Celebrating First Generation Terps by Chantelle Allen Smith

So proud of you all!

casmith93 — 2021-11-04 21:48:51 UTC

Congratulations for being the FIRST and with all of your hard work and dedication, you won't be the last!

-Chantelle Smith

I did this for my family & future generations <3

casmith93 — 2021-11-08 16:06:24 UTC

Being a first-gen student and first-gen US citizen, I felt a lot of pressure to earn this win for my family. My paternal grandmother & father came to the states because they had to flee Ethiopia to avoid persecution, when the government was overthrown. My maternal grandmother came from Jamaica alone (leaving my grandfather and mother back in Jamaica) to start work and to take advantage of more opportunities. My grandfather joined my grandmother after 3 years. After several years of living without her parents, my mother was reunited when my grandparents had enough resources to safely bring her over to the US.

With both parents/grandparents not being college educated, I struggled not knowing who to go to for help or what resources/support was available to me as far back as high school. I've made plenty of mistakes from pure lack of knowledge. Although I felt a lot of pressure, shed some tears, sacrificed my time and sanity, I am proud to say I became the FIRST in my family to earn a bachelors degree! And then went on to earn a masters degree.

So my advice is to ask questions! Know that you're here for a reason... you're not a fraud. And understand that no one is perfect, so allow yourself some grace! <3

Chantelle Smith, Honors College Central

2021-11-10 20:28:16 UTC

So proud of you all, and grateful you are in Honors at UMD! You will change the world!

Peter Mallios

Hello, first-gen peers! I am so glad I have the opportunity to learn and work alongside you for the next four years. We love and support you!

2021-11-10 20:33:03 UTC

Nada Fadul, Class of 2025

2021-11-10 21:25:20 UTC

First-gens! You've got your feet on the ground and your eyes on the horizon. You're in Honors! You have a bright future ahead of you, but remember to pause every once in a while to breathe in the comfort of seeing all the goals you set for yourself that you've already achieved. We're so proud of you. Your living-learning program staff and faculty are here to support you on the road ahead. You've got this!

Sarah Bonnie Humud

Dear First-Gen Honors Terps,

2021-11-10 22:33:54 UTC

We are so lucky to have you!! You bring amazing talent and potential to the Maryland community, and we are excited to cheer you on on your education journey :-D.

Zabrina Anzyl, ILS

2021-11-11 20:28:07 UTC

First-Gen Honors Terps - Thank you for being here! We're so glad you've joined the Honors Terps community, and look forward to cheering you along your journey!
-Jenny Lang