Being the first in your family to attend college can be both exciting and overwhelming. From navigating financial aid to figuring out how to ask for help, the path isn’t always clear — but it’s one filled with determination and pride. At the University of Indianapolis, many faculty and staff know that experience firsthand. As first-generation college students themselves, they’re passionate about helping today’s Greyhounds find their way and thrive.
Challenges: Navigating the Unknown
Transitioning to college life can feel like stepping into uncharted territory. When Maddy Stephens, administrative assistant in the Office of Student Affairs, started at UIndy, she wasn’t sure how things like meal plans, housing, and internships worked.
“I couldn’t call my parents and ask how to do these things because they knew just as much as I did,” she reflected. “Getting started in college was the biggest challenge that I had to overcome, but I am so thankful that I fought through and never gave up on myself or my education.”
Dr. Leah Milne, associate professor of English and director of graduate programs, had a similar experience when she began her undergraduate studies at the University of North Florida.
“I feel like I had to learn how to navigate a lot of systems on my own,” she said. “I didn’t know how a lot of things worked and didn’t know who to ask.”
For Dr. Greg Weber, associate professor of biology, the entire process of “colleging,” as he calls it, at Ursinus College came with its own learning curve.
“Admitting the limitations of what I thought I knew, being flexible and adaptive in my studying approaches, finding where I fit socially, planning where I’d end up after college, and all the while trying to grasp the bigger picture of everything during my own transition to adulthood– it was a lot,” he reflected. “But, wow, it shaped me as a person in ways I could never have anticipated.”
And for Rev. Arionne Lynch, University chaplain and director of the Lantz Center, one of the hardest parts was figuring out what she wanted to pursue at Howard University.
“The most challenging part was defining a career path and deciding what I wanted to study,” she said.
Support: Finding People Who Make a Difference
While the challenges were real, so were the support systems that helped these first-generation students succeed. Both Stephens and Rev. Lynch credit their families for lifting them up when they needed it most.
“My family was my biggest support — all three of my sisters and my parents,” Stephens said. “The rest of the village was right on campus with me. From the Financial Aid staff to Maintenance, everyone at UIndy had my back. I truly don’t think I would be where I am without the help of everyone on campus.”
“My family fully believed in me and made every sacrifice to ensure I went to college and was successful while there,” said Rev. Lynch.
Dr. Milne found support in her program from mentors who saw her potential and helped her realize it.
“My English professors inspired me,” she said. “They took my ideas seriously and were the first ones on campus to tell me I was good at something. It made a real difference.”
For Dr. Weber, encouragement came from classmates who shared his journey and would become lifelong friends.
“I met life-long friends while in college, including my wife of 25 years,” he said. “Late-night discussions, studying, commiserating, gaming, and more with them provided me motivation and inspiration while helping me keep perspective on what success really means.”
Advice: Guidance for Today’s First-Generation Students
Now, as faculty and staff at UIndy, all four of these first-generation college graduates are helping other students reach their goals.
“Just keep going!” encouraged Stephens. “College is hard, but there’s a reason you are here. If you don’t think you have support, you do, I promise! Come graduation day, when you’re standing in that gown and walk across the stage, you’re going to be so thankful you just kept going.”
“Use all of your resources, and ask everyone questions!” advised Dr. Milne. “Join RSOs and start building your support network. Read your student handbook and look up all the services available to you. Attend events — even, and perhaps especially, ones that push you outside your comfort zone. Have fun!”
“With gratitude, optimism is sustainable,” said Dr. Weber. “Rise to the occasion and make use of the resources made available to you by the college and those around you. Ask questions and listen to answers.”
“Try something new that gets you out of your comfort zone,” encouraged Rev. Lynch. “Apply to that leadership program. Take the international trip. Start that new organization. Take full advantage of the opportunities college affords you to stretch, grow, and develop. It will help you get to know yourself better and prepare you for your ambitions.”
Whether through mentorship, friendship, or family support, UIndy’s first-generation faculty and staff embody the message that no student walks this path alone. Their stories remind every Greyhound that being the first doesn’t mean being alone — it means leading the way for others to follow.