First-Gen Photo Exhibition 2023
The exhibition's purpose is to explore what it means to be first-gen to first-generation students, faculty, and staff on the MSU campus as well as highlight their accomplishments
Alisha Downs
Space Planner
As the first one to finish college in my family, my degree has enhanced my life and
opened many doors. I take pride in being a first-generation college student knowing
that my hard work has paid off, that I have set a positive example for my son, and
that my accomplishment has laid a foundation for his future success as well.
Alycia Thomas
Community Health Major
As a first-generation student, I know how important it is to break barriers and pave
the way for future generations. I hope to be a role model for my family and show them
that anything is possible with hard work and dedication. Being an educated indigenous
woman and a single mom from the reservation, I understand the importance of leading
by example and showing others that it is possible to navigate two worlds. It takes
strength and resilience to keep moving forward, and I am grateful for the opportunity
to achieve the goals I set out to make years ago.
Audrina Williams
Cell Biology and Neuroscience (Pre-PA) Major
In my family, this entails overcoming enormous generational barriers. Regardless of
your background or origin, you can start new traditions by encouraging your friends
and family to pursue higher education.
Auna Dennis
Admissions Counselor & Faculty in School of Film and Photography
To me, being a first-generation student means paving the way for others, whether that's
my future children, incoming students, or current students on campus. Being a first-generation
student and going through the college decision process on my own has made me very
passionate about making education accessible for all. It's why I pursued a job in
higher education and why I chose to work for MSU. In Admissions, we visit every high
school in the state of Montana, so I get to be the first person to tell a lot of first-generation
students in Montana that college is possible for them, and that it doesn't have to
be a big, scary process. I use my own experience as a first-generation student in
my work every single day, and it motivates me to help incoming students through their
own college decision process.
Cadee Hess
Agricultural Communications Major
To me it means taking an opportunity that my family didn’t have, and using it to become
my most successful self. It also means that I am creating an example for my younger
siblings, and hope that they take the chance I did as they get closer to college age.
Being a First-Gen is scary and intimidating, but I know in the end it will be rewarding!
Danyla LeCrone
Computer Engineering Major
Not having family who went to college. Lot of responsibilities in figuring everything
out.
Del Hannay
Ph.D. Candidate in Plant Sciences
Being first-gen means being someone who is carving their own path, a community-builder
and seeker because we often don’t have it from the families or communities we come
from, it means a lot of learning and trying and making mistakes, but knowing that
you are doing and achieving things that maybe a couple years ago, ten years ago, in
other generations, wasn’t possible or a given for your family. And that’s really special
to me, to watch my family learn about academia alongside me.
El Shaddai
Sociology Major
Being a first-gen is really nerve-wracking. There are so many different things about
being in a university that are confusing and really hard to deal with. But it means
that I can do something important with my life, and be an important figure in my family.
Flor Vega-Castillo
Master in Public Administration
Being the first in many things gave me the strength to always take me to the next
level. I grew up knowing that there were limits, but I managed to go beyond those
every day. I'm proud to be La Primera in my family to get a bachelor's, a master's
in the U.S. and I'm on my way to earn a second master's in this country that has open
so many possibilities to me. I'm doing my best to serve as a role model for my younger
cousins, and for other first-gens. I'm the President of the First-Generation Students
Association and we'll keep working towards making MSU a more welcoming environment
for every first-gen.
Grace Epperson
Sociology & Global and Multicultural Studies Double Major
Gaining opportunity and freedom.
Jordyn Skolasky
Psychology Major
Being a first-generation student means taking a step forward in my life alongside
my parents, who are as clueless as me.
Kollen Pipinich
Mechanical Engineering Major
A pathway to improve my life and advance my abilities in all ways, but then take in
my life experiences to make a combination that show all parts of my life in the actions
and decisions I take.
Kya West
English Education Major
Being a first generation student to me means that I don’t have to follow the trends
of my family. There is nothing against not getting a college education, but I am very
proud to start a new trend in my family and prove my capabilities. I hope that I can
inspire other first generation students to persevere in their pursuit of higher education
and contribute through college despite family norms or possible lack of support.
Mackenzie Spence
TRIO SSS Program Coordinator & NTT Faculty Member at Gallatin College
To me, being a rural raised, first-generation college student led me to accept that
a lack of knowledge does not equate to a lack of intellegence. Coming into college,
I did not have the grasp on the higher education system that my continuing-generation
peers had. As much as my parents wanted to help, their limited knowledge of what a
four-year college degree entailed only allowed them to do so much when it came to
navigating the hidden curriculum of the university system. I wouldn't change my first-generation
identity as it has made me more resilient and confident in my own abilities.
Madisen Dunne
Psychology Major
I think being a first-generation means being resilient. In order to succeed it requires
one to be open-minded, flexible, and dedicated. These characteristics not only help
us throughout college, but also in our future careers.
Patty Kroemer-Spiess
Human Development and Family Science Major w/ a minor in Personal and Consumer Finance
It means that anything is possible. I never thought graduating with a Bachelor’s was
something I was going to accomplish, but I will do just that in Spring of 25!
As a non-traditional student and a first-generation student it means that you should never give up and go for whatever your heart desires.
I hope that my story will help other first-generation and non-traditional students realize what they are capable of and that they can do anything.
As a non-traditional student and a first-generation student it means that you should never give up and go for whatever your heart desires.
I hope that my story will help other first-generation and non-traditional students realize what they are capable of and that they can do anything.
Sarah Knoebl
Campus Planner
College helped me meet amazing people and turn my passions into a fulfilling career!
Shani
Biochemistry Major
I am forever grateful to my parents for showing me this path to be an educated person,
for helping me to achieve this dream they could never achieve.
Wendy McCarty
Student Accounts/Accounts Receivable
It means my parents worked very hard to support me in school both financially and
to support my success. They grew up during the depression and were newlyweds during
World War II. When I was born in the 50s it was starting to be a goal for many families
to have their children attend college and avoid the hardships parents grew up with.
Thanks, Mom & Dad.
Whitney Walters
Psychology & Sociology Double Major
Being a first generation student means the world to me. It is so monumental for me
because I know that for every one of us who are first-generation we inspire another
one. It is one of the most rewarding experiences and opportunities to take the step
forward and be a first generation student and continue to pursue and value our education.
It is so inspiring to see and connect with others who are first generation here at
Montana State and be apart of such a supportive community.