By Marianne Luedeman, Photos Courtesy of Gardner-Webb University and Brycelynn Glover
BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. – A First-Generation Student Association was recently founded at Gardner-Webb by a group of first-generation college students.
The club, organized by Lily Streeton (recipient of the Tucker Scholar award), Brycelynn Glover and Savannah Crisp, is aimed at providing first-generation GWU students guidance and community as they navigate college. The club is advised by Kara Alves, the director of success initiatives and first year experiences.
Streeton, who is serving as club president, noted that the club was founded because “there are challenges that come with being a first year student. Many times you don’t know where to start, and it feels like you’re at a disadvantage.” She continued that the club wants to be a resource to help them navigate college life.
Currently, the club is in its prospective phase. The club leaders are gathering interest and adding to the club’s roster, with Streeton noting that “we have around 20 interested students so far.”
The organization plans to have an interest meeting before the end of the 2024 Fall Semester. Following the interest meeting, the executive board plans to fully launch the club in the 2025 spring semester.
The club has already hosted their debut event, the First-Generation College Student Week at the beginning of November 2024. This event featured different celebrations each day and culminated with First-Generation Recognition Day on Nov. 8.
In the future, the club intends to provide a “consistent presence for first-generation support,” noted Streeton.
This includes campaigns aimed at different types of first-generation students, such as student athletes, as well as events aimed at providing first-generation students with guidance and advice.
The club also intends to launch a mentorship program aimed at providing incoming first-generation students with personal mentors from its roster.
The executive board shared that they are extremely excited to launch these programs and pioneer new opportunities for GWU’s first-generation students.
“I feel fortunate to be someone who helped start this club, and I look forward to bringing other first-gens together to have a community of support for the shared struggles we go through,” shared Glover.
For questions about the First-Generation Student Association or its upcoming events, Streeton can be reached at [email protected].
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