SDSU CIR

Created out of student activism in 2003, the CIR has served as the intersectional space for students with multiply marginal identities at SDSU.

[Cal Coast Student Financial Center @sdsucalcoastsfc]

Apply for Aztec Scholarships NOW! The deadline is approaching.

[SDSU CIR @SDSU_CIR]

This was a beautiful opportunity to reflect and learn from other #firstgen folks! Thank you everyone for sharing your knowledge and to @alexreyes661 and @AriadnaCmanzo @SDPInstitute for organizing.

[The Samuel DeWitt Proctor Institute @SDPInstitute]

We sincerely thank everyone for participating in today’s discussion. Please continue to follow @SDPInstitute to engage in further discussions around leadership, equity, and justice!

#SDPIChat #FirstGen #HigherEd #Leadership #Equity #Justice

[SDSU CIR @SDSU_CIR]

As a #firstgen student, obtaining a bachelor’s degree had always been my end goal. Once achieved, it was hard to figure out my next step post-grad. Take time to find yourself and explore the intersections of your passions and purpose. Your journey is uniquely yours. #SDPIChat

[The Samuel DeWitt Proctor Institute @SDPInstitute]

Before we end the chat, are there any final thoughts or ideas on the topic? #SDPIChat

[Alex Reyes @alexreyes661]

A7: I would encourage first-generation students to continue seeking professional resources and connecting with other first-gen folks. Build community wherever you go and remember who you are and what you stand for. #SDPIChat

[SDSU CIR @SDSU_CIR]

A7: Set up informational interviews with #firstgen graduate students and professionals who are following a career path that aligns with your interests. #SDPIChat

[SDSU CIR @SDSU_CIR]

A7: Lean on the power of your networks and relationships. Ask your professors and mentors for references and letters of recommendation before graduation (even if you are unsure of your next steps) #SDPIChat

[The Samuel DeWitt Proctor Institute @SDPInstitute]

Q7: What advice or resources would you offer to first-generation college students looking to continue their education and/or join the workplace? #SDPIChat

[Joanna M Hernandez @JoannaMH_]

A6: Hire faculty and staff from first generation backgrounds. Representation matters, and it’s empowering for students to see them selve being reflected back to them. #MSIChat #SDPIChat

[SDSU CIR @SDSU_CIR]

A6: Connect with #firstgen students directly at specialized career/recruitment events for diverse student populations. Ensure that interviewers/recruiters come from diverse backgrounds and have participated in training on implicit bias and equity-minded hiring. #SDPIChat

[The Samuel DeWitt Proctor Institute @SDPInstitute]

Q6: What type of recruitment practices have you seen that work best for first-generation college students? #SDPIChat

[SDSU CIR @SDSU_CIR]

A5: Create mentoring opportunities for #firstgen grads to learn from more experienced team members while also sharing new ideas/opportunities for growth. Regular feedback/check-ins are critical. #SDPIChat

[SDSU CIR @SDSU_CIR]

A5: Organize affinity groups for historically underrepresented employees to build community & cultivate a sense of belonging. #SDPIChat

[The Samuel DeWitt Proctor Institute @SDPInstitute]

Q5: How can employers best support the professional experience of first-generation college students? #SDPIChat

[Joanna M Hernandez @JoannaMH_]

A4:Representation matters. Higher first gen faculty and staff. Include first gen. students on hiring committees, future planning or even audits on how inclusive is your department. If you want to retain students, you gotta include them in decision-making. #MSIChat #SDPIChat

[Joanna M Hernandez @JoannaMH_]

A4: Words have power. Learn your students/staff names, make sure the language being used on materials and or in the workplace is inclusive. Don’t be afraid to say, “I’m sorry it got it wrong” or call it out when you hear something inappropriate. #MSIChat #SDPIChat

[Sergio A. Gonzalez, Ph.D. @SerxioGonzalez]

A4: Employers and grad programs can start by de-centering whiteness as a norm in work and academic environments. Asset-based approaches should center people where they are, not institutions or workspaces. #SDPIChat #Firstgen

[SDSU CIR @SDSU_CIR]

A4: Provide opportunities for #firstgen students to reflect on their success/tell their story during the interview & application process. Encourage them to share experiences, strengths, identities, & forms of capital that will contribute to your program or company. #SDPIChat

[The Samuel DeWitt Proctor Institute @SDPInstitute]

Q4: How can employers and graduate programs shift from a deficit-based approach when looking to recruit and retain first-generation college students? #SDPIChat

[SDSU CIR @SDSU_CIR]

A big THANK YOU to my EOP families @CalPoly and @EOPatSDSU

[SDSU CIR @SDSU_CIR]

A2: I participated in EOP, an academic support program for low-income and #firstgen students. EOP taught me the importance of creating networks of support (social capital) and advocating for my needs (resistance capital) - lessons I carry with me today. #SDPIChat

[The Samuel DeWitt Proctor Institute @SDPInstitute]

Q2: Looking at your experiences and identities, what form of capital or assets did these experiences or identities give you as you navigated higher education? How have they shown up for you post undergrad? #SDPIChat

[Joanna M Hernandez @JoannaMH_]

A3: Navigating the work environment as a first gener’ sometimes made me feel like an imposter. I had no support in negotiating salary, managing up, or thinking strategically about next steps in my professional career. #MSIChat #SDPIChat

[SDSU CIR @SDSU_CIR]

A3: Imposter syndrome was (and still is) a challenge that I faced in my master’s program and professional life. Building a circle of trusted peers/colleagues where we can validate, affirm, encourage, and confide in one another has been inherent to my success. #SDPIChat

[The Samuel DeWitt Proctor Institute @SDPInstitute]

Q3: What challenges did you experience as a first-generation college student as you joined the workforce or pursued a postgraduate degree? #SDPIChat

[SDSU CIR @SDSU_CIR]

A1: As a higher education professional, my first-gen identity encourages me to push back on the systems & practices that act as barriers to students’ success. Celebrating and validating students’ strengths, identities, and lived experiences is also critical in my work. #SDPIChat