We Are First Generation

Briann Jolene Castro Santos

'25, BS in Biomedical Sciences

Senior Pack Advisor; First Gen Ambassador; Pacific Islander Student Alliance Member

"This degree is the culmination of not only the work I have done but of those who have continued to cheer and guide me along the way."

Marleina Mu'a

Senior, Business Administration; Court 17 Resident Advisor; Pacific Islander Student Alliance President

"Do the things that scare you the most and do not be afraid to take that leap of faith."

Ledvin Hernandez

'25, BS Electrical Engineering

"No one expects you to have all the answers, and sometimes it feels like you’re the only one who doesn’t know what’s going on. But trust me, you’re not alone."

Jasmine Kaur

Senior, BA Business Administration (Finance); Law & Policy minor

"Being a first-gen student is about breaking barriers, not just for myself, but for my family and community, proving that success in both an education and career is possible, even when the path is not charted!"

Sheila Edwards Lange

Chancellor, University of Washington Tacoma

Ph.D. and MPA, University of Washington
B.A., University of California Irvine

“I come from a long line of strong women and men who persisted under worse conditions than I. They fought so that I could have access to education. I remember their sacrifices and it encourages me to keep going. I have an incredible network of mentors and peers who believe that I can succeed. Sometimes they see things in me that I cannot see myself.”

Nara Almeida

Assistant Teaching Professor, School of Engineering & Technology

Ph.D., Lamar University
MBA & MS, Universidade de Pernambuco, Brazil
B>Architecture, Universidade de Pernambuco, Brazil

"Follow your heart, stay persistent, and focus on what brings you joy and plays to your strengths. Surround yourself with those who’ve achieved what you aspire to, seek their advice, and remember - nobody succeeds alone! We’re part of a big community!"

Brooklyn Jay

BA, University of Washington Tacoma

"Being a first generation college graduate means that I have the knowledge to open doors for others — younger family members, other non-traditional student peers, or beloved pals — and showing them that new ways are possible."

Kaily White

'25, BA in Business Administration (Finance); Business Data Analytics minor

Peer Advisor for Veterans Education; Student Veterans Org. President; Finance Association Vice President

"You might not have been shown the path of success, but that does not mean you can’t create that reality for yourself."

Heather M. Spaleny

'25, BA in Social Welfare, Religious Studies minor

Student Social Work Organization President

"I draw strength from the memory of my father, whose legacy inspires me to persevere. My friends and family play a critical role, lifting me up during challenging times and celebrating my successes with me."

Sharon Laing

Associate Professor, School of Nursing & Healthcare Leadership

PhD, Howard University
MS, Howard University
BA, McMaster University

"Do persist. Know that you belong in this space. Be uplifted by the knowledge that your voices do matter."

Quintin Mattson-Hayward

'23, BA Communications

"I got to complete something that previous generations in my family were unable to participate in. It’s special to hear my father say ‘you are the first one in our family with a college degree’."

Francisca De Borjas Figueroa

'25, BA in Healthcare Leadership, Business Administration minor

Senior Pack Advisor; Latinx Student Union Vice President; Partners in Action to Transform Healthcare President

"Always remember, your story is unique, and no matter where it takes you, be proud of the strength, courage, and heart that brought you here."

Ana K. Apreza

Senior, BA Criminal Justice; Husky Post Prison Pathways Member

"I know that pursuing my education makes my parents so proud, and that means the world to me. It’s nice to know that as a first gen, there is a community that can relate and understand what it means to represent something so important."

Anaid Yerena

Associate Professor, School of Urban Studies

PhD, University of California, Irvine
MURP, University of California, Irvine
B. Architecture, Universidad de Monterrey

"Being first-gen means carrying the weight of representation — knowing that my success opens doors not only for myself but for others from similar backgrounds."

Alesha Rebitzer

'24, BA Business Administration

“With generational courage, strength and wisdom, I can overcome what others, and myself, didn’t think possible. Always trust your intuition. It never steered me in the wrong direction. Follow your dreams. Magical things happen when you believe in yourself.”

April Perez

'25, BA in Psychology

“I am the oldest among my eight siblings, and I truly feel I’m setting an example for my family. Be persistent and don’t give up! Break the generational chain and be different and better for yourself and your family.”

De' Andre Carroll

'24, BA Psychology

“Where I was born and raised, there wasn't really any room for education in everyday life. Survival was the focus. I have great respect for those before me who may not have had the opportunities I have today. My strength comes from the natural hunger I have to be the best version of myself.”

Emily Becker

'25, BA in Communication

“Getting used to being back in college hasn’t been easy, but it has been worth it. My amazing advisors have helped me every step of the way. It has been a blessing to find so many ways that UW Tacoma supports students navigating all of this as the first in their families.”

Fernando Olivar Neri

Senior, Computer Science & Systems

“I and my siblings would help each other out as much as we could, especially since our parents could not speak English. Being First Gen gives me pride in my identity and respect for my people. It made me want to succeed and not let stereotypes define who I am. Never back down. Never give up.”

Jackie Rodriguez

Student, Business Administration

“My parents aren’t from the United States. Being the first-born child, I was their translator, I helped them with English, I helped them with paperwork. It might be hard doing everything, but at the end of the day you did it, and good things will come your way if you continue to push yourself every day!”

Lorne Arnold

Assistant Professor,
School of Engineering & Technology

“I knew that I was in unfamiliar territory in college, but it never occurred to me that others might be having a similar experience. Being First Gen is embracing the exploration of that unfamiliar territory. When you doubt yourself, borrow others’ belief in you until you can believe in yourself.”

McKenna Yohey

'24, BA Business Administration (Marketing)

“Being First Gen means to forging a new path for future generations. I have been pushed to grow and adapt in ways I couldn’t have imagined. Being First Gen means forging a new path for future generations. Embrace the journey and have fun along the way!”

Mary Nguyen

Student, Education with a Sociology minor

“Being First Gen means breaking the cycle of trauma, and working tirelessly to make ends meet. It means that I could receive the education my parents wanted for themselves but couldn’t afford. Navigating the unknown can be a daunting experience. No matter what we are experiencing, there will always be another person who feels the same. It’s okay to ask for help.”

Trinity Utnage

'24, BA Criminal Justice

“I grew up in the foster care system. I didn’t have much family there to support me at first. I had no examples of a college-educated person. Learn from your obstacles and challenges. Use love, passion and inspiration to face challenges and overcome your barriers. Turn your pain and fear into motivation to make change.”

Simon Njoroge

'24, BS Mechanical Engineering

“First Gen is someone who dares to brave the untapped wilderness of the norm. It's someone who decides to take things a notch higher and dares to do what their predecessors did not envision or have the resources to tackle. Don’t be afraid to venture into the unknown, and don’t hesitate to seek help.”

Rachel Cuevas

Student, Social Welfare

“Being First Gen means being the first in my family to pursue and gain higher education. I am motivated to finish so that I can be an example to others in my family. Ask questions even if you think they aren’t the best. When it gets tough, reach out to someone and talk to them.”

Alexis Perez

'25, BA in Environmental Sustainability

“Being First Gen means being a trail-blazer; taking up spaces traditionally not held by those like me (oneself). Ask for help. Be love. Never shy away from opportunities to grow, especially if you’re scared. Take PRIDE in yourself, and where you come from; you are your ancestors’ prayers!”

Ahmed Wafai

'23, BA in Business Administration (Finance)

““I came to America about nine years ago, and there were many times I wanted to go back home because there was no support for me in here. But I pushed myself hard, not just for me but for my mom who worked hard to get me here. She’s the main reason that I am a leader on campus and in my community”

Anahi Martinez

Senior, Criminal justice

“There may be days where you feel like you can’t do it anymore but just think of why you are doing it in the first place. You might not hear it enough, but your family, friends and community are proud of you and how far you’ve come! Don’t lose hope and always remember ‘Sí Se Puede!’”

Ashley Leon Guerrero

'24, BA Psychology

“Embrace being first gen! Seriously. Advocate for yourself and the second any ounce of doubt enters your thoughts, look around and remind yourself that you belong here. Not out of luck, not out  of sympathy, but simply because you deserve it and more.”

Danny Elmoussa

'24, BA Business Administration (Marketing) with Sports Enterprise Management minor

“As a first gen student, it’s not easy to find opportunities to engage as I tend to feel some sort of imposter syndrome and
feel like I don’t belong. I have learned to overcome these obstacles by having the courage to not only ask questions, but to put myself out there regardless of my perceived acceptability. This mindset has taken me places I’d never thought I’d be.”

Jessica Calalay

'23, BA Social Welfare

“Completing my education to do something I’m passionate about will show future generations that through adversity comes strength and opportunity. Speak up for yourself and for what you believe in. You are worth it and you will accomplish big things if YOU believe it!”

Komisi Petelo

Program Coordinator, Office of First Gen

'24, BS in Computer Science & Systems

“Along my journey, barriers such as financial instability, imposter syndrome and lack of knowledge about resources have made me struggle. I draw on the ‘mana’ of my ancestors and family to advocate for me to be persistent and determined on my journey as a first gen student. Those who helped me tremendously are forever engraved in my heart. I hope to replicate those same actions to strengthen and inspire my community just like my brother."

Sonia Nayemi

'23, BA Healthcare Leadership

“To me, being first gen means stepping out of cultural norms and being the first woman in my family to graduate college. I draw upon my identity as a woman of color. I don’t view this as a weakness, but a strength. I always tell myself I am a strong woman, and not to give up."

Toan Nguyen

'23, BS Computer Science & Systems

“My advice would be my father’s, to embrace the challenges and learn from them. Muster all your courage, charge forward and look straight at your challenge, look around it, look at your community of peers—they are a valuable resource since they understand what you are going through, and some might have walked the exact path and found the exit."

Valomanaia Elizarraraz

'23, BA Ethnic, Gender & Labor Studies with a Law & Policy minor

“Always keep your loved ones and community in mind throughout your college journey. They will be your ‘why’: Why you decided to get a job, why you decided to become independent, why you decided to get involved on campus, and especially why you decided to become the first one in your family to attend a university."

Victoria Nuon

'22, BS Biomedical Sciences

“It is an honor to have my three younger sisters look up to me. This has encouraged my desire to uplift everyone around me who has not been able to see an accomplished, successful, or college-educated first-generation Cambodian American woman. Whenever I think about settling for something lesser than I know I can achieve, I remind myself of who I fight for. While I may be the first in my family, I will certainly not be the last."

Autumn Diaz

'18, BA Psychology

'21, MA Communications, University of Washington Seattle

I welcome the obligation to take what I have learned, my experiences and challenges, and share them with those who come after me. I have a deep connection to other First Gen students. Only we can understand the path we have walked on and how different, difficult and beautiful it is when no one has walked it before you.”

Dawn Williams

Director, Career Development & Education

MA, University of St. Thomas
BA, Bethel University

“I was First Gen before First Gen was a thing. I always felt like there was something I was missing but didn’t know what I didn’t know. I always urge students to get involved outside the academic part of college. Those experiences will help you figure out what you love to do, not just what you love to learn.”

DeShaun Marshall

Online Orientation and Communications Specialist, New Student & Family Programs

'19, BA Communication

“I am a Black man who was raised in poverty surrounded by domestic abuse, drugs and violence. Statistically speaking, I should not even be stepping onto a college campus let alone walking across that stage to receive my degree. I realized my presence here was the answer to many of my ancestors’ prayers. I would end the needless cycle of pain, heartache and abuse. I would forever transform my family’s trajectory.“

Isabella Webb

Senior Academic Advisor
University Academic Advising

M.Ed., University of Washington Tacoma
BS, Methodist University

”As a First Gen student, I am following my cultural and spiritual destiny as an Australian Aboriginal, a student, a scholar and an educator. I am laying pathways for my community and other communities to follow. Our identities are a source of power and strength that ground us and connect us to our ancestors but also show us a path forward.“

Jai'shon Berry

'24, BA Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences

“I wanted to challenge everything I was taught as a child — I’m not smart enough or too poor or that I don’t have the resources to be successful — and prove wrong everyone who has every told me that I couldn’t succeed in college. I want my younger siblings to look up to me as someone who put in the hard work and who set the groundwork for them to succeed.“

Kimberly Garver

'23 BA in Business Administration (Marketing)

“Being First Gen means being unconventional in your academic journey. I went straight into work after high school and have combined working and some form of school for the better part of 16 years to get where I am today. It’s easy to feel lonely. But know that you are surrounded by people doing it first, just like you. Take one step at a time; you’ll find that you are not alone in your journey.”