Saint Leo Celebrates Its First-Generation Students Who Pursue Dream Of College Degree

Saint Leo University strives to make education accessible to a wide variety of students. On National First-Generation College Student Day on November 8, the university is celebrating its students, faculty, and staff who are the first in their immediate families to attend college.

So just who are “first-gen” students? Anyone attending college whose parents did not complete a four-year college or university degree is a first-generation college student. At Saint Leo, 27% of our students are first-generation — 571 University Campus students and 1,410 Saint Leo WorldWide students who study at our education centers and online.

“Being a first-generation college student is a deep source of pride and honor for me,” said Ryan Selgren, a senior, who is studying business administration management, at Saint Leo’s Savannah Education Center. “It means I’m not only pursuing my own dreams, but also fulfilling the hopes and ambitions of my family, who have worked tirelessly to give me this opportunity.

“For my parents and grandparents, college was a distant possibility, so stepping onto campus each day feels like breaking new ground not only for myself but for generations before me,” he continued. “It’s a chance to create a legacy of education and opportunity for my family, and that motivates me to work hard, stay focused, and push through challenges.”

To junior Audrey Lehto-Chew, being a first-generation student means “having the opportunity to change my family's story and circumstances.” 

Lehto-Chew, from Hudson, FL, is an Honors Program student who is working toward a bachelor’s in communication-communications studies. “It can be hard finding the courage to seek out answers and not belittle yourself,” she noted of the challenges that first-generation students face. “A first-gen student may not have an example from their family and may struggle with confidence in asking and answering questions.”

Emiliano Campos-Hernandez, a senior marketing major from Dade City, FL, is a familiar sight on campus as he shoots video and photos as a social media intern for Saint Leo’s Student & Family Engagement Department. His own family encourages him in his pursuit of a degree. 

“My family is very excited and proud of me for being the first to graduate college,” Campos-Hernandez said. “They are happy knowing that everything they have done to allow me to attend college is paying off and will eventually be worth it.” 

For Laney Gonzalez-Rico, a senior who is studying criminal justice online, her “desire to attend an institution was not influenced by legacy, the reputation of party life, or the need to leave my family behind.” 

Gonzalez-Rico said she places “the utmost value on diversity and equity” and had difficulty establishing rapport with advisors at other institutions, who did not understand her drive to succeed and the financial issues she and her family faced. That changed when she had a pleasant experience with Saint Leo University. 

“I can embrace my identity and know I am surrounded by personnel who value the power of identity and diversity,” she said. “There is a willingness to contribute to growth and progression within the setting at Saint Leo University.”

Advice from Students for Students

For those who are the first in their family to pursue higher education, there are many challenges. Gonzalez-Rico acknowledged that she struggled in the application process and had to assist her parents with their portions of her applications and forms as they were solely in English.

But the Saint Leo students encourage others to pursue the dream of earning a degree. 

“To any prospective first-generation college student, my advice is to embrace this journey with courage and confidence — you belong here just as much as anyone else,” Selgren said. “Remember that it’s OK not to know everything right away; no one expects you to have all the answers.

“Find a support system early on, whether that’s a first-gen student group, a mentor, or friends who understand your journey,” he continued. “These connections will help you feel understood and remind you that you’re not alone.” 

Lehto-Chew echoed her fellow student: “I would say to always put yourself out there! Ask questions and get involved in a campus organization, I think it’s the only way to make the most of your experience.”

Campos-Hernandez’s advice is to, “find someone who has been in your shoes on campus.”

“I am beyond blessed to have Dr. Michael Bailey and Omar Cosme here on campus to give me the guidance I needed, and without them and a few other people in my life, I would have dropped out two years ago,” he said.

First-Gen Staffers Weigh In

While more than a quarter of Saint Leo University’s students are first-generation, the university also employs many faculty and staff who also proudly bear that title. 

Nancy Cheek, director of Online Faculty & Student Services, was the first in her family to earn a degree when she graduated with a bachelor’s from the New York Institute of Technology. She suggests that students search outside their immediate family for someone who has attended college to assist. 

“They can visit the campus or an education center with you, or sit with you online to complete an application, transcript requests, or other forms that may need to be completed,” she said. “My parents were not familiar with enrolling in college, so I remember them asking an older cousin who was already in college to come with us when we visited my school.”

And for those who plan to study online, “you will be assisted by an enrollment counselor at Saint Leo who will be with you every step of the admissions process,” Cheek said. “They can also answer questions about choosing a major and careers or put you in touch with a department chair or a member of Career Services to provide additional information about the industries and employment opportunities related to each major. As you begin your first class, you are then paired with a Student Success coach who will be your lifeline during your academic journey at Saint Leo University.”

When he was a student at Bowling Green State University in Ohio, being a first-generation student didn’t mean anything to Dr. Ben Forche. But now Saint Leo’s chief officer of University Student Success and Academic Engagement says it is a point of pride. 

“At times, being a first-gen student is like learning the rules to the game while you're playing the game, while at the same time not being given all the rules,” Forche said. “Being a first-gen student was a major influencer for me choosing a career in higher education to help other students.”

He recommends talking to others: “Share your story! It is an accomplishment you are earning your college degree, and there are so many people here at Saint Leo who want to see you succeed. My door is always open — 120 Kirk Hall.”

Proud First-Gen

Selgren reminds first-generation students to “stay connected to their ‘why.’”
“Your motivation, your family, and the dreams you have for yourself will keep you going through the tough days,” he said. “This experience is challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Be proud of yourself every step of the way; you’re not just achieving something for yourself but opening doors for others who will follow in your footsteps.”

Scholarships for First-Gen Students
Thanks to the generosity of donors, including alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of the university, the First-Gen Student Scholarship Fund was established in 2022 to support student scholarships for the growing number of first-generation students at Saint Leo.

On November 28, 2023, Saint Leo University achieved one of its most successful Giving Tuesday campaigns to date, raising more than $60,000 in 24 hours, and it was the second consecutive year that the campaign supported the First-Gen Student Scholarship Fund.

Donations are accepted all year for this important scholarship. Support the First Gen Student Scholarship Fund by making a donation.