PCCC Celebrates First-Generation Students and Alumni

Sebastian Cano captured the disorienting experience of being a first-generation college student. “College is a world nobody in your family has ever explored, so you don’t know what to do, or where to go, or who to talk to.” The nursing major described the panic that set in during his senior year in high school when graduation was approaching and college decisions had to be made.

Sebastian was one of the current students participating this month in PCCC’s celebration of First-Generation College Student Day, a nationwide event held annually in early November to recognize students who are the first in their family to earn a college degree

PCCC’s November 6 celebration in the Paterson Room was organized by SSS-TRiO Support Services and College Bound and featured alumni guest speakers, a Jeopardy game, comments by current students about their college journey, and a poetry reading.

 “This is the fourth year that PCCC has celebrated First-Generation College Student Day,” said Maria Tejada, Senior Academic Counselor (SSS-Classic) who was the impetus to establish an annual First-Generation celebration at PCCC.

Delivering the welcome address, Dr. Leah Brown-Johnson, Associate Vice President/Dean of Student Affairs, urged everyone present to “enjoy the power of being a First-Gen.” That power, she explained, is to inspire others to succeed by telling the story of your own success. Dr. Brown-Johnson’s mother was a non-English-speaking immigrant to the US and later a First-Gen college student who went beyond the bachelor’s to also earn a master’s degree. “This empowered me, her daughter, to go even further and earn a Ph.D.” said Dr. Johnson.

The morning program featured three PCCC alumni as guest speakers to tell their success stories. Trinidad Dominguez earned her associate’s degree in psychology in May 2024 and is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree at Ramapo College through the Ramapo@PCCC 3+1 program. Trinidad immigrated to the US 12 years ago with her family from the Dominican Republic. She began studies in 2021 in the TRIO SSS-ESL program at PCCC and there found a supportive community.

Jonathan Huerta a regional supervisor in corporate security at Equinox and a public safety officer in higher education holds a master’s degree in educational leadership from Ramapo College and a bachelor’s in criminal justice from Berkeley College.

Melanie Mejia, a communications and marketing strategist works for Hola Cultura, a Washington, D.C. based non-profit organization that celebrates Latine arts, culture, and humanities. She previously managed social media for Felician University and holds a master’s degree in business innovation and entrepreneurship from Felician.

Each panelist (pictured at top from left: Jonathan Huerta, Trinidad Dominguez, and Melanie Mejia) responded to questions posed by moderator Joanna Valladoses, a First-Gen nursing major.  

To the first question, “What inspired you to pursue a college degree?” Melanie replied that her parents, immigrants from Mexico, did not have college opportunities.

“They gave up their dreams to help me achieve,” said Melanie. Now living her dream of supporting the Latine community, she strives to help others do likewise.

When Jon saw the hard physical labor jobs most of his family members worked, he decided to avoid the same fate through education. “I discovered how smart we are when we have the chance.” Jon admitted the academic path also had its challenges, “but if it was easy,” he noted, “everyone could do it.”

Trinidad did not pursue a college education until her children were grown and she was nearly 50 years old. “My father was my push,” said Trinidad. “He couldn’t do it, but he wanted me to.”

All three alumni acknowledged the First-Gen challenges of pursuing a college degree. At times all experienced self-doubt and felt like giving up, but pushed on and found success.

“I wondered if I belonged in college,” said Jon. “But when I saw my name on the dean’s list, I knew I did.”  

Trinidad “felt a sense of belonging”  after joining the  SSS programs, and that support contributed to her success  “I graduated with the outstanding student in psychology award.”

“Get all you can out of college,” advised Melanie. “Ask questions. Use the resources provided to you.”  Jon agreed. “Give it your all,but make sure to take time to recharge your battery.” Trinidad reminds First-Gens, “I am 50 years young, she said, “and if I can do it, you can, too!

Following a buffet lunch and Jeopardy game, the afternoon session featured Sebastian and current students Sharmin Zaman and Jarlin Del Orbe Paulino to share their stories. (Pictured at the podium from left: Sharmin, Jarlin, and Sebastian)

Carlos Villalobos took the mic to share his poem, First in the Family, evoking the First-Gen experience from the opening lines: “I’m the first to walk these halls/the first to ever answer college calls/No map, no guide just hope and will/ and voices from my home stay still.”

Each of the TRiO directors acted as a supportive voice of experience, there to provide the guidance a First-Gen’s family cannot.  “Some of you may have imposter syndrome, but here you will find a community of students just like you,” said Abena Doublas, director of SSS-Classic.

Stephanie Gannon, director of SSS-ESL added, “Today is a celebration of courage. You are pioneers, creating a pathway for yourself and future generations.”

“People here want you to succeed,” said Dawn Brunson, director of Pre-College Programs.
“When you feel overwhelmed or have self-doubt, let us know. And remember, college is a long-term investment…in yourself.”

Written by Linda Telesco
Photos by Page Saunders