our shared community.
Email: cm054@bucknell.edu
My favorite leisure activities:
- Reading fiction
- Hiking
- Biking
Three words that describe me:
Enthusiastic, Hard-working, Curious
I remember that starting college was very hard for me. I didn't know anyone, and I didn't know what college would be like. I remember seeing that a lot of students knew what to do immediately upon arrival. They knew how to be successful. The other students knew how to form study groups, how to study, and how to interact with their professors and other students. I was completely lost. College seemed easy to them and very hard for me. I never really felt fully comfortable. I did well enough and moved on to graduate school and a successful career, but I really wish I could have felt successful in college.
Now, many years later, I see that the problem wasn't internal to me, but the product of my lack of experience and training. The students who were successful were trained to be successful. They had a "family memory" of many generations of college experience. One thing that I think is a really important part of my work as an adviser and professor is to share the necessary skills for college success with my students — particularly first-generation college students.
Email: lp028@bucknell.edu
My favorite leisure activities:
- Going to art galleries, museums
- Motorcycling
- Hiking, road trips, exploring
Three words that describe me:
Curious, Fun-loving, Survivor
When I was 18 and had just moved to Seattle to attend art school, a friend's father introduced me to a wealthy older friend of his who was an art lover and who lived in Seattle. This family friend took me and my visiting friend out for lunch at an upscale restaurant. I decided to order something I'd never had before, something I guessed was eaten only by the jet-set: prawns. I got a plate full of prawns and proceeded to eat them — tails, shells, and all. It was like eating glass. No one said a thing. I concluded it is probably better to just be myself. I still love me some Kraft Mac-n-cheese.
Email: rjr023@bucknell.edu
My favorite leisure activities:
- Exercising (preferably Pilates)
- Traveling to new and familiar places
- Playing with my two dogs and cat
Three words that describe me:
Curious, Ambitious, Funny
I was always told college would be my “ticket out,” and when I got to college, I found myself lost and alone. I felt out of place from all of my peers, and I questioned if this was the right place for me.
With pure luck and determination, I got involved on campus and during my interview, I met a staff member who saw my raw potential. She reached out to me and asked if I wanted to work with her. Between that and joining organizations, I started to find my people on campus. There’s no “right” way to do college, but it sure can feel like that when you’re a first-generation college student. That’s why I love working with college students to help them find their own purpose, and I love helping first-generation students feel at home in professional spaces.
Email: bls037@bucknell.edu
My favorite leisure activities:
- Hiking
- Elaborate board games
- Playing with my dog
Three words that describe me:
Curious, Logical, Easily sunburned
I grew up in southern New Jersey, the eldest of two with my dad working for a delivery company and my mom working for the local school district. Growing up, my parents put a strong emphasis on our education. I began my first-generation college experience at Georgetown University in Washington D.C., three hours away from home, in August 2001. Within the first two weeks, the city was transformed by the Sept. 11 attacks, and I rapidly had some of my first exposure engaging with the broader world on my independent path.
My college experience allowed me to grow as an individual, including the opportunity to study abroad in Glasgow, Scotland my junior year. I was immediately drawn to the collegiate academic environment, the combination of philosophical classroom debate and hands-on laboratory research — so much so that I ended up majoring in both classics and chemistry. After graduation, I spent a year volunteer teaching high school science and then began my PhD studies in chemistry at Stanford University. After a postdoctoral research position at Cornell, I came to Bucknell to both teach and do independent research.
I am extremely interested in materials chemistry — understanding how the structure of solids at the molecular level controls its properties and how we use them. We work on making new materials for large scale challenges — like improving water purification or controlling how medicines dissolve in the body. It's a little surprising to me to look back and realize how large an impact my first year of college had on my life path — from the career I've followed to even the topics I study. That chance to do research early on, and add something (even small!) to scientific knowledge, still excites me today.
Email: bjs044@bucknell.edu
My favorite leisure activities:
- Spending time with family and friends
- Exercising and being outdoors
- Music — either listening to it, watching it being performed, or playing it myself.
Three words that describe me:
Outgoing, Driven and Die-hard Philly sports fan
My siblings and I were the first in our family to attend college. My parents went to great lengths to make sure we had top-notch preparation in high school. When I arrived to Salisbury University (Maryland) as a first-year student, though, I had to find a new support system, as my parents did not have the experience of living and studying on campus. I think this is where I truly started to become my own person, in the sense that I had to make decisions without the expert guidance of Mom and Dad or the trail-blazing efforts of my older brothers.
Through trial and error, I learned just how supportive faculty and staff are. At least at my school, they wanted to see students succeed, grow and thrive in all aspects. I am very grateful for their time and energy, and now being a professor myself, I want to support and get to know first-generation students in the same ways.
Email: ats011@bucknell.edu
My favorite leisure activities:
- Reading the Bible
- Family time
- Sports
Three words that describe me:
Genuine, Energetic and Wise
I'm from Silverhill, Alabama, and given that my grandmother had 10 kids, it is amazing to me that out of all my aunties, uncles, cousins, and so on, I am the first one to attend and graduate from college. I applied myself academically and athletically, which enabled me to receive a football scholarship at Bucknell. God deserves all the glory for giving me the courage and strength to leave home and make a new home here in Lewisburg, Pa. I'm extremely grateful for what has been afforded to me, and I have a lot of helpful experiences to share with a mentee.
Email: otrotter@bucknell.edu
My favorite leisure activities:
- Listening to records
- Walking
- Theatre
Three words that describe me:
Reflective, Compassionate, Driven
I was so first-gen I didn't even know that was a term. My parents were from rural Kentucky and small-town Oklahoma, and while I didn’t grow up with an academic blueprint, I inherited a strong blue-collar work ethic. I attended a small liberal arts university in Tennessee where I majored in make-believe (Creative Writing and Theatre) and figured the next natural step was law school where I earned my J.D. and passed the bar. Hoping to work in education, I got my start working in law school admissions. My journey brought me full circle to Lewisburg (where I attended high school) when I got a job in the admissions office at Bucknell. I now work as a development officer in the Office of University Advancement.
While I didn't have the advantages other students may have had, I can say that being first-gen granted me flexibility and openness to possibility in my career journey. Storytelling being the common thread to my career, I still make time to act, direct, counsel, and write in my free time (what's that) and enjoy building connections between people and their passions.
Email: j.wilkinson@bucknell.edu
My favorite leisure activities:
- Travel
- Reading
- Writing
Three words that describe me:
Optimistic, Friendly, Happy camper
I grew up in China during the Cultural Revolution. When we attended colleges in the mid-1980s, pretty much everyone was a first-generation college student. We did not have any support system from school or family to help make our college life easy and most rewarding. Sure, there were "political counselors" assigned by the school to each class, but their primary job was to ensure students' "political correctness." How lucky today's college students are, both in China and in the US, since there are a lot of people who can and are willing to help you.
Before joining Bucknell, I taught at a college in Connecticut with a high percentage of students being first-generation and I learned a lot about and was inspired by these students. As a new Bucknellian, you may face different kinds of challenges, but bear in mind this is a diverse place with people who share your concerns and frustrations and who are here to help you make a smooth transition to college life and beyond.
Email: zz004@bucknell.edu