If you are a graduating first-generation student and would like a red cord, please contact Bella at isabella.colosimo@colorado.edu.
Adam Vega
Degrees: B.S. Chemical and Biological Engineering and Biomedical Engineering Minor
Hometown:
Gilcrest, Colorado
What does it mean to you to be a first generation graduate?
Being a first generation graduate means the world to me. My accomplishment is the embodiment of my family’s hard work and perseverance against adversity. Without their continuous support, despite them not knowing anything about college, I would not be where I am today. I am proud to be my family’s stepping-stone into the academic world and hope that many follow in my footsteps. This is only the beginning for what my family can achieve, and I look forward to seeing what comes next.
What is one piece of advice you would give to current first generation students?
Take every opportunity you can from the get-go. Do not let anyone, especially YOURSELF, discourage you from pursuing opportunities through your degree. College can be intimidating, and imposter syndrome is real, but you belong here. You worked hard to be where you are now. While it may be difficult to see in the moment, in the grand scheme of things your accomplishments will be so much more rewarding when you know you had to work harder for them. You deserve to be here. You can do it!
Ami Tat
Degrees: B.S. Mechanical Engineering and Minor in Computer Science
Hometown:
Broomfield, Colorado
What does it mean to you to be a first generation graduate?
To be a first generation graduate means to venture on a path your family has not been before. At times, it will be rough path. But you will not give up because you are forging a path for those that come after you. I did not walk this path solely for myself -- I walked for my family and their sacrifices.
What is one piece of advice you would give to current first generation students?
If you do not achieve success, redefine your definition of success.
Cameron Mitchell
Degrees: B.S. Aerospace Engineering and Minor in Physics
Hometown:
Thomasville, Pennsylvania
What does it mean to you to be a first generation graduate?
To me, being a first generation graduate shows that anything is possible and nobody is locked into following in their parents footsteps. While my parents didn't go to college, that was their career path, and mine was different just like every other first generation graduate.
What is one piece of advice you would give to current first generation students?
You chose to come to college for a reason. While its hard sometimes, always finish what you start.
DaoQing Lin
Degrees: B.S. Environmental Engineering
Hometown:
FuZhou, FuJian China
What does it mean to you to be a first generation graduate?
I'm proud to be the first generation graduate in my family. Education was never a priority for my family in the first place. For them, education is hard to come by during the 70s. It was particularly difficult for them to obtain their education due to family issues. This is different now for my generation, I really thank them for laying the foundation for my achievement today.
What is one piece of advice you would give to current first generation students?
My advice for any first-generation students, or rather to all students in the field of Engineering is to never give up. Never doubt yourself if you fail a class, don't question your ability if you get turned down from an offer. Keep striving for success, and take your time. You have already spent so much time and money on your education, why not complete it? For any students currently suffering from anxiety and depression due to their grades or other situation. Please don't keep it to yourself, talk to your family, professors, friends, or even seek help through the university. Keep in mind, I've been there myself after failing Calculus III multiple times. I even considered dropping out of college at one point because I thought I was too stupid to accomplish anything. Nevertheless, I shared my situation with my friends and my advisor. They help me understand that I don't need to dwell on failures, but rather proceed forward and try a different approaches. I remember a quote from my physics II professor. He said, " Leaning is scary." I fully agree with his statements. College was never meant to be easy regardless of your majors. This is only the first step, you are going to encounter much more problems as you proceed forward. We are engineers, we possess the ability for problem-solving. So if all of us can do it, you can do it as well. Good luck!
Dario Garcia
Degrees: B.S. Mechanical Engineering
Hometown:
Greeley, Colorado
What does it mean to you to be a first generation graduate?
I am the grand sum of all of those who have came before me, and who have invested in me. I would not be where I am today if it were not for the sacrifices made by others to give me the opportunity to get an education. I am forever grateful to my parents, family, and friends who has supported me on my dream to go to college. As I look towards graduation I am eager for the possibilities that lay ahead, but to also put myself in a position to give back to my community and other first gen students.
What is one piece of advice you would give to current first generation students?
Never forget who you are. Things may get hard, but remember why you are here, why you want to do this, and where you want to go with it. The world is, has been, and always will be yours for the taking.
Gal Weitz
Degrees:
B.S. Engineering Physics and B.S. Applied Mathematics
Hometown:
Tel-Aviv, Israel
What does it mean to you to be a first generation graduate?
I am grateful to my mother who made this dream come true, and I am grateful to have what my parents didn't at my age. Being a first generation graduate enabled me to harness tools that I acquired in my major, and helped to expose myself to a wider range of future opportunities.
What is one piece of advice you would give to current first generation students?
Dare to push out of your comfort zone and learn from your failures.
Hannah Kadel
Degrees: B.S. Mechanical Engineering
Hometown:
Grand Junction, Colorado
What does it mean to you to be a first generation graduate?
Being a first generation graduate makes me proud of myself for accomplishing something for the first time in my family, and also proud of my family for helping me reach this goal. To me, this means I have accomplished the first step to a better future.
What is one piece of advice you would give to current first generation students?
Take advantage of the resources available to you as a college student!
Jacqueline Rodriguez Mora
Degrees: B.S. Chemical and Biological Engineering,
Biomedical Engineering Minor and Engineering Management Minor
Hometown:
Uruapan, Michoacán Mexico
What does it mean to you to be a first generation graduate?
To me, being a first-generation graduate is about creating a legacy while honoring my family's sacrifices. It means taking risks, and taking a foreign pathway. I am proud to be a first-generation graduate as it has shown me the importance of strength and perseverance. Being a first-generation graduate means I get to help and inspire others.
What is one piece of advice you would give to current first generation students?
Don't be afraid to fail, you will learn the most from your failures. Stay focused and humble throughout your journey, and trust that everything will work out in the end.
Jacqueline Solis-Armenta
Degrees: B.S. Mechanical Engineering and Energy Engineering Minor
Hometown:
Thornton, Colorado
What does it mean to you to be a first generation graduate?
Being a first generation student means I have opened a door for the next generations of my family to have the opportunity to pursue higher education or to pursue dreams that may seem financially risky. Being a first generation graduate means that my younger brother now has the support of a family member to help him navigate through the obstacles in obtaining a STEM degree. Graduating as a first generation Latina also means that I can work against the odds and lead by example that dreams are achievable.
What is one piece of advice you would give to current first generation students?
A piece of advice I have for current first generation students is to reach out and ask for help. While there is a lot of pride in working independently, working with others and using your resources prevents many stressful late nights.
Joe Ning
Degrees: B.S. Environmental Engineering,
Leadership Minor and Engineering Leadership Certificate
Hometown:
Arvada, Colorado
What does it mean to you to be a first generation graduate?
Being a first generation graduate to me means having the opportunity to chase your dreams, goals, and aspirations. I was given an opportunity that my parents never had and I am going to fully take advantage of that. This is the stepping stone to create a path and life that I am proud of!
What is one piece of advice you would give to current first generation students?
Surround yourself with people who lights up when they see you, support you, and makes you and them better. Those are the people that will support you through your hard time and push you to keep persevering and move forward towards your goals.
Johnathan Clemmer
Degrees: B.S. Mechanical Engineering
Hometown:
Collbran, Colorado
What does it mean to you to be a first generation graduate?
It means that I am one step closer to achieving my future goals. I have been lucky enough to have a highly supportive group of people. This group includes my lovely wife and my parents, both of which have pushed me to be the best person and student that I could be. I am proud to show them that all their encouragement has led me to where I am and where I am going.
What is one piece of advice you would give to current first generation students?
"Whether you think you can, or think you can't - you are right."
-Henry Ford
Jorge Ortiz Venegas
Degrees: B.S. Computer Science
Hometown:
Fresnillo, Zacatecas Mexico
What does it mean to you to be a first generation graduate?
Being a first-generation graduate means that I can make my parents' sacrifices worth the effort. It means changing my family's history path and showing that nothing is impossible. I am proud to be the start of a new and better future for my family and me, and I am ready for the next big challenge that I may face.
What is one piece of advice you would give to current first generation students?
Don't let failure determine which path you'll take. Instead, use it as an encouragement to help you conquer any obstacles that you may face through your college. Remember you are capable accomplishing any goal that you set for yourself.
Mateusz Zalesko
Degrees: B.S. Chemical and Biological Engineering and Biomedical Engineering Minor
Hometown:
Chicago, Illinois
What does it mean to you to be a first generation graduate?
Being a first generation graduate means recognizing the sacrifices my parents made for me to be able to pursue higher education. I quickly realized that I had to learn how to utilize my resources and rely on the support of people around me. I would not have been able to succeed without the love and support of my family.
What is one piece of advice you would give to current first generation students?
College may seem scary and overwhelming at first but take advantage of all the resources they provide and the transition will be smoother. Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone or feel like you need to prove anything to other people. Work hard to make yourself and family proud.
Melvin Vang
Degrees: B.S. Mechanical Engineering
Hometown:
Westminster, Colorado
What does it mean to you to be a first generation graduate?
What it means to be a first generation graduate to me is to succeed not for myself but for my family. The sacrifice and encouragment throughout this journey has helped us set the standard for future generations within our family. Praise God for this huge first step.
What is one piece of advice you would give to current first generation students?
There is absolutely no need to compare yourself to others.
Micaela Bara
Degrees: B.S. Engineering Plus, Economics Minor, Engineering Management Minor, and Business Minor
Hometown:
Victoria, Entre Rios, Argentina
What does it mean to you to be a first generation graduate?
As a first generation graduate, I feel grateful for the value and power of education. It does not just open doors, it broadens your horizons by openning your mind.
What is one piece of advice you would give to current first generation students?
From time to time, take a step back to remember who you are, where you are, and everything you have done to be there.
Muluken Chekilie
Degrees: B.S. Computer Science
Hometown:
Dangila, Gojjam, Ethiopia
What does it mean to you to be a first generation graduate?
Being first generation graduate in your family inspire and create path for your siblings. There are many challenges as you are the first person going college. Lack of knowledge about college experiences may prevent you from getting resources available in college. A parents who didn’t go to college have no enough information about college experiences to share with their children. However, I am very thankful for my families for their support.
What is one piece of advice you would give to current first generation students?
Seek academic support and find good partner who is motivated for learning
Natalie Alvarado
Degrees: B.S. Environmental Engineering and Energy Engineering Minor
Hometown:
Elmwood Park, Illinois
What does it mean to you to be a first generation graduate?
Being a first generation graduate means that I was given opportunities and support that my parents did not have to complete a higher education degree. Although it was a lot of hard work to complete this degree, I would not have been able to get through it without encouragement from my family, especially from my mom.
What is one piece of advice you would give to current first generation students?
Being a first generation student can be challenging, but just remember that you deserve to be here just as much as anyone else does.
Nicholas Milano
Degrees: B.S. Chemical and Biological Engineering
Hometown:
Parker, Colorado
What does it mean to you to be a first generation graduate?
There is a lot of pressure that comes with the excitement of being a first-generation graduate. Throughout my four years, I was motivated by the work my parents did to ensure I would have and be able to rise up to this opportunity. It is extremely rewarding in knowing that though my name will be on the diploma, I will be sharing this accomplishment with my family.
What is one piece of advice you would give to current first generation students?
Remember that every one of your peers will have to endure Material & Energy Balances (or your major’s equivalent back-breaking course).
Parker Saltiel
Degrees: B.S. Engineering Plus, Business Minor and Entrepreneurship Certificate
Hometown:
Wayne, New Jersey
What does it mean to you to be a first generation graduate?
It means that anything is possible with hard work! Also how important community is for society :)
What is one piece of advice you would give to current first generation students?
I read this in last year's First Generation page; "You are right where you need to be." That was from a classmate of mine who I was expecting to graduate with. That statement took a lot of pressure off of me. I'd say take on what's directly in front of you and use your diverse background to your advantage.
Rafael Morales
Degrees: B.S. Chemical and Biological Engineering and Biomedical Engineering Minor
Hometown:
San Diego, California
What does it mean to you to be a first generation graduate?
Being a first generation graduate student signifies a great collective accomplishment, not just by oneself but of my family, teachers/professors and friends that believed and supported me throughout my life. It means being the first to encounter obstacles and challenges. However, by overcoming these challenges and earning a degree it proves "¡que Sí, se puede!" My hope is that by reaching this accomplishment, it sets a symbolic stone to a paved path of encouragement and support from which many current and future generations will also achieve their academic and life goals.
What is one piece of advice you would give to current first generation students?
Perseverance. There might be times when nothing is going our way, these are the times when we are most harshly tested. Its not always an easy feat to overcome challenges that present but, by being persistent and working hard anything can be done.
Ty Cash
Degrees: B.S. Mechanical Engineering
Hometown:
Kansas City, Missouri
What does it mean to you to be a first generation graduate?
My family encouraged me to see it through and proudly displayed their support and approval to me at every step. It's a great milestone to carry on to the next generation.
What is one piece of advice you would give to current first generation students?
FINISH. You belong here. You only owe it to yourself to finish.