61 seniors and around 27 staff members identified as first gen members celebrated National First Generation Day November 8th in the College and Career Center. They are the first generation to pursue college in their families.
This national holiday also commemorates the anniversary of the Higher Education Act of 1965. This Act made it possible for many generations before ours to receive an education at a college as well as graduate.
The Act was signed into law in the United States with the sole intention of providing opportunities of education for those who aspired to be learners. This education is what made it a possibility for individuals to become first gen members of society.
“We are doing First Gen Fridays, the first Friday of each month will have a tutorial meeting with our seniors giving them resources and different opportunities,” said Fernanda Aguilar, organizer of the project.
San Juan Hills has been celebrating National First Generation Day for a total of 7 years.
This year’s activities will focus on the graduating class of 2025.
“At the First Gen meetings we experienced and learned how these members overcome challenges. We also learned how significantly they impact those around them,” said Christopher Alvarado, first gen member.
Previously, First Gen Members were discovered through their enrollment paperwork. Parental guardians are required to list their highest education status. When the time comes staff will look back at this paperwork and gather the students whose parental guardians did not attend a college level of education.
This was not fully successful so this year Aguilar asked the students to come forward if they are or think they might be members of the first generation. AVID teacher Fernanda Aguilar takes on the role of curating the group of first generation members. This year there are a total of 200 first generation members on campus.
“I have always known I was part of the first generation community because growing up my parents were very vocal about it. I do feel there is a lot of pressure on me to be the first to attend a college because I am the oldest of my siblings. Being a member of the first gen community is very inspiring to me. I want people to look up at me and think they can also achieve this,” said Mia Garcia, first gen member.
These staff and students are not just celebrated for one day. Throughout the school year meetings are held for students to form connections and learn about each other. They will hear from other students and staff who are first generation members. They form connections with one another and develop the knowledge and skills set for college.
Many staff members have their own inspirational and personal experiences with being part of the first generation community.
“Believing in myself and trusting the process helped me accomplish being the first person in my family to graduate from university,” said Justin Elenes.
“I believe that education, not money, is what can make you equal to anyone in the world. No matter what you look like or where you came from or what you believe in, no one can take an education away from you, it is your degree, it is the only thing that you will have forever. It has helped my brother and I 100% as first generation that were born in LA to two parents from Mexico,” said Coach Juan Hernandez.
