Those who are the first or among the first in their families to pursue higher education are known as first-generation students. The University of Rochester’s First-Generation Network provides support for these students after graduation, offering mentorship, networking, and resources as they navigate post-graduate life.
Alisa Jiménez ’14 was motivated to become co-chair of the First-Generation Network because she wanted to have a community with similar shared experiences as she continued to navigate professional life.
“When you have a particular experience, like being first-generation student, it’s really important to share that with your community,” Alisa says.
Her journey as a first-generation college student began as a high school student in Syracuse, NY. Most of the guidance she received on the college application process came from college counselors at her school. “They gave me the SUNY handbook and information about the local community college, and that was about it.” With a goal of studying international relations and anthropology, she knew those wouldn’t be the best fit.
She began to pursue admission to the University of Rochester by happenstance. “I received a DVD from URochester, and I thought it sounded cool. I had been to Rochester before, so I applied.” She was admitted and studied international relations and anthropology just as she had hoped to do.
Jiménez was an involved student during her time at the University. She was active in the Spanish and Latino Students’ association, she studied abroad in Belgium, and during her senior year, she helped found the Survivor Empowerment Group for victims of sexual assault. Despite her high-level of involvement and success as a student, she still wished she knew more about the college experience when she enrolled.
“When you’re a first-gen student, it can all feel really intense. You’ve been told you should go to college, but then you don’t know what to do once you get there,” she says. “I felt like I was going as fast as I could through college, racing towards the end goal of graduating. I wish that I hadn’t done that because I know now it wasn’t just a box to check to move forward. It was an experience for me to enjoy.”
This is a big part of why she continues to engage with the community. She speaks with admitted students and volunteers as an admissions interviewer, sharing advice on how to navigate school. “I’m pretty honest with potential and newly admitted students about college being difficult and stressful. But I also tell them that that’s okay and I encourage them to enjoy the experience and have a good time because they will look back and wish that they had,” she says.
For others who may want to be more engaged in the alumni community, Jiménez explained that you don’t have to be the co-chair of a committee to make a difference.
“If you’re a first-gen like me, you’re probably having a lot of these conversations already, so why not talk about it in community and find ways to connect with students. We want to honor people’s experiences and make sure those experiences are being used to help others.”
The First-Generation Network looks forward to the impact Jiménez will have as she steps into the co-chair role.
“With Alisa and fellow Co-chair Doug Austin ’98, ’04S (MBA) at the helm of the First-Generation Network, we will continue to build momentum and work together to deepen first-generation student and alumni engagement,” said Jeanette Colby, associate director, affinity networks and programs.
“You never really stop being first-generation, I think it continues to show up in many ways even after graduation,” Alisa said.
Learn more about how you can get involved with the First Generation Network or become an admissions interviewer.