Breaking Silos

Navigating the First-Generation Experience in Graduate School

Listen Later

In this week's episode, we delve into the world of first-generation graduate students. In this thought-provoking conversation, Scott and Prakrit engage with Misty Stewart, Director of Student Success at the Clemson Graduate School, and Melanie Garcia, a PhD student in Biological Sciences.

Discover the challenges faced by first-generation students in higher education, from financial constraints to navigating a complex academic landscape. Misty and Melanie share their personal stories of resilience and triumph, offering valuable strategies for overcoming obstacles along the way.

Explore the crucial role of support systems in graduate school and learn how academic and student affairs can provide essential assistance to first-generation students. Discover the power of mentorship and faculty support in fostering success and well-being.

As the discussion unfolds, Misty and Melanie shed light on the significance of interdisciplinary education and its impact on their academic journeys. Gain inspiration from their experiences as they share valuable advice for listeners who can relate to the first-generation experience in higher education.

Papers and Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

  1. The First-generation Student Experience: Implications for Campus Practice, and Strategies for Improving Persistence and Success by Jeff Davis (2010)
  2. The Making and Breaking of Affectional Bonds. I. Aetiology and Psychopathology in the Light of Attachment Theory (Bowlby 1977)
  3. The Voices of Senior Scholars on Mentoring Graduate Students and Junior Scholars (Espinoza-Herold et al., 2007)
  4. Center for First-generation Student Success, an initiative of NASPA and The Suder Foundation

    5. More Episodes: https://anchor.fm/interdisciplinarysilos

    Dr. Misty Stewart: https://www.linkedin.com/in/misty-stewart-ed-d-89386858

    Melanie Garcia: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanie-garcia-north-central-college

    Check us out on social media:

    Follow Breaking Silos on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠Twitter

    ...more
    View all episodesView all episodes
    Download on the App Store
    Breaking SilosBy An Interdisciplinary Student Led Podcast