Congratulations Class of 2021!! You did it!
A Series Honoring First-Generation College Graduates
Congratulations to all our First-Generation College Student Graduates!
In honor of May graduation, we'd like to introduce a few of our first-gen grads, in their own words:
Katie Poteet - B.A. in Global Studies and Political Science, Minor in Arabic Language and Culture
My degree represents both the hard work that I have put into the last four years and all that my family has done to help me get to where I am today. I would not be where I am today without their support and confidence that I can do anything.Jessica Cook from the Sondheim Public Affairs Scholars Program and Dr. Kelber-Kaye from the Honors College have both been instrumental in helping me navigate life at UMBC and figure out my future!
Post-Grad Plans: After UMBC, I will be pursuing an M.Phil. in Education, Globalisation and International Development at the University of Cambridge in the UK.
Melannie Herrera - Psychology
My parents and my sisters have supported me in completing my degree.
Post-Grad Plans: I will be attending grad school for Project Management.
Keenan Eldridge - Psychology and Sociology
Graduating as a First Gen College Student means being able to use the knowledge I've gained to show that you can create your own roadmap for education and that it is possible with the right supports and people around you. Dr. Nkiru Nnawulezi not only opened my eyes to the communal aspects of Psychology but how to conduct myself as an emerging college student looking to go well beyond a BA. The work with Nnawulezi and Research for Empowering and Liberatory Action has felt natural and allowed me to see that having people in your corner to foster your growth is the cornerstone to committing to great work.
Post-Grad Plans: Graduate School! I have options from programs offering Masters and the terminal PhD in Counseling Psychology.
Nikkie Stevens - Media and Communications Studies
It’s an honor , I don’t even think it has hit me yet. I know my parents are so proud that I pushed through , it’s been a long journey and they cheered me on the whole way. Can’t wait to see what the future brings I know it’ll be rewarding. Professor Synder , I had him for a few classes and he was always so kind and understanding in anything going on in our personal lives. So thankful for being able to meet him on my journey here.
Post-Grad Plans: I’m not sure what I want to do exactly, I want to take a year to myself then possibly go back to grad school.
Abdul Samateh - B.S. in Chemistry
It was my coming of age story. Nothing but experiencing it first-hand could teach me how this was about dedication and consistency. Even amid the unpredictability of daily life, juggling all the stressors to get to this day is an accomplishment. This wasn't a prize cause no one gave it to me, but this was a achievement because I attained it. My family who loved me, My teachers all across who believed in me such as Omar Ka who taught me the language of my homeland, Lisa Kelly who taught me the chemistry that makes up our physical world and Kalman Names who got me to believe that I could be good in Math.
Post-Grad Plans: Aim to work as a lab assistant. Then I'll see about grad school in the future.
Posted: May 14, 2021, 9:30 PM
