Where did you go to school? Major?

The College of Charleston, Charleston, SC BA in Theater

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What involvement do you have with students at AU?

I manage and advise students who are doing research with CHRS

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First-Gen Experience & Obstacles

Being a 1st Gen student shaped the way I looked at work and a career. I look at work as a way to make money and always have a job and a back up plan if that job falls through. I don't stay without work because I don't mind working outside of the path of my career. I know I will eventually find work that will be on the path.I have a built a meaningful life outside of work. The obstacles I faced were having to learn rules to how different social classes managed themselves, especially in leadership. Working with an executive coach was so helpful and would have been a good thing to do even before I was on an exective team. It unlocked so many hidden social cues I was missing.

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Involvement Outside of School

I have always been someone who gives back to my community and my family/friends. I deliver food, watch people's dogs, take care of houses, drive kids to school without asking for payment. People need help to have the lives they live and I believe in helping out when and where I can. I know not everyone has those same values and that is ok. I grew up around friends and family who were able to fill in so many of the big gaps that were there in my life, it is how I give back. This isn't a project per se, but it does lead to an interesting life.

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Tips/Motivation/Messages for First-Gen Students

I would say don't be afraid to ask for help. I did (and continue to) and it was the thing that was a lifesaver for me. I didn't know I was a first-generation student, I just knew I didn't understand all the things other people did - so I asked the "dumb" questions. And while you are in college that is the ideal time to really jump in and use those resources that are available to you. They will support you here and even beyond. And here is one other thing I didn't expect and I have navigated. My college education did put some distance between me and the people in my family who didn't go to college. There was fear, anger, and misunderstanding at what I was doing and learning. I didn't know that was what was happening at the time. I learned quickly they were afraid of losing me and that I was going to stop loving them. While I did move away from my home state, I still love my family and where I come from very much. I may think differently from them but there is enough space in our family for this and enough space in me. My education opened up space, not only in my head but in my heart

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Anecdote

I am so grateful to my father and mother (who were divorced), neither of them went to college and barely graduated high school, but they made sure my sister and I went. They both found parenting challenging, so it has been a wild, not in a straight line, ride to where I am today. Don't let the wild, different rides you may be on discourage you - find the strength in them and ask for help until you get it. You will find your fellow travelers.