Where did you go to school? Major?

SUNY Oneonta, BS in Adolescent Education/French, University of Connecticut, MA in Higher Education and Student Affairs

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What involvement do you have with students at AU?

I support graduate students (and the faculty/staff who support them) on things that complement their academic experience. From connecting students to services on campus, developing programming to get feedback on the graduate student experience, to creating opportunities for personal and professional development.

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First-Gen Experience & Obstacles

I'll use an adage: "You don't know what you don't know". I thought I understood things well enough but things at my undergrad institution like career services, writing support, academic coaching, etc. were beyond anything I had seen or heard of before. I only wish that I had known about them sooner instead of silently struggling on my own.

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Involvement Outside of School

I'm a foster assistant with City Dogs and City Kitties Rescue. Basically, as rescued animals come to DC from partner shelters across the mid-Atlantic, I connect them with fosters who will care for them until they are adopted.

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Tips/Motivation/Messages for First-Gen Students

Get to know your academic advisor! They're a wealth of information not just about your program but everything that AU has to offer about the student experience.

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