Celebrating our first-generation community members

I still remember how I felt stepping onto a university campus for the first time. I was the first in my family to go to college, with few financial resources, and I wasn't entirely sure how I managed to get there. I didn’t know what to expect — and honestly, I didn't know if I belonged.

My experience being that kid with a deep love of learning and an uncertain path shaped who I am and everything I've done since. When first-generation Huskies feel uncertain whether they belong in college, I want to assure them that they do — and that their presence enriches the campus for everyone.

UW Tacoma has a deep, sustained commitment to first-generation students, who make up 53% of our undergraduates. And first-generation students have helped to shape our campus: our Office of First Gen grew out of student advocacy. With the help of faculty and staff leaders, UW Tacoma has expanded support services, created new mentor programs, and co-created a community that truly celebrates being first-generation.

On November 8, we’ll commemorate the National First-Generation College Celebration. We will lift up the experiences of our first-generation community members on our Bothell, Seattle, and Tacoma campuses. In Tacoma, we will unveil the latest first-gen poster series celebrating new First-Gen Plus students, alumni, faculty, and staff, as well as the fifth anniversary of our Office of First Gen. Please join us for food, fun, and community!

Being a first-generation college student isn’t just about being the first; it’s about opening doors for the people who walk with them and creating a path for future Huskies to follow. We’re proud of every one of our first-generation students, and we will continue working to ensure that they feel supported and welcomed on every step of their journey with us.