First Generation, Second Look
By: M. Caroline Helms and Sandra Spiroff
The University of Mississippi is committed to supporting and championing the success of First-Generation students, staff, and scholars. The UM Graduate School does its part to help First-Generation graduate students succeed in their respective doctoral, specialist, and master’s programs. Upcoming initiatives aim to diversify support options for graduate students, providing avenues to acquire new skills, cultural capital, and social capital. These resources are designed to empower First-Generation graduate students to excel in their academic pursuits and future careers.
One may wonder what being a First-Generation (or “First-Gen”) student means. Although definitions vary, at the University of Mississippi, a “First-Generation College Student” is defined as:
A. An individual whose parents/guardians did not complete a four-year degree; or
B. In the case of any individual who regularly resided with and received support from only one parent/guardian, an individual whose only such parent/guardian did not complete a four-year degree: or
C. An individual who does not know the status of parent/guardian’s educational attainment.
Therefore, a First-Gen graduate student at UM is an individual enrolled in the Graduate School who met one of the above criteria during their undergraduate studies, regardless of where they earned their degree.
Some First-Gen graduate students and graduates agreed to share their thoughts and advice for others considering pursuing post-baccalaureate degrees at the University.
Ashleen Williams
Dr. Ashleen Williams, an Instructional Assistant Professor, is a passionate advocate and organizer for First-Gen student initiatives under the Office of the Provost. She finds it gratifying to celebrate seemingly “small” victories for First-Gen individuals. “Graduate school is a long and perhaps lonely process. I find it rewarding to celebrate others when they get a conference proposal accepted, or pass an exam, or secure a grant for summer funding,” Williams said.
As a former First-Gen graduate student herself, Williams recently earned her Ph.D. in History in May 2023 while working at the University. She highlighted the significance of connecting with those with similar backgrounds and engaging in conversations across the University.
Mariela Gomez
Mariela Gomez, a first-year doctoral student in higher education, chose the University of Mississippi for personal and professional growth opportunities. She emphasized the value of expanding one’s horizons and facing new challenges head-on. “I am learning the value of stepping out of my comfort zone and enjoying new experiences,” Gomez said.
Stepping into unchartered territory as a First-Generation graduate student can be daunting, but Gomez’s advice is clear. She said that students should not be afraid to ask for help. “There are students, professors, and staff who care about your well-being and want to see you succeed,” she said.
Miguel Antonio De Leon
Miguel Antonio De Leon, a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Biomolecular Sciences, exemplifies a proactive First-Gen graduate student. He rechartered the Latin American Student Organization (LASO) and co-founded the Minority Associate for Successful Scientists. “These initiatives have not only fostered a more inclusive environment on campus but have also been instrumental in my own educational success at [the University of Mississippi],” De Leon said. He added that the UM Graduate School community is committed to supporting students during this transformative phase in their academic life.
Tyranda Williams
Tyranda Williams, a second-year Sport and Recreation Administration master’s student, chose UM for graduate school based on her positive undergraduate experience on the Oxford campus. She said that experience, as well as the excellence of the graduate program, encouraged her to further her education at this institution. She underscores the importance of networking throughout graduate school and recommends active participation in internships, connections with professors and classmates, and engagement with various campus organizations.
“Don’t be shy, actively seek internships, connect with professors and classmates, and take full advantage of the various organizations and groups across campus. Building these connections not only enhances your academic experience but also opens doors to valuable opportunities that can shape your future. Your journey is unique, so make the most of the resources and connections available to you,” Williams said.
Shelby Gilbreath
Shelby Gilbreath, a first-year criminal justice policy studies doctoral student, relishes every moment of her academic journey in graduate school. Passionate about mentoring others, she aspires to inspire students to pursue graduate education. “I truly enjoy being able to share my knowledge with those younger than me and hopefully encouraging some to seek higher education,” Gilbreath said.
Senneca Evans
The University’s First-Gen initiatives extend across campus and its constituents. Senneca Evans, in her first year of law school, found a sense of belonging at the University, thriving among a diverse group of people. Encouraging First-Gen graduate students to seize the moment, Evans said, “Strive to be the best. It may look hard, but the University of Mississippi welcomes you with open, compassionate, and loving arms.”
Fully embracing the array of opportunities the Graduate School provides plays a key role in unlocking the pathway to success.
First-Generation graduate students are urged to contact the Graduate School (gschool@olemiss.edu) and Dr. Ashleen Williams to share suggestions about the types of support, information, or programs that would best facilitate their success. Proactively engaging with campus leaders ensures that students’ needs, preferences, and ideas, including those from the First-Gen community, are considered and addressed, fostering an environment conducive to their academic journey.