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Maryam Watheq Al Darraji
’22, BS Biomedical Sciences
“I am someone who is drawn to a thing not because it is easy, but because it is hard, and I love the challenge. Special thanks to those who tried to keep me down because they made me take my anger and turn it into motivation for pushing harder to be who I want to be.”
Vincent Da
’21, BA Healthcare Leadership
ASUWT President
“Break out of the silence-and-struggle cycle that First Gen students can face and ask for help. You don’t have to go through the journey alone. Others have gone down the same path. Why not go through the journey with a supporting cast?”
Monika Delfierro
'14, BA Psychology
"As the eldest, I knew my college education would open doors to new opportunities for me and my family. When I walked at Commencement back in 2014, I was walking not only for myself, but for those who made sacrifices for me to be there.”
Madeline Zent
’21, BS Computer Science & Systems
"My biggest motivator is giving to other people the tools they need to succeed,so they don't have to struggle like I did. Just by starting college you have already proven that you are resilient. You can and will make to the end of these college years!
Leilt G. Kubie
’21, BA Healthcare Leadership / Business
Becoming a first-generation student means you do not take education for granted. What motivates me to this day is to make my parents proud and feel like their hard work has paid off.”
Jane Cornman
Senior Lecturer Emeritus
School of Nursing and Healthcare Leadership
PhD, University of Washington Seattle
MN, Oregon Science and Health University
BSN, Villanova University
I have been a member of the UW nursing faculty for 38 years and just retired at the end of June. I have been so impressed with the many students I have been privileged to teach over my many years. I recently had an epiphany and realized I am a First Gen!”
Fuifui Ah Kuoi
’21, BA Ethnic, Gender & Labor Studies
"In my native language, as a Samoan scholar, I would say Mua’i Augatupulaga, meaning I am the first in my generation to do something that has never been done before. My victories are also my ancestors' victories."
Angel Luis Torres
'22, MA Community Planning'20, BA Ethnic, Gender & Labor Studies
"Without discipline, success in academia would have been unattainable. It has definitely been ‘the MVP’ in my endeavors and continues to be my guiding spirit when times feel challenging.”
Amanda Figueroa
Associate Vice Chancellor for Social Mobility
MS, University of Washington Seattle
BA, University of Washington Seattle
AA, Green River College
“Challenge yourself to grow and invest time and effort into becoming your own best cheerleader. Magical things can happen when we take risks, learn from mistakes and failures, and believe in ourselves.”
Aiden Helt
’21, BABA Business Administration
“It is true that I am in a never-ending crusade to find balance. However, it is the inspiration I draw from my children that gives me the drive to work so hard. It is important to me for my kids to be involved in my education.”
Abdalah Adan
’22, BS Electrical Engineering
“I try to find as many resources as I can and get my questions answered by looking in every corner. I am motivated by what I have done and what I am doing. You need to be patient about what comes your way.”
José Rios
Associate Professor, School of Education
PhD, University of Wisconsin Madison
MS, University of Wisconsin Madison
BA, Oberlin College
“Being First Gen means honoring the sacrifices of my elders who made my education possible. I persist because of the love of my family and my desire to make them proud. Explore the possibilities! Engage your gifts!”
Tanya Grace Velasquez
Associate Teaching Professor, School of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences
Interim Vice Chancellor, Equity & Inclusion
'11, MA Interdisciplinary Studies
'98, BA Liberal Studies/International Studies
“One of the best things about being a first generation college graduate is discovering all the wonderful ways having a degree will change your life. Daily I’m reminded of how meaningful my education has been to me and my family. I hope students make the most of their time at UW Tacoma and experience the power of a transformative education!”
Chris Beasley
Associate Professor, School of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences
PhD, DePaul University
MA, Roosevelt University
BAS, University of Minnesota-Duluth
AAS, Lincoln Trail College
“My biggest challenge has been to recognize the greatness within me and the potential to shape the world around me."
“Keep stretching your imagination about what is possible."
“Sometimes what seems like a failure today can be what defines your success tomorrow.”
Zvon Casanova
Conference Services Supervisor/Events & Conferences
'16, BA Communications
“It can feel like you’re jumping off a cliff and learning how to fly on the way down. But life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it. Commit to something you WANT to do, carve your own path and take ownership of your journey.”
Gurchetan Singh
'19, BS Computer Science
“If a voice whispers in your ear that ‘thou shalt not fail,’ do not fear failure and temporary setbacks. Don’t hesitate to ask what you don’t know! Be humble, yet fearless, patient yet hustling. Stay persistent in your efforts and at the same time be adaptive.”
Maria Reyes
'18, Master of Social Work (MSW)
'15, BA Social Welfare
“I kept questioning myself and feeling I was not good enough. What kept me going was my family. I knew there were others looking up to me.
“Don’t give up! Be the first!”
Bernard Anderson
Senior Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Life
PhD, Mercer University
MS, Capella University
BS, University of New Orleans
“Being First Gen means developing unwavering resilience and persistence while navigating the demanding journey that is the college experience. It is powerful and affirming to come to the realization that asking for help is a sign of strength and maturity.”
Deborah Petri
’20, BA Business Administration
Global Honors
“I’m establishing a new path for those who see me as a role model. Often, the only thing that keeps me going is the encouragement of my friends, family and boss. Professors and advisors often know about resources that aren’t widely advertised. Talk to them!”
Mikel Priddy
’20, BA Environmental Sustainability
“The journey as a First Gen has had an enormous impact on me. I draw support from all those around me: family, friends, and the UW Tacoma community. Being First Gen means so much because it’s giving me opportunities I never would have had.”
Wendy Bracamontes
’23, Master of Social Work (MSW)
’21, BA Social Welfare
“You are capable of so many things. Even though life has thrown you curveballs, you still made it. Through your hard work, you have achieved something amazing: going to college.
“When your motivation wavers, just remember: keep pushing on!”
Cindy Thao
’20, BA Healthcare Leadership
“Being First Gen means setting a vision and achieving it. I used to see culture, family and money as my challenges. Now I know that the only challenge I faced was myself. You have to do it when you’re ready, go at your own pace, and NEVER TAKE NO for an answer.”
Nedralani Logotala
'17, BA Healthcare Leadership
“There aren’t a lot of Pacific Islanders in higher education. My succeeding sets the tone so that others like me can do the same. I am living proof you do not have to leave your culture at the door. Embrace the challenges you’ve faced and be proud of your culture that has shaped you into the person who you are today.”
Maria Isabel Crisostomo Salmeron
’19, BA Politics, Philosophy & Economics
“Being the first in my family to attend college and pursue higher education as a womxn of color, indigenous and multilingual in an environment I am not familiar with means not being afraid and being resilient. My advice to others: Be one of a kind, original, individual, unforgettable, memorable, indelible, incredible!”
Kirsten Larican Garcia
’18, BA Healthcare Leadership
“I dedicate my opportunity to my parents, grandparents and their sacrifices. My grandparents worked long hours in poor conditions to provide for our family after emigrating from the Philippines. It’s from these experiences that I find empowerment and resilience in overcoming adversity.”
Karl Nathan Tolentino
Program Assistant, School of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences
’19, BA in Arts, Media & Culture
“I am proud to be a first-generation student and represent my Filipino culture in a space where I can be myself, use art as my outlet and share my creativity. I would say to other first-generation students, be your authentic self, and do not let anyone tell you that you are not worthy of an education.”
Joana Cervera
’19, BA Healthcare Leadership
Applied Computing Minor
“Being first gen feels like we are carrying the weight of our families on our shoulders. I didn’t know where to start or who to go to for help, but I use failure as motivation to break down barriers. My baby nephews are my motivation.”
James Christian Flores Da
’19, BA Social Welfare
“Being First Gen means persevering when I feel defeated. It means to achieve excellence in hopes that I can inspire my younger siblings to achieve great heights. My advice: do more than just going to class. Your outside experiences will be a source of happiness when your classes become overwhelming.”
Hanan A. Gumale
’19, BA Politics, Philosophy & Economics
“I get to pave the way for my siblings and future children. As the oldest child, I know I’m setting the bar. My advice to others: Set up goals every quarter. Reflect on what you did well and what you need to improve on.”
Christie Peralta
’19, BA Business Administration (Management)
“I have really bad Imposter Syndrome! I hadn’t even realized I identified as First Gen until this past year. My advice is to explore outside your comfort zone and get involved! College is a great time to explore new interest. #beboundless”
Armen Papyan
’19, BA Politics, Philosophy & Economics
“From a young age, I was reminded of the value of pursuing higher education. Everything can be taken away, but your education will remain with you. At UW Tacoma, you will be surrounded by a supportive community of first generation students with experiences very similar to your own.”
Araceli Tovar Carillo
'21, Master of Social Work (MSW)
’19, BA Social Welfare
“Being First Gen means you having to go through your own path not knowing what you are walking into. REACH out and SPEAK up to get the support and resources you need to make your path successful. Looking back the path you created will make you feel so powerful to be doing it on your own. Get educated and learn from others and they might also learn from you.”
Ara Papyan
’19, BA Business Administration (Management)
Economics minor
“First Gen means to me becoming a stronger person. Going to college is not only about getting a degree, it is about making connections and friends. It is about finding your FAM!”
Diana Algomeda-Villada
'19, BA Ethnic, Gender & Labor Studies
“My advice for other first-gen students: Don't give up. Keep trying because the hard work is worth it. College is giving me the opportunity to do things I never would have imagined. I know I can achieve more than I thought, and I know that I'm honoring my parents and the sacrifices they made.”
Yuliana Ambriz
’18, BA Ethnic, Gender & Labor Studies
“Never give up on the idea of being a college graduate, because you are investing in yourself and your future, and that, in itself, is worth everything.”
Soky Chhuoy
Program Support Supervisor, Office of Undergraduate Education
'15, BA in Communication
"Being a first generation, I had my challenges ... I had to learn everything on my own. My advice—be involved and make sure to do an internship while you're in school!"
Douglas Epps
'15, Master of Social Work (MSW)
'13, BA Social Welfare / Psychology
“To me, first generation means making a choice to take control of your life and your future, committing yourself to the unknown to strive for a dream. Stepping into the unknown is scary, but if you vigilantly fight that persistent self-doubt, humbly ask for more information when needed and simply just keep pushing forward, the sky's the limit.”
Katherine Felts
’18, BA Ethnic, Gender & Labor Studies
“It's natural to want to focus on your success and your pride, but the burden of being first gen is the necessity of building from the ground up. Making friends who have the same struggles is almost always helpful, but without the friends who are different, I would never have been prepared for this journey.”
Nataley Guajardo
’17, BA Law & Policy
"Believe in yourself. Do not be afraid to step out of your comfort zone because it is vital that you do.
"Do things even if they seem silly, because you will grow and the growth of others depends on you. You owe it to others, not just yourself, but to those who are first generation students."
Hawo Guyo
’19, BA Psychology
“A piece of advice: make sure you take care of your mental health while in college. It is easy to become inundated with coursework, but taking a breather makes it easier to process the material that you are learning in class. And have someone to talk to — someone who understands first-generation pressures, or even just someone who gives you the space to vent.”
Bob Hardie
Senior Manager, Procurement & Payment Services
'14, Master of Education (MEd)
'10, BA Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences
“My road to being a college graduate is certainly not the most traditional, nor did I take the easiest route. However, I am proud of my accomplishments, because, in the end, it was the best journey of my life.”
Nhan Hoang
’17, BA Business Administration (Marketing)
“I got involved to be a mentor, leader and resource for first-generation and underrepresented students. I wanted to make sure no one would have to go through what I went through ... that I'm as good as anyone else.
“I am a role model for my little brother as well as fellow first-generation students. I want them to know that education and resources are options for everyone.”
Stephon Harris
Associate Director, New Student & Family Programs
BA, St. Martin's University
"For a long time, I doubted my skills and was not confident in my abilities. That moment you realize you belong is the moment all possibilities are open to you."
Christopher Johnston
Husky Post Prison Pathways Specialist
’17, BA Law & Policy
"Even though my family doesn't share the reality and struggles that come with college life, I wouldn't have been able to do it without them."
April Lai
’19, BA Business Administration (Marketing)
“I was pleasantly surprised to meet others who are also first generation. UW Tacoma has welcomed me with open arms and I am immensely grateful to have the support of professors, faculty and friends in my efforts to be a steward for student success.”
Danica Sterud Miller
Associate Professor of American Indian Studies, School of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences
BA, Western Washington University
MA, MPhil, Fordham University
PhD, Fordham University
"The best advice I can give is to talk with your professors. We are really interested in our student community and we want to do everything we can to help you succeed"
Gabriela Raisl
’17, BA Psychology
“As first-generation students, we represent what can be attained when you decide to write your own story. There are an infinite number of paths that can be taken to reach a goal and to accomplish your dreams. We are paving the road for those who come after us, and we're leaving them with the tools they need to build their own roads to success.”
David Reyes
Dean & Associate Professor, School of Nursing & Healthcare Leadership
BSN, Seattle University
MN, MPH, University of Washington
DNP, University of Washington
"It is important to find balance. Find time to develop and maintain relationships with the people that are important to you. At the same time, find the opportunity to reflect on your achievements, and reach out to others who can support you when you feel stress"
Kayesee Schermerhorn
’17, BA Law & Policy
“Be proud of your accomplishment. You're not alone and there are many other students here that are in your situation. You may be the first in your family to attend college, but because of your hard work, you won't be the last.”
Kendy Trinh
’18, BA Ethnic, Gender & Labor Studies
“When you feel like you are alone, you're not, because there are many other first-generation students that are here for you. When you doubt how good you are, reflect on how far you have come, how much you have achieved. Do not compare yourself to others — everyone has their own pace.”
