A New Trajectory

By Patrick Bohn, May 31, 2023

First-generation students celebrated at year-end event.

The work of first-generation students was celebrated at the annual celebration.

(Photo by Patrick Bohn)

First-generation students face unique challenges on the road to graduation—which is why, for many, the opportunity to be acknowledged for that journey is so critical. Recognition for all they have achieved took place on April 18 in Emerson Suites, when dozens of first-generation IC students gathered for a night of celebration that also included an awards ceremony and the distribution of honor cords.

“This celebration brings up feelings of pride and joy,” Shadayvia Wallace, director of the MLK Scholar and First-Generation programs at IC, told the assembled students. “You are no longer first-gen students—you are first-gen graduates, and as graduates, you’ve changed the trajectory of your families and communities.”

“My hope is that you take away that risk and failure goes hand in hand. Your biggest risk is taking no risk at all. Think about the risks you had to take, and the ones you’ll need to take to pursue the next chapter in your life, and your perseverance through your failures will be your reward. This is the first of many more firsts, so congratulations.”

Dean of Students Marsha Dawson

The keynote speaker of the evening was Marsha Dawson, dean of students, who herself embarked on the journey of a first-generation student when she enrolled in college at the age of 15. “My hope is that you take away that risk and failure goes hand in hand,” she told the crowd. “Your biggest risk is taking no risk at all. Think about the risks you had to take, and the ones you’ll need to take to pursue the next chapter in your life, and your perseverance through your failures will be your reward. This is the first of many more firsts, so congratulations.”

Special Recognition

The following students, faculty, and staff were recognized with awards at the first-generation celebration.

Senior Leadership Award: Caleigh Clark ’23

Senior Impact Award: Laura Avila ’23 and Makiyah Adams ’23

Dedication Award: Yolanda Clarke, manager of tutoring services and program director for the Emerging Scholar Program

Guardian Award: Dr. Nina Nunn, associate professor in the Department of Education

First-generation pins and honor cords and pins were given to students during the celebration

After the remarks, students were given their honor cords and first-generation pins before enjoying dinner together.

“This event was cool,” said Pablo Correa-Ramirez ’23. “I think most first-generation students would agree that hard work is instilled in us, and it’s not always recognized. It was nice to sit back and take it all in and realize it was being rewarded.”

“This was a great opportunity to celebrate our accomplishments together as a community,” added Julie Raigosa ’23.

Wallace believes that recognizing the soon-to-be-graduating seniors was especially critical: “For many first-generation students, it’s been harped on that they ‘don’t know’ and they need to ‘figure it out,’” she said. “And now that these students are less than a month away from graduation, they have figured it out. And I think it’s important to recognize that.”