First Generation College & Graduate Students are the first in their families to continue their education beyond the mandated 12 years in the USA. They encountered questions and, maybe resistance, from family and friends while making the transition to the academic environment.

These panelists will discuss how their decision to have learn more has affected their lives.

In terms of Diversity, First Gen have had a different lived experience (from those who have many generations of attending colleges) and can provide insights to student who are now starting this process at Georgia Tech.

The panelists are:

• Dr. Emily Weigel - first in the family to receive a PhD http://biosci.gatech.edu/people/emily-weigel

Terminal Degrees: Dual Ph.D.s, Zoology and Ecology, Evolutionary Biology & Behavior (EEBB), Michigan State University,

• Dr. Gerome Stephens - First Generation - College https://about.me/gerome

Terminal Degree: University of Louisville, PhD, Higher Education Leadership & Organizational Development

• Michelle Canales, MS - First Generation College she also identifies as Afro-Caribbean https://explorellc.cos.gatech.edu/staff

Terminal Degree: Nova Southeastern University : M.S. -College Student Affairs

Facilitator:

• Isabel Altamirano, MLIS (first in the North American Continent) https://www.library.gatech.edu/isabel-altamirano

Terminal Degree: Louisiana State University, MLIS (Masters of Library and Information Science)

Please register for the event here.

If you were not able to obtain a ticket, please come to the check-in area on the 7th floor, in case someone does not attend.