Craig Matthews
For Atlantic Cape Community College sophomore Cieria Davis-Hassall, attending college is more than just taking classes and preparing herself for a successful future. She understands that she is a role model for her family and community.
“I feel like I am setting an example for my siblings (13-year-old sister and nine-year-old brother) because both of my parents started college, but then had to drop out," said the Mays Landing psychology major said. "I know my siblings already look up to me, so seeing me in college and hearing me talk about it, now they are wondering about college too.
“That means something to me when they talk about how they want to go to college now,” added Davis-Hassall, who is considering continuing her education as Rutgers University after she receives her associate's degree.
Proud first-generation sophomore student Cieria Davis-Hassall of Mays Landing shows off her first-gen spray painted T-shirt. (Photo by Craig Matthews)Atlantic Cape’s Student Support Services, in collaboration with the Student Government Association and the Center for Student Success, celebrated students like Davis-Hassall and many others during the third annual First-Generation College Celebration held in the Student Center on the Mays Landing campus earlier this month.
The event was in conjunction with National First-Generation Day, which is celebrated each Nov. 8, to commemorate the passage of The Higher Education Act of 1965. The act authorized federal aid programs to support both individuals pursuing a postsecondary education and institutions of higher education.
“It gives the opportunity for first-generation students, faculty and staff to come together to celebrate and recognize one another, and to engage in the campus environment where they're able to enjoy one another's company,” Student Support Services Director Rashawn Martin said. “I'm a first-generation student myself and this event fosters a sense of belonging. It allows them to not only identify themselves, but identify others that are just like them when you know there are others around just like you.”
The event featured fun activities for the students, staff and faculty, from a first-generation photo booth, inflatable football toss in the Quad and karaoke to games, live musical entertainment and spray-painted T-shirt creations. First-generation participants were encouraged to sign a commemorative banner and had the opportunity to meet with prospective transfer colleges such as Stockton and Rowan universities. The Atlantic Cape Food Pantry offered fresh cucumbers, potatoes and more for students in-need.
“I wanted to make a difference and represent my family since both of my parents didn’t go to college,” explained Tina Austin, a sophomore liberal arts and sociology major from Ventnor.
“It’s important for me to get together with other first-generation students because I never realized how important it was to get your associate and bachelor’s degree,” said freshman media studies major Alex Barr, who lives in Egg Harbor Township. “I never took it (my education) too seriously. My dad didn’t finish college and got lucky with a good job, but I don’t think luck comes to everyone.”
Martin sees the potential that first-generation students can have at home and on-campus.
“We have SGA student leaders that are also first-generation students. As a student, you are able to identify with groups that may help you become a more successful scholar and that brings a sense of belonging,” Martin said. “We are creating first-generation leaders through mentoring and encouraging them to have a sense of self and pride.”
For more information about Student Support Services, such as counseling, mentorship, academic advising, transfer planning, tutoring, workshops and cultural activities, see http://www.atlanticcape.edu.
