Being a first-generation college student signifies being part of the first generation within a family to attend college and receive a degree. They are someone whose parents did not finish college nor receive their degree, but one is still considered first-generation regardless if their siblings have already received their degree, as they are the same generation.

Every year, the First Ospreys Club — a student-led organization that promotes community and academic success within first-generation students — hosts a week of events to celebrate National First-Generation Student Week. This year, the First Ospreys decided to try something new. For the celebration kick-off, the First Ospreys hosted a “First-Generation Celebration Luncheon” at the Multicultural Center on Tuesday, November 5.

The Luncheon had several students, faculty, and staff members that attended. The First Ospreys Vice President, Laura Leonel, gave welcoming remarks as well as a student address speech. Leonel recognized the challenges that first-generation students face when navigating college, and gave students words of encouragement to think about. The First Ospreys were then able to welcome motivational speaker and Associate Provost at Montclair State University, Dr. Daniel Jean, to motivate and celebrate what it means to be a first-generation college student. 

Jean told his story about what it was like to grow up not only as a first-generation student in North Jersey public schools, but also as a first-generation American, as his parents are Haitian immigrants. He stressed the importance of staying focused on graduating and excelling in education in order to reach your dreams. He expressed that, “Most dreams die in doubt, not in failure.” Jean recognized the tendencies that students have to want to live in the present and how students should recognize the friends and supporters that they spend their time with, as there are people who can negatively influence plans and future. He used a quote from the late American rapper, Nipsey Hussle, stating that, “If you look at the people in your circle and you don’t get inspired, then you don’t have a circle. You have a cage.”

Jean also mentioned that it’s never too late to get started. He told stories about the mentees that he has worked with in the past that did not have a traditional experience when it came to higher education. He claimed that, “Every day that the sun rises is an opportunity to do better.” He closed his speech out by asking students what they were going to do with their degrees. He gave them the decision to think of it as a passport to all of their dreams and aspirations or a souvenir that would sit on a shelf and collect dust, and he instructed students to pull their phones out and write down, “I Am…I Will” affirmations.

The First Ospreys continued the week of celebrations by hosting a bingo night on Wednesday the 6 in the Multicultural Center. Over 30 students attended and played with their friends in hopes of winning prize packs throughout each round. Prize packs included: the Focused Student pack, the Cozy pack, the Stockton Gear pack, and many more prizes. To highlight, there was a prize called the “Travel the World” pack that included items like a drawstring bag from the Office of Global Engagement, a Stockton water bottle, a disposable camera, and two tickets, donated from the Performing Arts Center, to an upcoming performance called “Step Afrika!” The grand prize was a Smart TV, donated by Event Services, won by first-generation student Hannah Binetsky. Students enjoyed spending time with friends and winning prizes throughout the night.

The First Ospreys held their final event for First-Generation Week on the night of Thursday the 7, again at the Multicultural center. They held a dinner in honor of their final celebration for this week, with over 60 attendees supporting and enjoying the event. Welcoming remarks were given by the President of First Ospreys, Nicole Brown. Brown shared her experiences being first-generation as well as being a part of First Ospreys, and she inspired others to get involved and find community. She then gave the stage to Vice President, Laura Leonel, to give a student address speech.

Leonel highlighted the accomplishments that come with being first-generation and gave students words of encouragement for the evening. The First Ospreys then concluded the programming with their “25 First to Fly,” a portion of the evening to recognize 25 current and former first-generation students along with faculty and staff. Recipients received a certificate as well as gifts to highlight their accomplishments being first-generation. Binetsky, a first-year Literature major, expresses that, “First-Generation Week made it known to me that I’m not alone and that nothing can stop me or any other first-generation student.” Guests mingled throughout the evening and shared dinner after programming. 

For more information on the First Ospreys, visit their OspreyHub.