According to Wesleyan’s student profile, about 15 percent of students identify as first generation college students. Despite this seemingly large number of students, the administration does not offer any extra support or acknowledgment of these students who many times lack necessary support systems from their families and peers. It is no secret that many first-generation college students attend their universities with limited background or insight into the “college experience” and what to expect from their prospective universities. As first-generation college students at Wesleyan, we feel that it is necessary to create a safe space for us to celebrate our experiences, and do more to help future first generation students adjust to and celebrate their Wesleyan experiences with us. We also feel that it is necessary to finally address issues of class existing at Wesleyan. For these reasons, we have created the first-generation college student coalition.

Our mission is to create a safe space and foster a community of support for first-generation college students of all backgrounds. This is an opportunity for any first-gen on campus to share and feel empowered by their experiences and struggles. This is also an outlet for us to make our presence known on campus and to inform the larger community about issues surrounding first-generation college students, specifically pertaining to class. All self-identified first-generation college students are encouraged to be part of this essential network. Together we will be eachother’s safety net in what is oftentimes a difficult environment.

Please join and support us in creating this network of students, as we work to address understated issues of class on campus. If you are a self-identified first-generation college student or ally, please e-mail us at wesfirstgen@gmail.com.