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I’m proud to be a FirstGen Terp from the Class of 1972. I know first-hand how tough it is growing up in a single parent household (with younger siblings) and working to get through college. I made it and graduated, and so will you. The hard work and determination (and the resulting degree) gave me (and will give you) long-term career growth and success - and if you're lucky, great opportunities for international business travel.

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I am a proud first generation Terp (class of 2004) and now a UMD staff member. My family always stressed the importance of education. But when I got pregnant my sophomore year, finishing my degree felt like an unattainable dream. Moving forward wasn’t easy, but I was determined to show my daughter that anything was possible with strength, determination, and resilience.  With the support and encouragement of my family, UMD staff, and faculty, I accomplished what some thought was impossible. To all former, current, and future first generation Terps… I’m so proud of you! May your fearlessness continue to blaze the path ahead for you and generations to come.

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First is a sign of pride, resilience, and achievement 

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First is a sign of pride, resilience, and achievement 

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I am proud to be a #firstgenterp and a #tripleTERP (undergrad, grad school, and work at UMD now). You are the future and will go on to do so many great things during your time at UMD and beyond. You have an amazing network of support and so many of us cheering you on!

- Eric Johnson, Assistant Dean and Director
Class of 2001 (Undergrad), 2011 (Grad)

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You have so many people rooting for you! You may have more challenges than other students, but you also have more resilience, drive, and passion! Go first gen Terps!

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I did it for my parents and grandparents <3 

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I did it for my parents and grandparents <3 

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I am proud to be a #firstgenterp getting my masters in higher education to help other first-generation students succeed in college. My family always told me that education is power and I want to help all students achieve that!

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I'm proud to be a first-gen student because it allows me to continue to accomplish great things and make my family proud. Don't forget to prioritize yourself and your health throughout and beyond the years you're in school!

-Afriasia Bermúdez-Crespín
STP 2019 Cohort

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I’m proud to be a 1st Generation student, because now when other people in my life look at me they have to see the truth. That life never gives up on people, people give up on life. I did this and went through the same hardships if not more than most the people in my family and still made it to this point. No excuses.

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Congratulations to all the Fearless First Generation Terps! You are the first, but for the sake of all of us, don't be the last!! Very proud of all of you!!
Kimberly Y. Campbell, Ph.D.
Clinical Psychologist
Counseling Center

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I am proud of being a first-generation student because I know that nothing but my brain and my talent brought me here. We are resilient in a way others aren't. We break generational cycles and create new futures for our families. We are the best!

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I am proud to be a First Generation College Students because I am able to pick up where my parents left off and go farther within my own path of education and make my parents proud.

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I am proud to be First Generation College Student because it proves that you are your own limit.

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I am proud to be a first gen because it means theres a world of opputunities yet to be discovered! And I am determined to make way for the generations after me, anything is possible!

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Many look to you and what you have accomplished with so much pride. But don’t let that feel like a burden, and don’t let the fear of failing paralyze you. Instead know that you have an enormous community rooting for you! You’re an inspiration to many. Don’t forget that.

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I am proud to be a first generation college student because I come from poverty. My parents, along with their parents, fled to Nepal from Bhutan. We. settled in refugee  camps in poverty in Nepal for about eighteen years until UNHCR (Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) finally helped us move to the U.S. The move to the U.S. came with a lot of resources and a new hope. I was 7 years old when we a

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I am proud to be a #FirstGenTerp and Triple Terp (undergrad Terp, Graduate Terp, and UMD staff). Now it's your turn! I support all of our Fearless First Gen Terps as you strive to be our future leaders and change-makers. Go FirstGenTerps.
- Eric Johnson, Assistant Dean and Director

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I am proud to be a FirstGen because I was the first, but not the last.

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When you hear the saying "standing on the shoulders of giants," you are now the 'giant' we are referring to! Being the first is not an easy feat. You've learned that it takes guts, will power, reflection, failures, family and so much more as a first-gen student but you are doing it and you have so many rooting for you! Continue to dream big and know that your life story and presence is changing the world for the better. So immensely proud of you #FirstGenTerp

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I am proud to be a #FirstGenTerp because I have been able to start a legacy of college education as something that is achievable in my family. As I approach graduation this fall, I am forever thankful for the foundation set by my AAP Family!

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Know that you enter college with many assets. You belong here and you will not only survive, but you will thrive! You have the skills, resilience, and community to get you through this journey. I'm a proud first-generation college graduate and this same mindset helped me to persevere.

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Be proud Terps. Keep it up!

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Fearless First Gen Terps: Infinite Possibilities

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Fearless First Gen Terps: Infinite Possibilities

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Being first generation has given me opportunities beyond what I could imagine. I never knew going to college was for me, but I made it through and so can you. Infinite possibilities ahead! Stay connected and continue to strive fo fulfill your dreams. Anything is possible with hard work and vision.

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Yes, making it to college and making the grade is difficult, but you've made it much easier for those who look up to you come after you.

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As we have witnessed this weekend, being the first can position you to overcome obstacles in achieving your goals and dreams. Please know that being the first means that you can and will succeed in life no matter what is placed in front of you.

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We celebrate you! Believe in yourself! Never give up! 

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We celebrate you! Believe in yourself! Never give up! 

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I am a first generation graduate and I faced many challenges along the way, but I made it and you will too!

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I am proud to be a #FirstGenTerp because I showed my family that nothing is impossible. They are so proud and that's the greatest gift!

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You've accomplished so much just by attending college! You should be proud of yourself for coming this far and for how far you're gonna make it after graduation!

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Congratulations! Way to go! You should be very proud!

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Congratulations! Way to go! You should be very proud!