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St. Olaf College is proudly home to many students, staff, and faculty who were the first in their families to attend or complete college.

In honor of National First-Generation College Celebration, recognized annually on November 8, we spoke to several campus leaders about their first-generation experience.

Associate Professor of Psychology Jeremy Loebach

When did you know you wanted to go to college?
I didn’t really start thinking about it until late in high school. I had a moment when I recognized that I needed to figure out the next step, and I realized that just working out of school wasn’t what I wanted. By that time I had not prepared for college, though, so I went to the community college as a transition step to the university, which was exactly what I needed but didn’t know it at the time.

What do you want Oles to know about what it’s like to be First Gen?
There was so much I didn’t know! I made all sorts of mistakes and faux pas all over the place, but was naive enough to not be embarrassed. I didn’t really take charge of my education until later in college, and if it weren’t for a really strong friend group that helped me figure it out, I don’t think I would have done nearly as well.

How do you work to support current First Gen students?
I started sharing my First Gen status as a way to show more students that the paths that their professors took may resemble theirs. I also seek out First Gen advisees, research students through TRIO McNair and Graduate School Exploration Fellowship (GSEF) programs, and have an open door in my lab to try to engage as many students as I can.

How should current First Gen students approach you for advice?
You don’t need a reason to want to meet with me — just email or drop by. I have standing appointment slots in my calendar as well. Bring a friend if you are nervous … I recall being hesitant to talk with my professors (particularly with the person who would become my undergraduate research advisor), but went with a friend and found it easier. We ended up both working in the lab together and both went to grad school as a result.

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.

What do you want Oles to know about what it’s like to be First Gen?
You may find yourself in a situation in which you feel like the only First Gen person in your academic community, and you worry about how others might perceive you. Seek out ways to bolster your self-esteem, find other First Gen folks, and, when things get tough, remind yourself of all that you have accomplished along the way.

How do you work to support current First Gen students?
I am very open and visible on campus and in classes about my background as First Gen. I believe that is why so many First Gen students tend to come talk to me, and we discuss the many obstacles and difficulties for First Gen folks — as well as how to approach and overcome them.

How should current First Gen students approach you for advice?
Any First Gen students should feel free to send me an email or stop by my office hours if they would like advice. With my own background as low income and multiracial/cultural (white/Latinx), I also encourage students with similar experiences to reach out if they are having any difficulties or are having trouble connecting on campus because of these identities.

What advice do you have for current First Gen students?
Talk to faculty and staff. The most successful students know that they can, and should, approach faculty and staff with questions or concerns, but many First Gen students seem to gravitate toward trying to handle everything on their own (I certainly did). The people who are on campus want to support and guide you, but you have to talk to them first — even if it means asking what questions you should be asking!

Assistant to the President for Institutional Diversity Bruce King

When did you know you wanted to go to college?
I grew up in a family and community where men went to work in factories and steel mills, so they left every morning at the crack of dawn tired and came home exhausted. I think I was seven when I announced to my family that I wanted a job where I carried a briefcase, dressed up, and had a secretary. That immediately planted in my parents’ minds that I was going to college, and they supported that desire in me even when they did not know exactly how to get me there.

What do you want Oles to know about what it’s like to be First Gen?
I think it is the scariest and most exciting challenge you’ll face so far in your life. You are learning as you go, so I welcomed support and mentoring from every caring person I met. In many ways “I faked it until I made it” but I did not make it alone and honor and appreciate all those who offered me support along the way. I still rely on the wisdom and advice of others who can help me be a better person.

How do you work to support current First Gen students?
I spend a great deal of my time and energy working to ensure that every Ole, especially those new to the experience, has access to every opportunity a St. Olaf education affords them. It’s not a perfect place, but it is a better place because of the presence and participation of students who are first in their family to attend college.

How should current First Gen students approach you for advice?
While I am often identified as a member of the dreaded “administration,” in reality I am simply a proud Black gay Black man from the South Side of Chicago who has been through more than anyone can tell from the bow tie around my neck. I welcome students to stop me on campus or come by my office in 250 Tomson Hall if they really want to get to know me and allow me to get to know them.

What advice do you have for current First Gen students?
While being a first-generation college student here at St. Olaf is an important aspect of what makes you, YOU, it should not be what defines you nor should you allow others to let that be the lens by which they see you. I encourage students to never forget on whose shoulders you stand because it is your mother, father, siblings, relatives, teachers, counselors, and community that made the sacrifice to see you achieve and whether you like it or not, you owe them nothing but your very best.

Assistant Professor of Biology Norman Lee

When did you know you wanted to go to college?
I knew at a young age that I wanted to receiver a higher education. My parents received little to no formal education, and they always emphasized to me that I should “work hard to have a bright future.”

What do you want Oles to know about what it’s like to be First Gen?
I would like First Gen Oles to realize their potential, and that they have the potential to thrive and succeed in college and beyond. They can do it too!

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.

How should current First Gen students approach you for advice?
Current First Gen students can ALWAYS drop by my office to connect with me.

What advice do you have for current First Gen students?
My advice to current First Gen students is to connect with your First Gen fellow classmates, profs, staff, and leaders. Rely on us as your support network and learn from our experiences.

Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Janet Hanson

When did you know you wanted to go to college?
Not only was I a First Gen, I was a non-traditional First Gen. I initially went to nursing school right out of high school and quickly realized it was not the path for me. I left school and got married. Seven years and two children later, I watched my sister going through a divorce and realized that I wanted to go back to school and get my degree so that if something happened to my husband I could support myself and my kids. I was 32 when I graduated, and turned right around and got my master’s degree.

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.