AU First Generation Student Union
Fall 2024 Student & Alumni Spotlight
Class of 2024 Graduates
Joyce Choi
SIS'24 - Alumni
What is your major?
International Studies
What is your campus involvement?
I was the Director of DEI for FGSU in Fall '23 and co-events coordinator with Kayleigh in Spring '24!
How has being First-Gen at AU affected your college experience?
In the beginning, I was struggling a lot. It was my first time away from home for an extended period, I wasn't able to eat my cultural food, and I dealt with a lot of imposter syndrome. But I am incredibly lucky to have such a beautiful community— family, friends, FGSU— that motivates me to keep going and do my best. It's hard being First-Gen, yes, but it is also a privilege to receive higher education and represent my family in this way. I'm showing my baby cousins that they can do it too.
Are there any interesting projects or organizations that you are involved/working on outside of AU?
I am currently an intern at Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS). This organization is focused on amplifying AANHPI voices within various sectors throughout the country as well as encouraging more of our community members into public service!
What are some tips that you would give to First-Gen students in their first-year?
Make sure to set aside time in your weekly schedule to take care of yourself! Also, create a four-year course template— it makes it so much easier to figure out which classes to take to graduate early or on time.
What is one message you would like to share with other First-Gen students?
No matter how discouraged you feel or what others say to you, you are here for a reason and you belong. Don't forget your roots, and don't forget your goals. You got this.
John-Albert Villanueva
KOGOD'24 - Alumni
What is your major?
Business Administration
What is your campus involvement?
Peer Consultant at ProCommms, Peer Consultant at the Office of Career Engagement at Kogod, member of AU FGSU/AU LEA, LinkedIn Career Coach
How has being First-Gen at AU affected your college experience?
Being First-Gen at AU has been challenging, but a blessing at the same time. My experiences have shaped me into someone who's become more resilient and resourceful — from building my network from scratch, making new friends, discovering resources on campus, to landing an internship and full-time job offer in tech post-graduation. But no one told me on Day 1 which school clubs to join, what are the best classes to take for your major, or how to network and apply for a job post-graduation. The truth is, I owed it to myself, to get out there and become curious, ask questions, and find people that could help me along my college journey. This journey, our journey, is a reminder that if we want our situation to change for the better, then we have to become better. The road ahead is unclear, but we have to find a way and create our own roadmap to success.
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Are there any interesting projects or organizations that you are involved/working on outside of AU?
Currently, I'm building my LinkedIn brand as a first-gen career coach and Generative AI expert, with the future goal of creating resources to help the First-Gen community harness the power of AI for their college/early in career journeys.
What are some tips that you would give to First-Gen students in their first-year?
First to breathe and have faith in yourself that you will find your path in time. Your first year can feel overwhelming, BUT remember that every challenge is preparing you for something GREATER! Find your support system early on, whether it's joining student organizations, connecting with professors during office hours, or reaching out to other First-Gen students. Never be afraid to ask for help because no one has all the answers, but you won't know the answers until you go out and find them! Be curious, be resourceful, and believe in yourself.
What is one message you would like to share with other First-Gen students?
To all my First-Gen students reading this: "You are stronger, smarter, and more resilient than you think!" Remember that every challenge you face is an opportunity to learn, grow, and become better. Don't let these setbacks hold you down. Embrace them as stepping stones towards your path to success. Your dreams are valid, your goals are attainable, and your potential is limitless. So get out there and seize every opportunity available!!! Network with those professors, make new connections and friends on campus, and seek out guidance from peers/mentors you respect, admire, and want to learn from. We can't change the past, but we can shape our future. If anyone can do it, you can do it!