Leaders
Associate Professor of Psychology Jeremy Loebach
What advice do you have for current First Gen students?
“Never doubt yourself. When I got to graduate school I started noticing the differences in educational backgrounds (and preparation) among other students. I started comparing myself to them and began feeling really inadequate. It took me a little while to find out that I really did belong there. Imposter syndrome sometimes creeps into your head, and you need to remind yourself that it is wrong, and you do belong. It might take a little more work in some cases, but you absolutely do belong.”
Assistant Professor of History and Asian Studies Stephanie Montgomery
When did you know you wanted to go to college?
“I enjoyed school from a young age but, because no one in my community had gone to college, did not really understand the usefulness of college in finding vocation or employment. Although my family supported my love of learning, they were adamant that I go somewhere nearby that was affordable and practical for undergrad and were deeply worried about me going to graduate school.”
Assistant Professor of Biology Norman Lee
How do you work to support current First Gen students?
“In class, I take extra effort in connecting with First Gen students to ensure that they are making good progress toward their goals. I actively participate in opportunities where I can share my past experiences with First Gen students. I also enjoy mentoring TRIO McNair students in my research program.”
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Janet Hanson
What do you want Oles to know about what it’s like to be First Gen?
“Never give up and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Be a role model for your siblings! Two of my sisters have also completed their undergrad degrees, and the third has completed her doctorate in nursing practice.”
Associate Dean of Students Tim Schroer
When did you know you wanted to go to college?
I grew up on a small family farm. While I loved living on a farm, I hated the work and the lifestyle. I guess I always assumed I would go to college, although the thought of leaving my small town terrified me a bit. I also went to a tiny public school (one of the smallest in the entire state of Ohio) so I questioned whether I could academically cut it.
What do you want Oles to know about what it’s like to be First Gen?
What I found was that it was a double edged sword.. on one hand there were no expectations from my family (except to enjoy and do well) because they had no experience of what it was like to be a college student. I was free to chart my own path. I found this oddly liberating. So when I changed my major, joined campus organizations, etc., I did it on my own terms. The flip side is that there were times I really wished they understood, as support during the tougher times would have been great.
Lori Tran ’21
What do you want Oles to know about what it’s like to be First Gen?
I want Oles to know that being First-Gen means that every day we persist through college is another day added to making generational history in our families. We don’t just pursue this degree to better our own futures, but also to uplift our parents, grandparents, our communities back home, and generations to come.
What’s something others have done to make you feel at ease as a First Gen student?
The TRIO SSS/McNair faculty and First-Gen professors, like Assistant Professor of Psychology Jessica Benson, have opened their offices to me as brave spaces. So when I felt like giving up or like there was too much pressure on me, I could always walk into their offices and be reminded of how great of an impact I made at St. Olaf and my potential to make my mark on the world.
Jinhee Cha ’17
What do you want Oles to know about what it’s like to be First Gen?
It’s hard and I wish I wasn’t First Gen; things might have been easier for me if my parents knew what I was doing. But still, the effort was rewarding and the memories priceless.
What’s something others have done to make you feel at ease as a First Gen student?
Meeting others who are First Gen, especially BIPOC, helped me feel include and safe.