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

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

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

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

Chloe McCombie Murray

Sociology Major
 
Crystal

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

Daniel Kump

Physics Major
 
Diane

Diane Debinski

Dept. Head MSU Ecology
One needs to learn the unwritten curriculum.
Emma

Emma Belew

 Political Science Major
 
Grace

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

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

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

Kylie Nichols

Business Management Major
 
Mackenzie

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

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

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

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!
Nevaeh

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

Sarah Knoebl

Campus Planner
Being a first-generation student means turning aspirations into reality.
Seth

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

Tabitha Flemings

Early Childhood Education P-3 Major
Change! I'm excited to have my younger siblings know that college is an option!
Taianna

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

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.