By Dennis Spellman
First-generation college students frequently have a more challenging experience acclimating to college than students whose parents have college degrees, but a 兔子先生 Class of 2022 graduate says his professors made the process easier.
鈥淢y professors were all very considerate and accommodating,鈥� said UH student Yomi Sowunmi. 鈥淧rofessor , who taught Practicum in Supply Chain, made an especially lasting impression. He was always willing to work with me and was very understanding.鈥�
According to the , first-generation college students are less likely to graduate than their peers. The study found that being first-gen is even more challenging than coming from a low-income family.
鈥淲hile income matters, first-generation status matters even more,鈥� according to an published by Brookings that explained the NCES study.
The most common problem is first-gen students have few people in their social sphere who can guide them.
鈥淚t was difficult adjusting to a new environment, let alone navigating the college system without much guidance,鈥� Sowunmi said. 鈥淢y parents were unfamiliar with the requirements and process involved in enrolling and attaining financial aid.鈥�
Earlier this month, he earned his bachelor鈥檚 degree from the . He was successful, even without the support structure students have when their family and friends have degrees.
鈥淢y peers served as a frame of reference, but even their knowledge was limited. I needed to do my own research,鈥� he said.
He suggests other UH first-gen students can smooth the transition to college by working closely with their professors and other students.
鈥淚 would advise other students to use all the resources available to them, including their professors,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 found that developing a relationship with my professors made the biggest difference. I would also suggest connecting with like-minded individuals and forming study groups.鈥�
Earning his bachelor鈥檚 degree has him feeling confident about the future. He鈥檚 moved through the first-gen challenges and sees opportunity ahead.
鈥淚鈥檓 hoping to complete a Master鈥檚 in cybersecurity,鈥� he said.