Gen 1 is a program at Seton Hall University for first generation students whose parents do not have a bachelor’s degree. Advisors for the Gen 1 program, who are first-generation themselves, host a 10 day pre-college workshop.
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Jasmyne Emerson, a physics and engineering major, shared her experiences.
“Every day we had a math and english workshop, after which we had various activities such as speakers giving us college tips and introducing us to people and resources around campus,” said Emerson. “College was definitely different than what I expected, but since we had the program, I knew people, we had bonded.
Program Director, Nicole Battaglia said, “Sometimes it feels like you are alone, so we focus on connecting the students to college with a personal approach, we are leveraging experience and wisdom along the way, while also connecting our students to valuable resources.”
Battaglia further explained the resources that are unique to Seton Hall.
“If the students attended the program and earn a 3.0 during the fall semester they are granted a $2,000 scholarship per semester, a great incentive,” she said. “We also partner with ‘America Needs You’. They give scholarships and provide internships. We introduce the resources very early on and the Gen 1 students attend a class together. They don’t have a first year course everywhere. The Gen 1 ULife section is a nice continuation of the summer program where we continue to discuss important topics.
According to Battaglia, the program is unique because of the depth of the network and the tremendous opportunities it offers.
Battaglia was a first-generation student herself and the experience stuck with her.
“I was in their situation, I wish I had the resources these students had. I actually remember thinking I would never graduate,” said Battaglia.
Battaglia is now PhD. student changing the scholastic journeys and futures for others going through what she had herself experienced, what she conquered, and what she continues to accomplish today going forward.
In the last three years, retention of Seton Hall’s Gen 1 students increased from 79 percent to 88 percent.
Karmen Yap, a sophomore international student from Malaysia studying finance, was among a select group of first-gen students chosen to share their stories on Good Morning America.
“The surprising letter I received from parents were like vitamins to me. Speaking on GMA about my experience, I felt like it was not for me, rather for my family and all first-gen Students,” Yap said. “I am telling all first generation students that you aren’t alone and hope students can write a surprise letter to their parents. My acronym, a reminder for Gen 1 students in high school, is ‘G’ Go for it! ‘E’ Enjoy the process! ‘N’ Never stop dreaming! And ‘1’ is to remind them that they are not standing alone, they belong to ‘1’ big family that will support them in their journey.”
Kristen Horoho can be reached at kristen.horoho@student.shu.edu.
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