学生 v伊斯兰会议组织 filled the air as peers and mentors mingled amongst each other with the occasional clash of jumbo Jenga blocks in the background 在学生会 作为UMKC的第一个Gen Roo项目 庆祝学生的成功.

A National First-Generation College 学生 Celebration 于11月11日在全国各地举行. 8 and at UMKC, the activity revolved around t他世界杯赌场盘口 第一代Roo计划, an initiative for first-generation students designed to increase student involvement, success and satisfaction and assist in GPA, 保留和毕业目标.  

The event kicked off with an informational resource fair in the morning, a professional photobooth available throughout the afternoon, an informational session “Networking Like a First Gen Boss” with Nabil Abas and special UMKC alumni guests Shae Perry (B.A. 1989年，电影和媒体)，肯尼迪·格拉斯(B.B.A ’22, marketing), and Victor Michimani (B.B.A. ’21), followed by a discussion on the imposter phenomenon, and wrapped up with an undergraduate research panel.  

There were numerous booths set up with First Gen Roo swag, 有道具的照相亭, 漫画艺术家, peer mentors readily available for questions, 和更多的.

This celebration highlighted the resources of the 第一代Roo计划 which, along with 第一代骄傲，有助于继续作为一个 一级前进机构.  

Starting college can be difficult for anyone but being the first one in the family to do it is even more frightening. This program is important because it offers the support and assistance that some students might miss out on when they are the first generation to attend college. There is something special about connecting with peers on another level who have been down the same path and can offer useful insight, as well as the bonds and friendships built from those connections. 

在 第一代Roo计划, students receive help navigating campus and becoming more involved, 使用技术, and refining skills for academic preparation like time management and study skills, as well as social preparation such as decision-making, 金融知识, and other strategies for student success. 学生s are provided with many resources and opportunities like early move-in, 资源研讨会, and one-on-one meetings—all before the semester even begins. 一旦学期开始, students can expect to have a peer-mentor available for additional support along the way. 

In addition to being surrounded by peers in a similar situation, the program provides trained and dedicated mentors that are eager to help every step of the way. UMKC has a long-term commitment to discovering ways to break down barriers and assist first-generation students’ success here on campus and out in the community after graduation.  

Jailyn波尔克, 大一新生, 刑事司法和犯罪学, said her favorite part of the program has been making friends before the semester started and how helpful it’s been meeting new people and building those bonds.  

项目协调员梅根·埃尔森说, who’s worked with first-generation students since 2009, says it’s vital to build a strong community of students and staff that focuses on social and emotional supports in college to create a safe space for those whose parents do not have the direct experience of navigating college.  

"It's important for first-gen students to feel a part of the university just as much as other students. They need to feel like they belong," she says. 

And as the program offers a place for students to connect with others and become more confident in themselves, 他们的研究, 以及他们的整体大学经历. 

Nabil Abas, senior, communication studies, says that’s definitely been his experience. He reached out as a first-gen student and now he’s one of the support program specialists (mentors) with the program.  “Tap into people who want to see you fly—who really care about you,’’ he says.  

"You just have to find what works for you, and for me, it's First Gen Roos."