Preferred Pronouns: She/Her

What types of questions can First-Gens reach out to you about?
Ways to make the most of opportunities that come with being a student and graduate of the University of Illinois. How to increase comfort & confidence in the many new situations which you have not previously experienced or been exposed to. Any question which they are concerned may be "silly" or naive & are afraid to ask. (Believe me, I had plenty of those as a first generation student, exposed to new experiences, cultures & situations.)

I am Proud to Be First-Gen because …
the University of Illinois exposed me to opportunities I could not have conceived of otherwise. My grandparents did not graduate high school, and wanted more for my parents. My parents graduated high school & wanted more for me. They ensured I had the ability to get into college and succeed there. That opportunity & the skills I learned there enabled me to achieve a successful career which took me to over 40 countries and experience a world I could not have conceived of otherwise.