Ep. 2 - Why and how you can help students tell their stories with Dr. Rebecca Wiltberger Wiggins

Discover Northeastern University's commitment to First Gen students in the latest First Gen FM podcast episode. Join me, Jen, as I journey solo this week, pulling back the curtain on the scholarship selection process, particularly focusing on the Torch Scholars Program. 

This week's episode shares stories and insights, as I recount the moments from our pre-interview tech checks and share the balance of what we all do,  all the administrative tasks with the human element of our work. You'll hear about the robust support system that Northeastern extends to its First Gen, Pell Grant-eligible scholars – from academic advising to personal guidance. It's a narrative that goes beyond mere academic success; it's about cultivating a nurturing environment where potential is recognized and harnessed. So, listen as I share how we use meta-cognitive variables and a virtual interview process to select these remarkable students at Northeastern University.

Please help others find this podcast by rating and reviewing wherever you listen!

You can find me at https://www.firstgenfm.com/ and on LinkedIn. My email is jen@firstgenfm.com.

Unlock the secrets of the College Prep Scholars (CPS) program with Dr. Christian Martell from Questbridge. We zoom in on CPS and its role as a stepping stone for high-achieving, low-income, high school juniors aiming for the Questbridge National College Match. Learn about the program's history, its application process, and the unparalleled strategic advantages it offers. 

Dr. Martell shares insights into the eligibility criteria, and we tackle the complexities of college applications in a post-pandemic world. This conversation is a must for educators, offering a roadmap to navigate the nuances of academic and extracurricular narratives. Dr. Martell and I also dissect the financial support these programs offer, making elite education more accessible. 

We wrap up with a discussion on the power of educator referrals and the critical role of teachers and counselors in the application process. This episode is an valuable resource for anyone invested in changing the narrative around college access for low-income and first-generation students. 

Links to reach out to Christian and the Questbridge programs.

• Christian's LinkedIn
• QuestBridge website
• questions@questbridge.org 
• QuestBridge CPS Application
• 2023 College Prep Scholar Profile

Please help others find this podcast by rating and reviewing wherever you listen!

You can find me at https://www.firstgenfm.com/ and on LinkedIn. My email is jen@firstgenfm.com.

Have you ever considered every turn in your path as a stepping stone towards your true calling? Dr. Ashanti Chunn, our guest from Tennessee State University, shares her compelling switch from biology to education and how it fueled her passion for mentoring first-generation college students through the transformative  You FIRST Project. Join us on First Gen FM, where we discuss storytelling and its impact on personal and professional growth.

As our conversation unfolds, we uncover the innovative Life Design curriculum at the heart of the You FIRST Project. This eight-semester guide, inspired by the work of William Johnson and Kathleen Shea Smith, is a beacon for students navigating the waters of self-discovery and career planning. Listen to how personality assessments and crafting personal mission statements can chart a course for meaningful work aligned with core values. We tackle the challenge of sparking voluntary engagement and continuously adapting to guide the way for student needs.

The episode culminates with a poignant exploration of persistence and identity in student support, dissecting their critical roles in retention and success. Dr. Chunn and I peel back the layers of student experiences, revealing the trials of homesickness and financial anxiety that can masquerade as thriving. We celebrate the evolution of support services, such as virtual sessions and honor societies, which are tailored to first-generation students. We part with empowering advice for those guiding the college-bound: support first-generation students with the tools they need to weave their education into their unique timeline and aspirations. Tune in and embrace this heartfelt dialogue, affirming the power of support over pity for first-generation students charting their course in higher education.

Dr. Ashanti Chunn's Bio
Ashanti Chunn, Ed.D. currently serves as the Assistant Director of the Tennessee State University You First Project Graduation Initiatives for First-Generation Students. Additionally, she directs the grant’s Journey to 120 credits activity and serves as one of the project’s First-Generation Specialists where she leads a team of three to help students actualize their college dreams. Previously, she served as the Activity Director of the Pathfinders Project at TSU. In that position, she identified and enacted academic support programming for first and second-year students in pre-professional majors such as nursing, health sciences, and dental hygiene. Before these positions, she served as an Academic Advisor for TRIO Student Support Services where she assisted first-generation and lower-income students to attain academic achievement and identify various career paths.

Links: 
TSU You First Project: https://www.tnstate.edu/youfirst/ 

Instagram: @tsu_youfirst Life Design Catalyst Curriculum: https://thedreamdean.com/life-design-catalyst-program/

University of Oklahoma Coaching to Complete Model/Persistence Themes: https://www.ou.edu/alc/ou-alc-coaching-to-complete-model

Please help others find this podcast by rating and reviewing wherever you listen!

You can find me at https://www.firstgenfm.com/ and on LinkedIn. My email is jen@firstgenfm.com.

What does it feel like to navigate the world of academia as a first-generation and working class graduate student? This week, I had the privilege of exploring this question with Lauren Harvey, a current PhD student at Rice University. With personal experiences and a wealth of insights brimming from her own journey, Lauren doesn't hold back as she delves into the challenges, triumphs, and the unique struggles of her academic life.

This episode is an exploration of the reality of being a first-generation graduate student. Echoing through her stories are the cultural shocks, the unease of feeling out of place, and the struggles associated with financial constraints. But Lauren’s story is not just about the struggles. We also explore the power of journaling, a tool she used effectively for processing and understanding her experiences, and delve into her article titled, "A Guide for First-Generation Working Class Grad Students". The theme of the three Cs - community, consciousness raising, and claiming space - forms the backbone of surviving and thriving in the world of academia.

As we wrap up our engaging conversation, Lauren emphasises the critical importance of support, especially from faculty and staff who can truly understand the unique struggles of first-generation students. She stresses the need for compassion and humanity in academic spaces, and a call for more an empathetic and inclusive approach to students' experiences. If you're a first-generation student or if you're someone supporting them, this episode is a gold mine of experiences, insights and guidance.

Bio
Lauren Harvey is a graduate student of Sociology at Rice University. Her research examines inequality in higher education using insights from feminist theory. She is currently working on a project that identifies the institutional effects on social-psychological outcomes of first-generation, working-class students.

Please help others find this podcast by rating and reviewing wherever you listen!

You can find me at https://www.firstgenfm.com/ and on LinkedIn. My email is jen@firstgenfm.com.

Join Julie Carballo, the assistant dean of students for first-generation and military affiliated initiatives at North Central College, and me for an enlightening journey as we explore the Cardinal First program. Julie's not just an advocate, but a beacon of hope for first-generation college students, guiding them through the labyrinth of higher education with her Cardinal First program. Garner valuable insights from Julie's journey and learn about the unique tools and community-building initiatives Cardinal First offers to empower these trailblazing first-generation students.

We'll tackle the power of storytelling and networking. We'll discuss how sharing experiences can be a catalyst for change and a source of inspiration for others. We'll also highlight the invaluable role of mentorship and strong faculty relationships in shaping these students' college journey. The power of a shared narrative, the strength in community, and the encouragement of mentors can truly have a profound impact on a first-generation student's college experience.

Take this opportunity to learn from Julie, connect with her on LinkedIn, and explore her program, Cardinal First. This episode is your ticket to understanding the challenges, triumphs, and incredible resilience of first-generation college students. Join us on this journey and let's empower change together.

Cardinal First  www.noctrl.edu/cardinal-first 

Cardinal First Facebook @NorthCentralCollege.CardinalFirst 

Cardinal First Instagram  @firstgencardinals 

Julie's Bio
Julie is an educator, leader and lifelong learner with experience teaching and spearheading initiatives for underrepresented students at the high school and college level. She is the founding director of Cardinal First, a cohort-based program that strategically provides community and connection for first-generation students from enrollment through completion. She’s been working with first-generation college students at North Central College since 2010. 

Please help others find this podcast by rating and reviewing wherever you listen!

You can find me at https://www.firstgenfm.com/ and on LinkedIn. My email is jen@firstgenfm.com.

Ever wondered what it takes to truly empower first-generation college students? Denise El Habach, a fierce advocate and a Gear Up Coach at Youngker High School, Buckeye, Arizona, has some answers that might surprise you. With an insider's perspective, Denise takes us on a journey into the inspiring and challenging world of working with first-generation college-bound students. From helping these students navigate the maze of college admissions and FAFSA, to fostering a supportive, college-going culture at school, she's got it covered.

We'll  unpack the powerhouse tool - the College, Career, and Future Ready Toolkit. Denise and her colleagues have poured their expertise into developing this toolkit, designed to demystify the post-secondary transition process and engage families in their children's academic journeys. From summer counseling sessions to unravelling the complex steps of the college enrollment process, Denise's approach is all about simplifying and reducing confusion. She also touches on the potential impact of the delayed FAFSA timeline on students.

In the final segment of our conversation, Denise offers insights on how to nurture a college-going culture, the importance of celebrating milestones like Decision Day and the vast pool of resources available for first-generation students. She stresses the importance of equipping students with the information they need to confidently navigate the college enrollment process. Wrapping up the discussion, Denise invites listeners to share their feedback or express interest in joining us as a guest on the podcast. This is an episode that promises to leave you with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the challenges and triumphs of empowering first-generation college students. Tune in!

The College, Career, and Future Ready Toolkit can be found here.

Denise's bio
I have been in education since 2004 as a high school teacher, a school counselor and now a GEAR UP Coach.  My role is to help students and their families understand the options and steps of post secondary transition and to establish a college going culture.  I've been a Gear UP coach since 2020 and I truly believe I found my dream job!  I also love being outdoors like camping, fishing, hiking etc spending time with my husband, our two beautiful children and our dog!  

Please help others find this podcast by rating and reviewing wherever you listen!

You can find me at https://www.firstgenfm.com/ and on LinkedIn. My email is jen@firstgenfm.com.

Meet Zach Desjardins, a first-generation student turned holistic academic advisor at the University of Albany. His story, from almost losing his college dreams due to financial aid errors to finding his way through with the Upward Bound program, is the embodiment of resilience, determination, and dedication. 

In our engaging conversation, we explore the quintessential role of support systems for first-generation students, and Zach provides an intimate look at how he has leveraged his own experiences to advocate for others. He's not just a voice; he's a mover and shaker, instrumental in developing first-gen programming and establishing a first-gen office at UAlbany. He opens up about family achievement guilt, the power of mentorship, and the importance of having allies in one's journey.

As we delve deeper, Zach shines a light on the often overlooked challenges first-gen students face in balancing their identities with their academic aspirations. He shares valuable insights into how advisors can remind students of their worth and capabilities. We also touch on the power of social capital and the importance of family involvement in these discussions. 

This episode with Zach is a treasure trove of knowledge and understanding, whether you're a first-gen student, an educator, or anyone who's curious about the first-gen community. It's more than just a conversation; it's a journey towards empowerment and understanding.

Please help others find this podcast by rating and reviewing wherever you listen!

You can find me at https://www.firstgenfm.com/ and on LinkedIn. My email is jen@firstgenfm.com.

Ever wondered what it takes to be a first-generation student of color in a predominantly white institution? Gregory Saint-Dick, diversity advocate and the director for diversity, equity, and inclusion at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, joins us to shed light on his personal journey in higher education. Gregory gives us a glimpse into his world of advocating for first-generation students and shares the insights that compelled him to write his book, "Negotiating Your College Success."

After years of experience, Gregory has navigated the turbulent waters of higher education, developing habits that made a difference. He recalls his daily library visits and the significance of meaningful interactions with faculty members. He generously shares these experiences, offering valuable advice on how students can negotiate and communicate effectively with their professors. Listen in as Gregory reflects on the importance of student feedback when writing his second book, "Negotiating the Ivory Tower."

Gregory shifts gears and shares his insights on how to support first-generation students in college. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the student's story and the need to create a comprehensive schedule that captures every dimension of college life. The pandemic has changed how students connect, and Gregory provides timely advice for academic advisors to help first-generation students of color succeed. Don't miss the final segment as Gregory reveals resources for further learning and support, and shares how you can reach out to him. Tune in and get a fresh perspective on diversity in higher education!

Gregory's Bio

Gregory Saint-Dick is the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the Harvard Graduate School of Education and author of Negotiating Your College Success: The Guide for First-Generation Students of Color. His passion for empowering students of historically marginalized identities has fueled his career as a student development professional for over a decade at four institutions, mentoring/ advising over 300 students. In addition to his professional credentials, his lived experience as a first-generation, low-income student of color who attended the University of Massachusetts Amherst, one of the largest predominantly White institutions in the state provides a level of knowledge that current and potential students could benefit from.

Please help others find this podcast by rating and reviewing wherever you listen!

You can find me at https://www.firstgenfm.com/ and on LinkedIn. My email is jen@firstgenfm.com.

Get ready for an exhilarating journey as we welcome D'ric Jackson, a first-generation college student turned advocate, who is reshaping the narrative around higher education. With a background inspired by the '90s Spider-Man series and a dedication to psychology, Derek's unique lens turns an often daunting experience into a thrilling adventure, a superpower even. He's not only been there but has also forged a path to empower others like him, and if there's anyone who can understand the leap of faith first-generation students take, it's him.

You may wonder, what does Spider-Man have to do with higher education? Well, Derek expertly draws parallels between the journey of Miles from the movie Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse and that of first-generation students. Both have no blueprint to follow, yet they take on enormous challenges, embodying audacity and resilience. Just as Miles grows into his role as Spider-Man, first-generation students too, can transform their unique experiences into a positive identity and culture. 

As we wrap up our chat, Derek delves into the crucial role authenticity, mentors, and supervisors play in a first-generation student's journey.  But it's not all about grand gestures; small moments of compassion and guidance can make a world of difference.  Buckle up and prepare for a deep-dive into the world of first-generation students, blending higher education and pop culture in a way that you've never experienced before!

D'ric's bio:
My name is D’ric (Derick) Jackson, and I serve as an Assistant Director of Undergraduate Programs in the Office of Undergraduate Education at UT Dallas. Specifically, I oversee First-Generation Student Programs: A student success program for students who will be first in their families to earn their bachelor’s degree in the United States that I helped launch in 2019. I also serve as a class instructor for the First-Generation Student Success Course offered to the First-Generation Living Learning Community. I am a first-generation college graduate from UT Dallas, earning both my bachelor's degree and master’s degree from UT Dallas. I am currently working on a Ph.D. in Higher Education at the University of North Texas. I consider it an honor to pay it forward to my fellow First-Generation students.  A fan of Spider-Man since I was five years old, I firmly believe that “With great power comes great responsibility”!

Please help others find this podcast by rating and reviewing wherever you listen!

You can find me at https://www.firstgenfm.com/ and on LinkedIn. My email is jen@firstgenfm.com.

Yvonne Green works in the Broward County Schools and shares her work with the BRACE Cadets, a group of students who are selected, receive training, and then create projects to share information about going to college and paying for it. We talk abut the primary and secondary gains these mentors get from the program, and the impact of the program in the Broward Schools. We also talk about funding this program, ideas on how other high schools might create their own mentoring toward college programs, and how colleges might partner with high schools to help create a college-going culture.

Yvonne Green
Yvonne Green's superpower is taking complex ideas and turning them into impactful programs for K-12 students. Helping children succeed in school is her great calling in life.

She currently works with Broward County Public Schools, where she piloted and managed BRACE Cadets, a successful college and career readiness peer mentoring program. 

In October, she will release the BRACE Cadets mini-documentary, We Are YOU! Going To College Debt-free$$! This features the stories of three  first-gen, college-bound BRACE Cadets who applied what we taught them about scholarships and are headed to college debt-free.

Yvonne's career has always revolved around children and education. For the past 15 years, she has focused on increasing post-secondary access and success for all students, but with an emphasis on students who are the first in their families to go to college.

Yvonne has consulted nationally and internationally on developing strategic partnerships, and has presented at national and regional conferences on peer mentoring, community schools, and strategies to increase post-secondary access and success.

She holds a Master's in Social Work from Hunter College School of Social Work.

Family, faith, and good food are important to Yvonne. She recently returned to her roots and started cooking Jamaican food and is getting very good at it!

You can reach her at yvonne.green@browardschools.edu and you can find her on LinkedIn @ChangeAgent12. 

Please help others find this podcast by rating and reviewing wherever you listen!

You can find me at https://www.firstgenfm.com/ and on LinkedIn. My email is jen@firstgenfm.com.