Carolina Firsts helps first-generation students build community

Approximately 20% of undergraduate Tar Heels are first-generation college students.

To support their transition to Carolina and provide guidance throughout their time in Chapel Hill, Carolina Firsts — part of the College of Arts and Sciences’ Center for Student Success — offers a space for community-building, events and advice created by and for first-gen students.

Brittany Grant ’19, program coordinator for Summer Bridge and Carolina Firsts and former Carolina College Advising Corps adviser, shared more in this conversation with the College.

What is Carolina Firsts?

Carolina Firsts is an initiative in the Center for Student Success to support undergraduate, first-generation college students. “Carolina Firsts” is also the way that we refer to our first-gen student population.

Students are considered first generation if their parents did not receive a four-year degree from a U.S. college or university.

Even if you have a sibling who has gone to college before you, or a parent or legal guardian who started college but did not finish or who got a degree from a university outside of the U.S., you are still considered a first-generation student. I like to clarify that because students may not realize they’re first gen or that they can take advantage of Carolina Firsts’ resources.

What is a common hurdle for first-generation students, and how can Carolina Firsts help?

First-gen students might not necessarily have the college roadmap that non-first-gen students have. We have so many wonderful resources here, but sometimes it can be a bit difficult to figure out, “Where do I start?”

To bridge that gap, first-gen students can schedule a one-on-one appointment with me where I serve as a resource connector to help support their individual goals. I’m first gen myself, so I love getting to share a little bit of my perspective.

Approximately 20 percent of undergraduate Tar Heels — nearly 4,000 students — are first-generation. (Jess Abel/College of Arts and Sciences)

What programming does Carolina Firsts offer to students?

Alongside one-on-one guidance, we offer academic and professional development and social events.

For the first time this year, we are offering the “I am First” workshop series. Each month we pick a different topic, usually chosen by first gen-students themselves. In October, the topic will be “Learning to Network.”

Social events include First Gen Fridays, a monthly opportunity for first-gen students to come together and build community through food and activities, and where it can be a little bit easier to talk about your unique experiences.

What other events can we look forward to from Carolina Firsts this semester?

Nov. 8 is First-Gen Day, a nationally recognized day where universities across the country recognize and celebrate first-gen students. This year, Carolina Firsts is turning that into a week-long celebration. We’ll have more details on that very soon.

Carolina Family Weekend is the week before, Nov. 1-3, so we’ll be in the SASB courtyard area to talk with families and share what resources and services we offer.

How does Carolina Firsts celebrate students at the end of their Tar Heel journey?

Each May, we have a pinning ceremony for graduating first-gen seniors. Students are given a Carolina Firsts pin, which their family members are invited to place on them as a symbol of their accomplishments.

What advice would you give first-generation students who are reading this?

Because first-gen students are so independent, we have the tendency to feel like we have to figure it all out by ourselves. And that is just not true. You can come to me to chat about anything that you need. My door is always open. You’ve got someone here in your corner.