GenFirst! Mentors
The GenFirst!@Bucknell Mentoring Program facilitates relationships between first-generation students and first-generation faculty and/or 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:
- Reading
- Hiking
- Entertaining
Three words that describe me:
Deliberate, Reflective, Relational
Nothing about my college experience has been traditional. I commuted to a state university for 2 years directly out of high school, then married and put my degree on hold until our two children were both in school. I completed my undergrad at Bucknell in 2008 after many years of attending as a part-time student. I went on to complete some extra courses in order to receive teaching certification in 2010, and finished my Master's degree in Educational Administration in 2016.
The fact that I am a first-generation college student (although my dad did attend a post-high school trade program) made it easier for me to find my own educational path, and to persevere when the road seemed endless. My parents, my husband, and my children have all been tirelessly supportive, as they share my love of learning and applaud a tenacious desire to pursue dreams. Now my oldest child is starting graduate studies in speech pathology, and my youngest is an engineering student here at Bucknell. I trust that they will engender the same dedication to education in the next generation.
Email:eamarant@bucknell.edu
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 looking at colleges in high school and was unsure of what to do for a career. My parents were supportive of my going, but not having gone down the road themselves were unaware of what the path looked like.
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 that need to occur prior to stepping foot in a classroom and what resources are available to a student for support either socially or financially.
Email:sapanel@bucknell.edu
My favorite leisure activities:
- Hiking
- Yoga
- Photography
Three words that describe me:
Caring, Passionate, Fun
I always knew that I wanted to attend college! I can remember taking tours at open house events and picturing myself on each of the respective campuses as a student. As a first generation college student, I can also remember the anxiety that came along with completing applications, making the final institution decision, moving in, starting classes, and making friends.
During my first year, I explored every opportunity to get involved. I explored clubs, organizations, sororities, and on-campus jobs. I became a student leader and very involved. I was very fortunate to have administrators on campus that took me under their wing and guided me throughout my four years... through all my happy, sad, and hard times.
I love that I have the opportunity to work with first-generation students and provide opportunities and resources during their college career. I encourage you to get involved and seek out faculty and staff along your journey when you have questions or something arises and you need support.
Email:jc088@bucknell.edu
My favorite leisure activities:
- Socializing with people from different backgrounds.
- Working out and outdoor activities.
- Traveling and exploring new places.
Three words that describe me:
Energetic, Fun-Loving, Compassionate
I grew up in a loving, blue-collar family in Western Pennsylvania. My parents were proud of me and wanted me to earn a college degree. However, none of us knew all that it would entail or the challenges: personal, academic, professional, and family, that the process of earning a degree would present.
When I arrived at college, I often did not understand the university culture and was ill-equipped to navigate it. I also felt a lot of pressure to succeed due to how much my parents had invested in me. I struggled with things such as choosing the right major, approaching professors with problems, living on a modest budget, and being focused on concerns at home.
I was fortunate to have some wonderful mentors who invested their time and energy to help me. Their help inspired me to pursue graduate studies and influenced the topic of my doctoral dissertation: the college adjustment of first-generation college students. Helping first-generation college students succeed remains a significant passion for me today.
Email:ccc016@bucknell.edu
My favorite leisure activities:
- Playing basketball
- Listening to music
- Relaxing with my dogs
Three words that describe me:
Laid-back, Friendly, Excited
I remember being terrified and excited at the same time when I was dropped off onto campus for the first time. I didn't come right into college as a fully prepared student with everything figured out (far from it), but eventually I settled-in and did ok for myself. I would not be anywhere without the mentors that were kind enough to give me the advice I needed and all the friends I made as an undergrad. Finding good mentors and surrounding yourself with good people should be on top of your list when you're an undergrad!
Email:cld028@bucknell.edu
My favorite leisure activities:
- Spending time with family
- Trying new and unique food
- Enjoying the company of others over a meal or just a fun gathering
Three words that describe me:
Levelheaded, Accepting, Compassionate
My parents made college a priority, and encouraged me to explore the many options — both near and far. I can remember looking through the college brochures and catalogs my older brother received as he had just navigated the college application and entrance process. I loved to visit colleges, and took as many campus tours as possible (who wouldn't want to go to college at the beach, right?). After many prayers, and even more pro/con lists, I finally selected a private, liberal arts college where I felt I could be accepted for who I was, challenged both intellectually and socially, and encouraged by others.
My four years were filled with many decisions — what to major in, what organizations to join, how to spend my time, what classes to take, etc. I found friends and staff whom I could trust and turn to for support, especially when Mom and Dad didn't know the answer. While my parents were always supportive, I knew there were questions they couldn't answer only because they didn't have a full understanding of the situation. Sure, I made some mistakes which thankfully ended up being great life lessons. I also realized that there were times my parents didn't "give" me the answer; not because they didn't know the answer, but because it was an opportunity for me to make my own decisions (uh, adulthood). At the commence conclusion of my four years, I walked away from campus with life-long friends, a strong desire to help others, a solid education, and skills that still serve me well today.
Email:edietric@bucknell.edu
My favorite leisure activities:
- Hiking
- Yoga
- Travel
Three words that describe me:
Empathetic, Positive, Enthusiastic
I attended college in another state far from home and had to work three jobs at the same time just to be there.
The support of my professional network allowed me to finish my undergraduate degree, to pursue postgraduate study, and to obtain a Master of Fine Arts degree. For the first time, my studies become my sole priority. I wrote a book, traveled globally, and attended conferences. All of this was made possible through someone's generosity in sponsoring a fellowship and through my naturally adventurous spirit and dedication. Truly, I am a believer in the power of education. I'm grateful to give back and to pay it forward through philanthropy and volunteerism.
Education does change lives.
Email:kaa021@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. Nowadays and currently working at Bucknell — this fall 2016 — I am starting a second master's degree.
Email:jjf022@bucknell.edu
My favorite leisure activities:
- Family time
- Running
Three words that describe me:
Hard working, Athletic, Friendly
I would like to think I am "kind of" first generation. My father earned his degree, but pursued a non-traditional route as he was also raising a young family and working. So, he did not live on campus, and most of his classes were in the evening. While I was the third of five children, I was the first to actually conduct a college search that included a few campus visits and tours, and eventually the first to go away to college. And, since I aspired to play college soccer, most of my college visits (and search in general) involved soccer recruitment. So, I basically navigated my college search on my own. I am grateful that I found a private liberal arts school that provided invaluable skills because of the emphasis on life, leadership and service through a well-rounded education and close-knit campus community. I do recall being overwhelmed during my first year, but my parents always emphasized working hard and asking for help when I needed it. Therefore, I forged many relationships with professors and staff that really helped and supported me along the way. I feel extremely fortunate to have experiences and friendships that will last a lifetime.
Email:cmfindla@bucknell.edu
My favorite leisure activities:
- Hiking, biking and kayaking with friends/family
- Up-cycling furniture with my hubby
- Yoga with my daughter
Three words that describe me:
Perspective is everything!
I can remember the day my mom dropped me off at college; I had to start earlier because I played field hockey. I knew no-one and it was pretty intimidating and a bit scary. I also was just getting over a bout of chicken pox, and so I had pox scabs all over my face and body. It was so embarrassing. The older girls on the team weren't so nice since they were sizing us up. It was super competitive. I instantly made a great friend who was silly like me and not quite as serious as some of the other girls. She didn't end up making the team but we remained friends throughout college and still today. Once the rest of the students came, I instantly made good friends with one of my roommates. I was placed with four other girls in a converted small lounge. It ended up working out really well. We all did our own thing and respected each other. I have some really great memories; some of my most cherished, care-free times of my life were in college.
Email:hf007@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 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 fortune of working with students interested in off-campus/study abroad.
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"
- Playing Piano
- Reading
Three words that describe me:
Determined, Intuitive, Trustworthy
I began college right after high school, but dropped out after one semester due to financial pressures and my parents' move out-of-state. While college was a "must" for my brothers, it was never a priority for the girls, and finding a job and/or a husband was the expectation. So following that road map, I found a "good" job and a great husband, but did not return to college. However, after many years of work and caring for my three kids, I decided to once again pursue a degree that I needed in order to advance in my career, wondering why in the world I hadn't finished years ago! So with kids still at home, and while working full-time, I returned to school. After much hard work (and very little sleep), I earned my Associates Degree (Business emphasis) and in 2013 graduated co-valedictorian from Susquehanna University with a B.S. in Corporate Communications and a minor in Human Resources. Thus, I became the first female in my family tree to obtain a college degree.
I found that returning to the classroom as a non-traditional student was exhilarating (if exhausting), and I developed many good relationships with other students and professors. My life experiences were a great benefit to me in my studies, and I was able to put into practice much of my learning right away in my professional and volunteer work.
One thing I learned throughout the college process was that you have to be your own advocate! I stayed on top of my degree plan and worked to help change the rules so that the minor I wanted could be approved to accompany my chosen major, eliminating an archaic rule that the department faculty didn't even realize existed. By putting into practice my newly-learned negotiation skills, I not only helped myself, but also helped to open up new avenues of learning for countless others allowing for increased enrollment in the department at the same time.
Now that our youngest daughter is heading to college herself, I'm looking forward to pursuing a master's degree. Most of all, I am pleased that the next generation of my family has realized the value of an education and is continuing the college tradition, with not only our son, but also our daughters, earning or pursuing their college degree. I am confident that this tradition will continue on for generations to come!
Email:kgg006@bucknell.edu
My favorite leisure activities:
- Time with family
- Shopping
- Traveling to sporting events
Three words that describe me:
Energetic, Passionate, Multitasker
I had a couple of cousins attend college a few years before me, so I learned, or thought I learned, a little from their experience, even though they too were first-generation. I thought I found a good school fit, but I transferred after my first year. I learned that is was ok for college not to be the best time or years of my life. I learned that college held a different place and meaning for everyone, and I have to create a meaning for me. My meaning was purely academically educational.
Email: mmg019@bucknell.edu
My favorite leisure activities:
- Music
- Theater
- Reading
Three words that describe me:
Energetic, Daring, Dependable
I am from small town Pennsylvania and attended Shippensburg University as the first person in my family to go to college. My Resident Assistant (RA) was very influential for me, as a I had a very difficult time my first semester on campus and did not have anyone at home who could assist in answering my questions.
I was encouraged to get involved on campus and became an RA in my sophomore year where I found a passion for working with my peers and being a student leader. After I graduated, I worked as a Residence Hall Director and was accepted into my graduate program at Stony Brook University.
I am so proud to be a first generation student and am grateful to be able to support other first generation students in my work.
'Ray Bucknell!
Email: aeh025@bucknell.edu
My favorite leisure activities:
- Ice skating
- Hiking
- Traveling
Three words that describe me:
Balanced, Engaged, Passionate
Before I went to college, my parents had going away barbecue for me and all of my relatives (I'm from a huge French Canadian Catholic extended family) contributed a few dollars so that I could buy my books. I worked 40 hours a week in college and was sometimes food insecure. I would not have made it without the support of one of my anthropology professors. I am here to provide that kind of support for students who need it.
Email: mjohncra@bucknell.edu
My favorite leisure activities:
- Time spent laughing, debating, comforting, encouraging and helping friends and family and the sounds of unbridled laughter springing from my 2-year old daughter
- Exploring new destinations and interacting with the locals to learn more about their culture
- Long distance running; — I've completed 6 marathons and many half marathons
Three words that describe me:
Determined, Open-minded, Hard-working
Growing up on a working farm in rural Pennsylvania, I never felt the pressure to do well in school in order to improve my chances of getting into college. College was not expected, or even discussed. Instead, my parents placed emphasis on working hard. This strong work ethic sparked a determination inside of me to continuously challenge myself mentally and physically. With no assistance from family or my high school guidance counselor, I chose to attend a private, liberal arts college based on the percentage of graduating students who went on to law school.
As I entered Dickinson College, I had tremendous confidence in myself and believed that I could easily accomplish this next educational step in my life. Quickly, I felt completely overwhelmed and discouraged because my peers seemed better prepared for the coursework, understood the lingo or had the support and guidance of others who understood the landscape and how to navigate it. And, I had to work while in college so I did not have the opportunity to get involved a lot on campus either. While my GPA suffered greatly during that first semester, my determination pushed me to forge ahead.
Having the opportunity to spend my junior year living abroad in Bologna, Italy was a transformative experience that greatly influenced and shaped many decisions and experiences I have made personally and professionally. It was in this year abroad that I found an amazing college mentor who pushed me to explore and understand more of the world around me. She also encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone. I believe my first year in college could have been markedly different if I had been linked with a strong female mentor like her as I entered college.
In 2012, after spending 17 years thriving in 1000+ lawyer firms in New York City, I returned to the farmhouse, where I grew up, to start my own family. I am thankful for the varying life experiences that have helped shape me and, as a member of the Bucknell University community, I hope to forge strong bonds with other first-generation college students as they navigate unfamiliar landscape and encounter challenges along their college path.
Email: irks001@bucknell.edu
My favorite leisure activities:
- Yoga
- Watching Notre Dame football
- Hiking
Three words that describe me:
Shy, Sociable, Dedicated
Although they were proud of me, no one in my family of Polish immigrants understood exactly what I was doing in college and graduate school. They still don't, in fact. All they know (they think) is that because I'm a professor I'm a rampant liberal (I'm not, really).
Email: kml041@bucknell.edu
My favorite leisure activities:
- Anything outdoors
- Attending athletic events
- My family
Three words that describe me:
Outgoing, Personable, Charismatic
As a first-generation student, I was nervous, shy, and a bit scared. I was accepted to and attended my college sight unseen and did not know what to expect. It took a while, but I acclimated well and became very involved in all aspects of college life.
I made great friends and contacts and had tremendous academic and co-curricular experiences which led me to a life working in student affairs.
Email: lmarrara@bucknell.edu
My favorite leisure activities:
- Spending time with my family is my main priority with my free time. I have a four-year daughter who enjoys getting outside or playing at home.
- My favorite form of exercise is cycling, and the countryside around Bucknell is great for this. I also commute by bike in all seasons.
- I enjoy travel and have lived (a year or more) in four different countries: Ireland (my home country), U.S., Canada and Portugal. My wife, daughter and I spend a few weeks every summer in Ireland with my other family members.
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 to 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 when I had difficulty keeping up, and everybody else seemed better prepared than me for the course work.
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, about the application process, and about the 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 difficulty 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. The friendship we started there last life-long. 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 the 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:
- Singing
- Acting
- Writing
Three words that describe me:
Jamaican, Christian, Thespian
Although not a first-generation college student, I requested to be a mentor because providing assistance to enable students to be successful in college is both a personal passion and professional pursuit. My college years were fraught with numerous challenges and many of my experiences were akin to those faced by some first-generation college students.
Raised by very strict, Jamaican parents, this PK (pastor's kid) lived a very sheltered life until I left my small town to attend a large state university where I was exposed to more debauchery in one week than I had seen in my entire 18 years. Talk about culture shock! Witnessing the college party culture and its ensuing consequences (messy bathrooms, girls making unwise decisions and woefully regretting them 24 hours later, drunken men roaming the residence halls, etc.) was like being in a foreign country.
Unlike most freshmen who gained the "Freshman 10," I actually lost weight my first year because I was unaccustomed to the bland cuisine served in the dining halls. How I longed for properly seasoned Jamaican food with a spicy kick! Sitting in some introductory lecture classes with hundreds of other students was intimidating, and, though I frequently sat near the front of the class, I often felt lost and invisible. Neither my parents nor I had any idea how costly textbooks were, so many semesters I relied on studying at the library where some professors had books on reserve...or I bought outdated textbooks that were earlier editions of the required ones. Being called the "N" word within the first few days of freshman orientation was a painfully brutal wake-up call that forced me to quickly realize that my skin color was the only thing about me that many people would choose to see. The racially charged atmosphere on campus did not make things easier, and I frequently wondered if "they" admitted me solely to fulfill their race quotas.
Feeling utterly out of place in that environment, I desperately wanted to return home but could not. Returning home would have meant admitting defeat, and failure simply was not an option. Knowing that my parents set high expectations for me, it would have been considered shameful and disappointing if I gave up so quickly. Thankfully, I found a supportive group of friends and a progressive church family who encouraged me, and with their help, I persisted and graduated in four years.
Email: ms095@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 DC, 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 out 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:
Live, Love, Laugh
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:
- Spending time with my daughter and husband
- Traveling/visiting new locations (especially historical sites)
- Entrepreneurship
Three words that describe me:
MBA, Worked in Corporate, GA to PA
College was never something expected or discussed in my family. Halfway through my high school senior year, a high school guidance counselor asked if I had ever considered going to college. I was surprised by this question, but it was the one moment that changed the rest of my life. Her question indicated that someone believed in me and that I could do better. She helped me get into a local two-year college, from which I entered a four-year college.
I then went on to earn my master's degree and then my dream job with a major global consulting and technology firm. But during college, I realized how unprepared I was for the experience. My family could not relate to what I was experiencing. I did not know to seek out the extra assistance I needed. I did not understand the benefits that come from getting involved on campus in extra-curricular activities (i.e., clubs, student organizations, etc.). So, I did not get involved and struggled through on my own. It was afterwards that I realized how much I had missed out on during my undergraduate college experience. My key message to all first-generation college students is to always seek out assistance, mentors and advice and take advantage of as many opportunities as possible to challenge and stretch yourself and grow as a person.
Email: ccw@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 were 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