First-Generation Photo Exhibition 2024
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
Aisling McConnaughey
Film Major
To me, being a first generation student means i am empowered to create my own path
of success. It shows that my mind is determined and i am willing to take chances into
the unknown. It also means i have to grow off of independence and understand that
support can be difficult to receive but also to not take it personal. Being a first
generation student means i have to step out and overcome without guidance. It’s a
new wave form that i have to accept, take pride in, and celebrate the small wins.
Alisha Downs
Space Planner
Being a first-generation college graduate means a lot to me. It represents breaking
through challenges and setting a new course for my family’s future. This achievement
opens doors to opportunities that weren’t available before, and it provides a foundation
for future generations to pursue higher education and greater career possibilities.
It’s about creating a lasting legacy of success and growth for my family.
Cheyenne Hendrickson
Film Major
Being a first-generation student means setting an example and a greater standard for
your next of kin to follow.
Chloe McCombie Murray
Sociology Major
Crystal Ayala
Business- Accounting Major
Being a first-generation student to me, means that I am setting an example/path for
the younger people in my family or for future first-generation students to know that
it is possible to go on to get a higher education.
Daniel Kump
Physics Major
Diane Debinski
Dept. Head MSU Ecology
One needs to learn the unwritten curriculum.
Emma Belew
Political Science Major
Grace Epperson
Criminology, Global and Multicultural Studies Major with a minor in Native American
Studies
It means building my own community and giving back to the people who helped get me
here. Being brave and learning how to ask for help.
Kandi Gresswell
Senior Associate Registrar
Being first-gen means I really can do hard things. I’m the first in my family to earn
a bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degree. I couldn’t have done any of it without
the amazing support systems here at MSU.
Kollen Pipinich
Mechanical Engineering Major
An Opportunity to jump the economic ladder and improve my life overall. The opportunity
to expand my knowledge with my experience with the working classes and it expand the
knowledge to upper clases what true working class is. Overall a challenge that I feel
fit to take on and win even though my background says otherwise.
Kylie Nichols
Business Management Major
Mackenzie Spence
PhD Adult and Higher Edcaution Student, TRIO SSS Program Coordinator, and Gallatin
College Non-Tenure Track Faculty
Being a first-generation college student means being resilient in the face of uncertainty.
There is so much that isn't explained and expected to be known in higher education
that you have to be resilient and courageous to be the first in your family to attend
college. Now, as a PhD student, I am still learning and asking questions that others
seem to already have the answers to and that is okay. I want to pave the way for future
first-generation students so they don't have to feel as lost as I did through undergrad
and my master's program.
Mercedes Cordero
Psychology Major with a Minor in Human Development
Being a first gen student means pushing past boundaries i was never meant to cross.
it's where overwhelming and uncertain feelings meet the pride and responsibility of
being the first in my family to be in the world of higher education. those feelings
intensify as i am also a second generation immigrant, so every step throughout my
education journey i also carry the weight of my parent's sacrifices. it's a difiicult
journey of navigating the unknown, with what feels like no information in comparison
to my peers. but it's also the most rewarding feeling to look back on everything my
family and i have overcome to get here.
Mystique Fox
Astrophysics and Mathematics Major
Being a first generation student without parental support, as I have no parents, means
navigating every aspect of my education and life alone. There is no financial assistance
from the school or my family, nor any guidance for making key educational decisions.
Every step is uncharted territory and it’s a difficult journey. In Bozeman, making
ends meet requires working multiple full-time jobs while attending school full-time,
as out of state tuition is $53,000 per year and with little to no income FAFSA provides
no financial relief.
Natalie DeMarco
Geology Major
Being a first-generation student means to be empowered. We often are set at a disadvantage
due to the design of the higher education system. However, first-generation students
are often seen as more self-relient, resourceful, and independent due to these struggles.
Being first-gen is not something to be ashamed of! I am first-gen and I am PROUD!
Neveah Morera
Undecided Major
Being a first-generation college student means everything to me. It’s not just about
pursuing my own dreams; it’s about honoring the sacrifices my family made for me to
have this opportunity. Every class I attend and every milestone I achieve feels like
a tribute to their hard work and dedication. I want to make them proud and show them
that their efforts are paying off. This journey fills me with a sense of purpose and
pride.
Sarah Knoebl
Campus Planner
Being a first-generation student means turning aspirations into reality.
Seth Brock
Business Marketing Major
For me it’s pretty cool to be a first generation college student because none of my
family members attended college for 4 years and I’m the first to receive an athletic
scholarship as well.
Tabitha Flemings
Early Childhood Education P-3 Major
Change! I'm excited to have my younger siblings know that college is an option!
Taianna Carr
Human Development and Family Science and Community Health Major
Being a first-generation student is complex mix of emotions like pride, pressure,
responsibility, confusion, and sometimes even imposter syndrome. Navigating a new
academic environment without the direct guidance of family members who I often look
to for support can be intimidating. Yet, I feel a strong sense of purpose by paving
the way for my younger siblings, knowing I can be the support I didn't have. This
fulfillment stems not only from understanding my parents' sacrifices but also from
the weight of their hopes and expectations that I carry with me.
Tracy Sterling
Professor
I feel incredible gratitude for my parents instilling in me a love of learning and
the resilience to pursue BS, MS, and PhD degrees at Land Grant Institutions. These
degrees have afforded me extraordinary opportunities, experiences, and friendships
around the world for which I am deeply grateful, inspiring me to support others in
exploring and finding their passion and purpose.