First Gen Circle: A Movement of Belonging
First Gen Circle is more than a phrase—it’s a movement and mindset that celebrates and supports students and faculty who are the first in their families to attend college. It’s about recognizing, uplifting, and empowering first-generation college students as they navigate a system often unfamiliar to them and their families. It stands for resilience, growth, and the collective drive to create pathways where none previously existed.
Why We Started
The First Gen Circle Club was created to build a supportive space for students facing college life without a roadmap. Many first-gen students carry the pressure of succeeding not just for themselves, but for their families. We wanted to ensure no one feels alone in that experience. The inspiration came from seeing how powerful shared stories, mentorship, and advocacy can be in helping students thrive academically, emotionally, and socially.
What First-Gen Means to Me
To me, being first-gen means being a trailblazer. It’s about overcoming unknown territory with courage, persistence, and pride. It’s also about balancing two worlds—the expectations of home and the demands of college—while shaping your own path circle. It means breaking cycles and creating new opportunities for yourself and those who come after you.
Personally, it’s a badge of honor; it reflects perseverance, sacrifice, and hope.
Support You Can Count On
Members can look at a wide variety of programs and initiatives explicitly tailored to first-gen needs, including:
- Mentorship programs connecting students with peers, alumni, and faculty who’ve lived the first-gen experience
- Workshops on navigating financial aid, understanding cultural differences, selecting courses, and mastering the college experience
- Scholarship and financial aid advocacy for increased support tailored to first-gen challenges
- Awareness campaigns that highlight first-gen stories and accomplishments
- Collaborations with university leadership to shape inclusive policies and ensure first-generation voices are heard
We also aim to foster a deeper understanding of diversity, not just in terms of race, gender, or background, but in the diversity of thought, perspective, and lived experience that shapes us all.
Who Can Join
The club is open to anyone who identifies as a first-generation college student or faculty member, including transfer and international students, as well as faculty and staff who were first-generation themselves. Allies who are passionate about supporting this community are also welcome.
Joining is simple! Attend one of our meetings, find us through Campus groups, or follow us on social media to stay updated and get involved.
Goals for This Year
This year, we aim to:
- Expand our mentorship program by bringing in more alumni and faculty mentors
- Increase access to financial literacy and scholarship resources
- Host culturally responsive workshops that address cross-cultural challenges and practical skills
- Collaborate with administration to institutionalize first-gen support in campus policies
- Strengthen our community and promote retention and graduation rates by creating a space where first-gen students feel seen, heard, and valued.
Ultimately, we want every first-generation student to feel they belong here and to know they’re not alone on this journey.
A Moment That Moved Us
During one of our early mixers, a student shared that until that night, they had never met another first-gen student. The moment they realized they weren’t alone brought tears to their eyes and many of ours. That feeling of connection, of finally being understood without having to explain yourself, is exactly what this club is about.
Upcoming: First Gen Welcome Social
We’re excited to host a First Gen Welcome Social in August 2025! This will be a great chance to meet other members, connect with mentors, and learn more about our plans for the year. We’ll have snacks, resources, and a space to share stories and build community. Everyone is welcome!
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GraduateAbout the author
I am a graduate student pursuing Masters in Accounting and Analytics. I have 7 years of experience in the field of Audit and Taxation. I am the Vice President of the First Gen Circle Club in RIT, RIT 365 Facilitator and an Orientation Leader.