D'Andrè Butler ’25 is charting a remarkable path as a first generation student at ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø, ambitiously striving towards a sense of independence he has long craved. He’s thrown himself into the collegiate experience, not just in his academics as a writing and rhetoric major, but in student worker positions and club leadership.
D'Andrè juggles these roles and opportunities in the hopes of making the most of his time in school, a testament to the drive and ambitions so characteristic of his fellow first generation peers.
It means the world to me that I am someone in my family who made it to college and will not stop until I get my well-earned degree.
As a first generation student I feel like I have to work harder than most people to make sure my spot at this school, as well as my future, is secured.
Budgeting my money is a unique challenge as a first-generation student. I have taken on the role of paying most of my tuition on my own, so knowing what to spend money on and what to sacrifice as a 20-year-old college student has been hard, but beneficial. Taking that into account, I have to work multiple jobs in order to finance my education while juggling student leadership roles.
Connecting with other first-generation students is important because they are the only people who can relate to and understand my work ethic and my need for independence.
I chose ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø because they offered more financial support and helped with my goal of independence. I knew moving to New York and making something of myself was something I always aspired to academically.
Networking has been the best part of my ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø experience. Since freshman year I have grown so much by creating opportunities for myself and making connections with pretty important people. I’ve worked as a resident advisor, a writing tutor, and a student assistant, while still staying involved in clubs. I’m the vice president and a choreographer in the hip-hop dance club and performance team, and vice president for a brand new fashion club called The House of Style.
From mentee, to mentor, to president of the First Generation Student program, Valentina Rojas Abreu ’24 knows the importance of community. Looking forward to National First Generation Student Day on November 8, Valentina reflects on the evolution of the first-gen program and what makes the first-gen community at ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø so special.
A first-generation American, and the first in her family to go to college and law school, Maria Profeta '22 always had the goal to use her education to better her family and her community.
Join Danielle Shoulders '24 on her transformative journey as a first generation student at ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø, where she's making every moment count. From her Environmental Studies program, student clubs, internships, and more, learn how she's overcoming challenges and helping create a vibrant community.