The First-Gen program hosted a festival on Nov. 12 to celebrate the accomplishments of its participants, as well as the faculty and staff who oversee it. The festival was carnival-themed, with games, snacks, meals and speeches.
“We started this event to kind of celebrate the successes of first-gen students, as well as allow them to make connections with others who are also involved,” said Abel Virgilio, the assistant director of First-Gen programs.
The festival was filled with two hours of games, such as cornhole, a 360-degree photobooth and bingo. Students were encouraged to drop by for however long they were able and enjoy a hot meal, as well as treats like cotton candy, donut holes and popcorn.
Sydney Fuqua, a sophomore, attended the First-Gen Festival for her second year in a row.
“The event gives us the opportunity for First-Gen students to meet each other and support each other throughout the school year,” Fuqua said.
The First-Gen Festival, as well as the program, was originally started to provide opportunities for making connections.
Kyle Means, the previous co-chair of the First-Gen Festival, who also received the Friend of a First Gen award, joined the program to provide first-generation college students with the opportunities for connection he wished he had during his own higher education experience.
“Coming from a single-parent household as a First-Gen, I know the confusion that I experienced with financial aid, housing and the application process,” Means said. “I joined because I wanted to play a role in helping kids not feel like this when entering college.”
When Means joined the First-Gen program as a faculty member, he noticed the stigma surrounding First-Gen.
“I think one of the biggest things we tried to do when we first got involved with First-Gen was eliminate its stigma,” Means said. “Now we’ve seen the switch from confusion to a point of pride to be part of this (First-Gen).”
Means and his co-chair, Aaron Estes, were in charge of the First-Gen Festival for years, but have recently handed it over to Virgilio.
While this may be the first year that Virgilio is spearheading the event, he has multiple years of experience with the Kearney Bound program. Many students involved in Kearney Bound end up in the First-Gen program as well.
“During my time in the Kearney Bound program, I’ve been able to see the impact these kids make on campus,” Virgilio said. “They’re super involved in a variety of things all across campus.”
Because of the involvement of First-Gen students across campus, the program developed an award for active members. The Trailblazer award serves to recognize a first-generation student whose past experiences and accomplishments, along with their future aspirations, demonstrate paving a new path for future generations in their family and community to follow.
This year, Sayuli Lopez received the Trailblazer award for her involvement in Thompson Scholars, United in Dance, Campus Visitor Guide and the Student Engagement and Leadership office.
Lopez was nominated by multiple staff members and received the award at the celebration.
Photos by Jenju Peters / Antelope Staff
