First-Generation College Celebration Week

Faces of First-Gen

Southwestern University celebrates the variety of experiences, backgrounds, and accomplishments of first-generation faculty and staff!

Adriana Ponce, Assistant Professor of Sociology

Hometown: Anaheim, CA

Education:

  • Ph.D. Sociology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
  • M.A. Sociology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
  • B.A. Sociology, University of California, Berkeley

What led you to pursue an education even though no one in your family had?

My parents instilled a passion in pursuing a higher education from when I was child. As immigrants, they felt that a college degree would provide me with a high quality of life, including traveling and a stable lifestyle. As I progressed in my education, my daughter became my inspiration for attaining graduate degrees and doing academic research.

Amalia Merino, Hispanic Academic Success Coordinator

Hometown: Brownsville, TX

Education:

  • Ph.D. Hispanic Linguistics, The University of Texas at Austin
  • M.A. Hispanic Linguistics, The University of Texas at Austin
  • B.A. Linguistics and Spanish, The University of Texas at Austin

What memories do you have of being a first-generation college student?

As a first-generation college student, I remember grappling with imposter syndrome and frequently questioning my sense of belonging. This feeling surprised me, as I had never experienced it before college. However, when I learned to advocate for myself and seek support, everything changed. I now realize that the challenges I faced have given me the insight to help other students navigate their own unfamiliar territory.

Amanda Hernandez, Assistant Professor of Sociology

Hometown: San Antonio, TX

Education:

  • Ph.D. Sociology, Baylor University
  • M.A. Sociology, Baylor University
  • B.A. Women’s and Gender Studies, The University of Texas at San Antonio
  • A.A. Liberal Arts, San Antonio College

What advice or guidance do you have for first-generation college students or graduates?

First-generation students (and faculty members!) are often framed as folks who only need help, but we also have unique insights, thoughts, ideas, and skills that make us valuable members of our communities. Our backgrounds and life experiences aren’t liabilities or something to “overcome” - they are assets that contribute to the vibrancy of the places and spaces we are in!

Anna Castillo, Sr. Associate Director for Campus Recreation

Hometown: San Antonio, TX

Education:

  • M.A. English, University of North Texas
  • B.A. English, University of North Texas

What led you to pursue an education even though no one in your family had? What factors contributed to your decision? Why is education valuable to you?

In my family, it was not a question of if we were going to college; it was where we were going to college. There was never any question about how important education was or that we (my sister and I) would pursue a degree. Family encouragement and support were a significant factor in my never questioning my ability to attend a university. Education was valuable because it opened doors that may not have been opened through hard work alone. It gave me a seat at a different table than my parents had before me.

Bryan Kauma, Assistant Professor of History

Hometown: Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

Education:

  • Ph.D. History, Stellenbosch University
  • M.A. African Economic History, University of Zimbabwe
  • Honors in Economic History, University of Zimbabwe

What led you to pursue an education even though no one in your family had?

African parents have a great regard for education. Growing up, my mother always insisted that we attend school as it was the gateway to a better life. The family wanted a (medical) doctor in the lineage, and I think I have managed to compromise and fulfill both their dreams and mine in one. Today, education has allowed me to travel the world, meet and learn about so many different cultures, and eat their food - I love food!

Carin Perilloux, Associate Professor of Psychology

Hometown: Naperville, IL

Education:

  • Ph.D. Individual Differences and Evolutionary Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin
  • B.A. Psychology and Computer Science, Knox College

What does being a first-generation college student/grad mean to you?

For me, it meant delivering on a lifetime of promise. Growing up, my parents were always telling me I would be the first in our family to go to college, so it was a bit of a self-fulfilling prophecy. That said, I didn’t always feel like I belonged, but I was eager to prove myself and make my parents proud. In graduate school, however, I really started to feel imposter syndrome. I was even convinced I was the butt of a practical joke and would be asked to leave during the first week - “there was no way I deserved a spot in the UT PhD program!” It took a lot of effort but I persevered and now I am devoted to helping students navigate similar challenges - which usually involves affirming their self-confidence and letting them know it’s okay to ask questions and not know everything (that’s what your instructors and mentors are for)!

 

Dave Seiler, Sr. Director of Academic Success and Advising

Hometown: Albuquerque, NM

Education:

  • M.Ed. Physical Education, University of Houston
  • B.A. History, University of Houston

What does being a first-generation college student/grad mean to you?

I was able to fulfill the educational opportunities that my parents worked hard for and had provided for me. My parents believed and emphasized that having an education was the great “equalizer” in our society and afforded you many more opportunities in life.

Erica Smith ’15, Director of Contracts and Procurement

Hometown: Jarrell, TX

Education: B.A. Political Science, Southwestern University

What advice would you give to an incoming first-generation college student?

Make the most of the resources available to you. Find a mentor and cultivate a strong relationship with them. Step outside your comfort zone and start networking. These are key components of success, both here at Southwestern and in your future endeavors!

Geneva Walker, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

Hometown: Austin, TX

Education:

  • M.A. Counseling, St. Edwards University
  • B.B.A. Finance, Texas State University

What memories do you have of being a first generation college student? What challenged you and what surprised you?

I remember feeling both proud and nervous stepping onto campus. Everything was new… making friends, where to find help, even how to talk to professors. What challenged me most was figuring things out on my own while trying not to let it show. But what surprised me was how many people were willing to support me once I started asking for help. I realized I didn’t have to have it all together to belong there.

Jennifer Frias, Academic Success Coordinator

Hometown: Del Rio, TX

Education:

  • M.A. English, Angelo State University
  • B.A. English, Angelo State University

What does being a first-generation college student/grad mean to you?

Being the first in my family to graduate college makes me feel both proud and anxious. As grateful as I am to have completed my B.A. and M.A., there are still moments when I feel like I don’t belong in the spaces I’m in or that I haven’t done enough to be considered successful. During those moments, I do my best to remind myself that the spaces I’m in do need me, especially since there hasn’t been someone like me represented in them before. Success is also a broad term which is defined better by the people experiencing it instead of what some collective determines. Within my daily work, I often share personal experiences to help normalize the many challenges first-years face and reassure them that they are not alone in this journey.

Lee Dsouza, Director of Upward Bound

Hometown: Mumbai, India

Education:

  • M.Ed. Rehabilitation Counseling, The University of Texas at Austin
  • M.S. Fisheries Management, Mumbai University, India

What motivated you as a first-generation college student?

The desire to do better and be better was what motivated me. Every day was a competition to outdo what I did the day before. I saw furthering my education as a golden ticket and was fortunate to have folks in my sphere that encouraged that line of thought.

Maurice Wilson, Director of the Professor John Score II Learning Commons

Hometown: Chicago, IL

Education:

  • Ph.D. English Rhetoric, Composition, and Pedagogy, University of Houston
  • M.A. English, University of Illinois Chicago
  • B.A. English, Florida A&M University

Randall Ischy, Project Director for Violence Prevention & Response

Hometown: College Station, TX

Education: B.A. Spanish and English, Sam Houston State University

What helped you most in your first year of college? What about the following years, your sophomore, junior and senior year?

Finding supportive, caring people who care about you being your best. Most of my time was spent on campus, so having a support network there was crucial. I made sure to join extracurricular activities like marching band and Greek life, and I tried to say yes to as many positive opportunities as I could. Find things that you can do with others, like music, sports, or clubs. Don’t just stay in your dorm room! I also made sure each semester that I would take one class just because I wanted to, since I had to pay for my college anyways. This was so I would make sure that I always had at least one class to look forward to, and it really opened up a lot of opportunities for me. I took music classes, French, German, psychology, and philosophy classes that just sounded interesting, and those are some of the most memorable classes I had.

Stephanie Pina, Assistant Director of Study Abroad

Hometown: El Paso, TX

Education: B.A. International Relations & Global Studies and Government, The University of Texas at Austin

What memories do you have of being a first generation college student? What challenged you and what surprised you?

I remember feeling like a deer in headlights. I always say that for me, moving to Austin from El Paso felt like a “study abroad” experience in it of itself because of how different life is in El Paso. I learned the true meaning of diversity. I met students and made friends with people from all over the world and even different parts of Texas I never knew existed.

Tish Owen ’23, Associate Director of Financial Aid

Hometown: Pflugerville, TX

Education: B.A. English, Southwestern University

What led you to pursue an education even though no one in your family had? 

I always wanted to go to college, but because my parents hadn’t been, I didn’t know how to navigate the process, and didn’t know how or who to ask for help. The support and encouragement from my supervisor, and my other co-workers made me believe that I should at least try. Overall, education has made a huge difference in my life. The experiences I had in the classroom with my professors and classmates opened my eyes to so many things. I would not have had my mind expanded with new and different ideas had I not pursued a degree.