Learn more about how WMU celebrates First Generation Broncos.
My advice to first-generation college students is don't let anything stop them from reaching their goals. Remember, you are there with a purpose, so do not be afraid to advocate for yourself and build relationships that will help you fulfill that purpose! You’ve got this!
I now live near our Nation's Capital and have been afforded many amazing opportunities because of the path attending college put me on. One of the highlights of my life is—I got a chance to attend a White House Holiday Party in December 2015 and meet our country's first African-American President and First Lady, Barack and Michelle Obama—and just like Mrs. Obama who is also a First-Generation College graduate—got to ′see myself and the possibilities' as a citizen just like I did over 20 years ago as a WMU student seeing the late Dr. Elson Floyd.
I am a senior majoring in electrical engineering. I am proud to say that I am the first-gen student in my family.
My name is Mia Johnson, and I am a first-generation college student and graduate. I received my bachelor’s degree in 1995 from Western Michigan University and later obtained my MBA from Davenport University. The first in my family to also obtain a graduate-level degree. I am also a proud graduate of the Detroit Public School system, where I was introduced to and recruited to attend WMU.
As the son of two immigrants from Mexico, Sánchez says a college education wasn’t a given growing up. He’s one of four children, and the youngest of his siblings.
“[My parents] didn’t know what their kids would accomplish upon immigrating to the United States,” he says. “Being that my parents grew up with very few resources and not much education after middle school, my graduation from WMU is something extraordinary to my parents.”
“Always follow your dreams,” he advised current Broncos. “If you can shape it in your mind, you'll find it in your life. Go after your burning desires and achieve greatness.”
A first-generation student, Stevens earned his master’s degree in applied economics at WMU in just one year. He then launched his career in tech at Microsoft, where he’s worked as a Microsoft Ads onboarding specialist, client success manager and program manager.
“I was from a poor working-class neighborhood and higher education was never a major emphasis,” Jerry said. “The campus at WMU was the first time I’d ever been exposed to any kind of diversity. There were students from small towns, wealthy suburbs and everything in between, and for the first time in my life, I could see how different the world was away from the inner city of Chicago.”
My siblings have all gone on to be successful and obtain certificates or degrees in their chosen fields, but
I was the only one to attend a four-year program at a university. I am proud of that, but to this day I tell
young people that you learn so much about life that isn’t found in books when you go away to school.
I am a proud Western Michigan University alumnus and a first-generation college student. Not only was I a first-generation college student, but I am also a first-generation Arab American.
My advice to first year students is to not ONLY focus on the curriculum of your target occupation, but also remember to learn how to learn. If your chosen degreed occupation doesn't work out for some reason, you will have that ability to adapt to new options.
I’m proud to be first-generation and working in the Office of Admissions! Because I am the first, I have gained many experiences that help me work with families in similar circumstances.
Anthony P.
Being first generation means that my parents worked hard every day to allow me the opportunities they did not have, and I owe it to them, as well as to myself, to make it count
Steve C. - Sr. Admissions Counselor, Transfers
