Home Sweet Home

FDU’s first-generation students have a new place to call home: the Center for First-Generation Scholars, a renovated and refreshed space on the Metropolitan Campus, which held its open house in February.

“We wanted to reintroduce FDU students to the Center for First-Generation Scholars and welcome them into a new space created just for them,” said Lissette Garcia, director. “The open house gave students and the rest of the University community a chance to see what the center is all about. The event also highlighted that first-generation students have a home on campus where they are seen, supported and celebrated as they move through their college journey and beyond.”

Three photos of rooms. From left is a lounge area, second is a workspace with tables and chairs and third is a meditation room

The Center for First-Generation Scholars features a common area where students can relax, meet their peers and take a break between classes; a quiet workspace; and a meditation room.

Previously in Robison Hall, the center was relocated to the Greg Olsen Student Union across from the Rutherford Room to enhance its visibility and accessibility, encouraging greater student involvement and fostering a stronger sense of belonging. “Being in such a central location makes it easier for students to stop by, connect and feel part of a larger community,” Garcia added.

Aside from having a common area where students can relax, meet their first-gen peers and take a break between classes, the center has a coffee, tea and hot chocolate station, a refrigerator and a microwave for greater convenience. “We also have stress-relief materials like coloring books, puzzles, cards, fidget supplies, positive affirmation cards and a small library filled with empowering books,” Garcia said. “Our Stress-Free Zone has a quiet workspace for studying, and a meditation room designed to help students pause, recharge and prioritize their well-being in a calm, supportive environment.”

Left photo is of a femal student coloring a book Right photo is a group of five male students meditating

Left photo: Kimberly Reyes Vasquez enjoys coloring books during her break. Right photo: Trying out the meditation room are, from left, Armani Otero, Aldy Lorenzo, Wilson Torres, Eric Chavez and Sakai Richardson.

The center helps students access academic, career, financial and personal support resources. It also offers weekly events such as Meditation Mondays; What’s New Wednesdays, where students learn about new resources; and First-Gen Fridays, where students participate in a variety of individual and group activities. There are also plans to hold various events and workshops throughout the year.

One of Garcia’s main goals as director is to identify and get to know the University’s first-generation community — from students to staff and faculty. “I’m working on developing a visible identifier for first-gen faculty and staff to proudly identify themselves, so students can easily recognize others who share a similar journey,” she said. “When students see that they’re not alone — that there are professors and staff members who were once in their shoes — it builds connection, confidence and a stronger sense of belonging. I want our first-gen scholars to feel seen, understood and supported throughout their time at FDU.”

Garcia is joined by a team of student ambassadors — all first-generation scholars — who serve as peer leaders within the center and provide guidance, share resources and offer support. “Their role is essential in fostering peer-to-peer connections,” Garcia said, “and they help create a welcoming atmosphere to make sure students feel comfortable, connected and encouraged to take advantage of everything the center has to offer.”

Left photo is of a woman smiling in front of a wall with Center for First-Generation Scholars sign Right photo is a group pf 5 students in front of the wall with the Center name

Lissette Garcia, left, and her student ambassadors. From left are Emily Cruz Cruz, Armani Otero, Aldy Lorenzo, Valeria Pérez Cárdenas and Mariam Ibrahim.

Student ambassadors Val Pérez Cárdenas and Emily Cruz Cruz, welcome the center’s creation and look forward to helping their peers navigate college. “The center gave me a space where I felt supported and understood as a first-generation student,” Pérez Cárdenas said. “I’m looking forward to helping other first-generation students feel seen, supported and motivated to succeed,” Cruz Cruz added.

For more information about the Center for First-Generation scholars visit their webpage and Instagram.

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