Are You A First-Gen Student?

“Brookdale wants to make sure that all first-generation students know that there is a community of folks here at Brookdale that are willing to support them,” said Dr. Yesenia Madas, vice president of Student Affairs at Brookdale Community College.

“There are many of us who started just like they did and through hard work and determination we can help them achieve anything,” she said.

Madas was speaking about Brookdale’s First-Generation College Celebration (FGCC) planned for 5:30 p.m. Nov. 12 in the Student Life Center’s second floor Navesink rooms II and III

The event is free; refreshments will be served. For first-generation students, there is an opportunity to gain valuable insights and inspiration on navigating the college journey. The event will feature stories and advice from Brookdale faculty and administrators who have walked the same path. Registration Link: https://forms.office.com/r/ugAVcMbve0

Event Highlights:

• A Panel Discussion featuring First-Gen faculty and administrators sharing their academic and career journey, challenges and tips for success.
• An audience Q&A: A chance to engage with the panel and receive advice tailored to each student’s unique journey.
• First-Generation Certificates & Giveaways: To celebrate each student’s achievements and provide an opportunity win exciting prizes.
• Networking & Photos: A chance to connect with panelists, fellow students and guests.

A First-Gen college student is someone who is the first in their family to attend college, or whose parents or guardians did not earn a bachelor’s degree in the United States. This can include students whose parents attended college but did not finish, or who completed associate degrees but not bachelor’s degrees.

FGCC is celebrated annually in November to commemorate the signing of the Higher Education Act (“HEA”) of 1965 by then-President Lyndon B. Johnson. The act created federal financial aid programs to fund students’ education and made key investments in colleges and universities. The yearly celebration encourages colleges and universities across the country to celebrate the success of the institution’s first-generation faculty, staff and students.

Madas is passionate about helping First-Gen students because she was one and knows first-hand about the challenges these students face; she is the first in her family to graduate high school and attend college.

“I started working various full-time jobs right after high school. But without a college degree, I quickly saw that my chances of getting promoted and earning more money were very limited,” she said.

Her exposure to psych patients at one job prompted her to return to school to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology. Her journey continued and after completing her undergraduate requirements while working full time and going to school full time, earned a Master of Science in counseling degree and then a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Rowan University.

Madas said the point of Brookdale’s FGCC event is to encourage involvement, connection and community. Acknowledging that she was helped by professors, co-workers and friends while she pursued her education, her goal at Brookdale is to provide guidance and support for those navigating the challenges of being the first in their family to attend college.

From the selection of a major to class schedules and financial needs, the college experience can be overwhelming. For first-generation students, the confusion and uncertainty is amplified as they are often on their own in their attempts to navigate the labyrinth of particulars needed for a successful college experience.

“I hope to create a center at Brookdale where First-Gen students can figure out the ins and outs of college life,” Madas said.

She also hopes to expand the First-Generation Trailblazers Scholarship she created, which has been supported and championed by the Brookdale community, many of whom are First Generation themselves.

Registration Link: https://forms.office.com/r/ugAVcMbve0

You can contact Dr. Yesenia Madas here: ·
Email: ymadas@brookdalecc.edu
Phone: 732-224-2215
Department: Student Affairs