Being a first-generation college student represents progress for a family. However, affordability is the main factor in why students do not attend college. Many fear the price of college without realizing the benefits and the types of financial aid and scholarships available to students.
Sending a child to college represents hope for the family, as well as a guide for family members in younger generations. Younger siblings will look up a family member who went to college and follow in their steps.
Sometimes first-generation students quit before completing their degree, partially because they don’t have an example to show them how to deal with the stress or expectations. Students at Sussex expressed the support and guidance they received from the faculty and staff at the college. The EOF program was a large part of their success.
The Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) is a state-sponsored program available to students who want to attend college but need additional academic and financial support.
The program provides resources to students that are designed to foster persistence to graduation, academic achievement, and personal and leadership development opportunities. In addition, it helps students reach their educational goals.
Sussex celebrated the First Generation students in a special ceremony that included the students, faculty, staff, and family members. Students shared their experiences at starting college, navigating the many resources, and how they overcame obstacles along the way.
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Getting involved on campus helped me get out of my comfort zone and grow as a student. When I transfer to my 4-year college, I will feel more comfortable making new friends. For someone looking to come to college as an FGS, I advise you to ask for help. Everyone at the Sussex wants you to succeed, and they are all here to support you and your decisions in life. |
My challenges being a first-generation student were that no one in my family went to college, not even my siblings, to guide me and show me how to proceed. I found myself overwhelmed. However, the SCCC Student Success Center has been wonderful and responded to me immediately when I needed direction. Being a first-generation student is so important. I want to pursue a career and have a better future. It is also expected to have a degree, and I knew I needed to get a head start now. |
Being a First-Generation student is most beneficial to me to show my family, especially my siblings, that a college education can give them a different life compared to their current environment. Only a few people in my community graduate or have a college degree. My challenge coming to college is knowing the academic resources available to me, which is where I struggled before. Not many institutions have the same resources as the Sussex EOF resources |
My parents did not attend college, and I see the toll it takes on them as they are both hard workers. They pushed me to get a secondary education for a better life. As a First Generation student, there have been a lot of challenges with school work, figuring out my financial aid and the FAFSA. But everyone on campus has been such a help, especially the staff in the EOF program. I am exited to be graduating in December and getting my liberal arts degree. |
