Being a first-generation student means you’re immediately starting on uneven ground. All of your peers have parents who have experienced and possibly even have ties to universities, meaning they have a wide support network both in terms of applying to and navigating colleges. First-generation students often have to navigate these issues without the support of someone who has experienced it before. It can be a very isolating experience at times, and it’s why these groups experience struggles with maintaining retention rates. Support programs like TRIO seek to identify and provide support for these unique struggles, but ultimately, there must be a responsibility for the University of Maine itself to support and connect to these students who need more help than traditional non-first-generation students. The onus can not be entirely on TRIO when the University is also able to host events.

In my first two years at the university, I did not receive support from the school in navigating the challenges that my peers did not have to face because their parents went to university. I did not know how to read my financial aid bill or understand my scholarships. I was left to fend for myself when the university decided they could lessen the aid they gave me because of my scholarships. Without being in a program like TRIO Student Support Services, I would’ve been left behind. UMaine enacts practices that aren’t always in the best interest for students and first gens don’t have the help to identify when this is happening to them. Programs like AMP are created and put into place all the time and students don’t always know how to navigate investigating things like these to see if they’re worth it for them or not. 

 Now, in my third year, I’ve seen a small improvement in communication with first-gen students. There have been two events aimed at us, specifically. One was a social program where people could stop in and grab mixed energy drinks while meeting other first generation students. The second was an informal meet-and-greet for first gens. This is a good thing, and facilitating programs to foster connections between students in similar situations is absolutely the right move for students. However, even with these programs there lies communication issues. The poster for the energy drink program was emailed about 24 hours prior. The informal meet-up was emailed five hours prior to the event. 

These programs are a vital step in increasing visibility of first-generation students and enabling them to create their own support networks, but there’s a crucial failure in communication happening when students are only being made aware of these things the morning of. I advocate for the continuation of programs like these, but a proper heads up should be given. Students are busy and need time to account for something new in our schedule. Outside of events, there should also be an emphasis on spreading awareness of first-generation students and the challenges they face.