On Friday, Sept. 23, Hamline welcomed first generation students at the First Generation Kickoff event in Anderson Center. This is the first of a series of events to introduce students to resources, such as finding a mentor and opportunities Hamline provides like setting academic, professional and personal goals. Opportunities like these were purposefully designed to make first generation students feel welcomed and confident about their personal ambitions.

First-year Morelia Sanchez is one of those students benefiting from this program. Her parents came from Morelos, Mexico just so they could give a better life to their children and send them off to college.

“They’re very proud and emotional about it, they still are,” said Sanchez. “It’s exciting but it’s also a lot of pressure because I feel like I have to set an example for my siblings and my cousins. My cousins are stuck back in Mexico.”

According to the College Board, many first generation students come from low-income families, and often, they don’t know what their options are when it comes to higher education. Sanchez is among the few who attended the First Generation Kickoff where she was able to gain insight on other first generation students who experienced their first year in college and could relate to some of their concerns of the unknown.

A large number of first generation students do not know what to expect for their first year in college let alone what steps to take in order to move towards their goal or what classes to pick for their major. That’s why the program is available to answer any questions and concerns and set up a goal plan that will guide students in the right direction for their major.

“Hamline is a place of possibilities, take advantage of these opportunities,” said President Fayneese Miller.

Miller explained that the university’s staff and faculty will be there every step of the way to make sure students reach their goals and pursue the life they desire.

Miller emphasized how students carry their family with them everywhere in school—keeping  them in mind as a way to remember why they’re here and how they got here.

“You went to class with your whole family on your shoulder,” said Miller.

Sophomore Jacqueli Yaurincela is double majoring in International Business and Global Studies. Her parents came from Ecuador to provide a better life for their children. Their objective was to push her to go to a four year university to pursue a career she is passionate about.

“I want to help other people who are going through the same thing,” said Yaurincela. “One of the values my parents were able to teach me is that [sic] to never give up and to keep going, and to always look for those opportunities and help other people look for the opportunities.”

Both Sanchez and Yaurincela are among the few who share the same story and aspire to make their families proud.

“My main objective in life is to have a good job and not suffer like my parents did, to make their sacrifices worth it,” said Sanchez. “They left Mexico because the jobs in Mexico didn’t pay good [sic] enough. It came to the point where my mom and dad were selling candies.”

The next informational session will be held on Oct. 7 in the Giddens Alumni Learning Center room 100E.