Project First-Gen

In this episode, you'll hear from Stephanie Sanchez, a Puerto Rican full-time Nursing student at Seattle University, a wife, and a proud mother of three. She is a senior and an Alfie Scholar. As a first-generation college student, she shares how at times, she has felt unwelcomed at social events because they weren't "adult/family friendly." She reflects on how "my family [of five] takes a hit" due to the additional costs of gear associated with the nursing program, such as scrubs, stethoscope, and the "right nursing shoes." She wants to pursue education so that her kids don't have to struggle. 

Additional resources: 

Foundation of the National Student Nurses' Association (FNSNA) Undergraduate Scholarship Program, and

Promise of Nursing Faculty Fellowship: https://www.forevernursing.org/

In this episode, you'll hear from José Ruiz, a San Francisco native born to Nicaraguan parents who early on instilled in him the importance of college education. He is a senior at Seattle University currently majoring in Strategic Communication. As a first-generation student, José realized that he was a bit older than most of his peers, as a result of a three-year break he took from school, but was excited to be back. The perceived lack of students of color on campus also made it difficult for him to find his community. He credits his professors at the Department of Communication who've made him feel like "I belong, and I have talent, and I'm in the right department." 

Additional resources:

AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination): https://www.avid.org/

Hispanic Scholarship Fund: https://www.hsf.net/

In this episode, you'll hear from Jorge Lara Alvarado, a first-generation student at Seattle University. He's a transfer student from North Seattle College, a senior currently majoring in Civil Engineering, and part of the Alfie Scholars and the Bannan Scholars Program. Jorge reflects on his experience coming from a low-income background, helping his sister with her education, and finally pursuing a field that makes him happy. He strongly believes in creating connections and bridging access to resources. 

Additional resources:

Alfie Scholars Program: https://www.alfiescholars.org/

Bannan Scholars Program: https://www.seattleu.edu/scieng/scholarships/

Seattle Education Access: https://www.seattleeducationaccess.org/

In this episode, you'll hear the voices of Chhavi, J. Anthony, and Teddy who started Project First-Gen. You'll learn about how Project First-Gen was born, the thought behind it, and the impact it hopes to leave on all of you. So tune in!