SCHOOL OF NURSING
First-Generation Guidebook
Welcome and congratulations
Welcome first-generation nursing students!
I am excited to have you here — and thrilled you have chosen Geisinger School of Nursing to help you achieve your goal of becoming a nurse. As a first-generation college student, your journey is significant. You’ve chosen a path unique to you, and you are a great example to others. You have displayed courage and determination by taking the necessary steps to make your dreams a reality. You belong here! You bring your own unique gifts and abilities, and you have so much to offer! You are an inspiration to other first-generation students.
We’re here to support you in your journey. When the road gets tough, lean on those around you, remember why you started this journey and keep reaching for the stars. Best wishes!
Becky Stoudt, DNP, PhD, MSN, CRNA
Associate Dean of Nursing Student Education, Geisinger College of Health Sciences
Geisinger College of Health Sciences uses the national definition for identifying first-generation students: those students whose parent(s) did not complete a 4-year college or university degree. We ask that you use this definition for official Geisinger College recognition of your status as a first-generation student.
However, we recognize that each student’s family circumstances and life experiences can vary significantly. If you believe your individual life circumstances align with the first-generation-to-college experience but do not meet the technical definition, reach out to the chair of the First-Generation Student Support Committee, Tanja Adonizio, MD, at tkadonizio1@geisinger.edu or the vice dean of health equity and inclusion, Valencia Walker, MD, MPH, at vwalker1@geisinger.edu.
Admissions proof that you are not alone
There has been a total of 55 first-generation students enrolled at Geisinger School of Nursing!
Geisinger College first-generation student resources
First-Generation Student Support SharePoint page
go.geisinger.edu/firstgen
Feel free to contact the committee members listed on this page with any questions.
Geisinger College of Health Sciences member institution of the First Scholars Network
This national recognition demonstrates GCHS commitment to first-generation students and provides resources and opportunities to our students.
For more information, visit firstgenforward.org/our-initiatives/firstgen-forward-network
Third Street Commons study space
Students now have access to a brand new off-campus study space at 111 E. Third St. in Lewistown.
Hours (subject to change):
Monday and Wednesday: 9 a.m. – noon
Thursday: Noon – 3 p.m.
Saturday: 9 – 11 a.m.
We’ve created an Instagram page for this space, which will include open hours as well as information about closures due to bad weather.
National First-Generation Celebration Day – Nov. 8
In honor of signing the Higher Education Act of 1965 that expanded college opportunities for low-income and first-generation populations, Nov. 8 is observed as National First-Generation Celebration Day.
Food Pantry Subcommittee
The food pantry is in the student kitchen on the fourth floor of Medical Sciences Building West and at Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard Food Pantry at 21 S. Main St. in Lewistown. For more information or to join the committee, contact Joel Rosencrance at krosencrance3@geisinger.edu
Other Geisinger College resources
• First Generation Student Library: go.geisinger.edu/libraryfirstgen
• Office of Health Equity and Inclusion: go.geisinger.edu/ohei
• Division of Student Affairs and each center’s support services, including academic and career support, wellness and engagement: go.geisinger.edu/studentaffairs
• CARE Team: go.geisinger.edu/careteam
• Geisinger Student Health Services, including 24/7 telehealth from TimelyCare: go.geisinger.edu/shs
• Geisinger Student Psychological Services, including tele-counseling and Talk Now services from TimelyCare: go.geisinger.edu/sps
• Student housing resources: go.geisinger.edu/studenthousing
• Division of Enrollment Management, including Financial Aid: go.geisinger.edu/enrollmentmanagement and the Office of the Registrar: go.geisinger.edu/registrar
• Geisinger’s Nursing and Health Sciences Scholars Program: Reduces debt and guarantees job placement in exchange for a work commitment after graduation: go.geisinger.edu/scholarsprogram1
First-Generation outside resources
A broad range of resources are available via Temple University’s The Hope Center.
Accredited Schools Online provides resources and tips on how to navigate the difficulties of learning about the college environment, to cope with pressures from home and to deal with emotional struggles. Additionally, there is a list of first-generation friendly colleges/universities, as well as advice for firstgeneration students, parents of first-generation students, first-generation foundation information, a video from former first lady Michelle Obama and more.
FirstGen Forward™ provides data, training and expertise for a growing network of colleges and universities around the country to scale and sustain the important work of serving first-generation students.
Rise First empowers first-generation and/or low-income students and professionals nationwide to achieve their full potential by providing life and career advice, lists of support resources and mentorship opportunities through a technology platform with online tools. This platform is built for and by FGLI students, providing a real-life business and professional experience.
Scholarships for first-generation college students via affordablecollegesonline.org
These Groups Are Hoping to Help First-Generation College Students Make It to Graduation (huffpost.com)
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) - See if you qualify for SNAP benefits
Too Good to Go is an app that lets you rescue unsold food at your favorite spots from an untimely fate.
PA Department of Human Services Health Care/Medical Assistance
As the first in her family to go to college, Megan said the support she’s received from family and a close circle of friends has been her driver. “My parents and grandparents never went to college,” she said. “I’m also an only child, so it makes me very happy to see my family proud of me. I give my parents a lot of credit because they’re very hard workers, they have great work ethic and I learned everything I know from them.”
– Megan Weyant
ADN Senior Student 2025
How do I support my nursing student?
• Celebrate milestones
• Be a listening ear
• Learn with them
• Encourage self-care
• Encourage using resources
• Ask questions — even if you don’t know what to ask
Promotional resources for first-generation students
Online
• Unidays – Discounts on fashion, health and fitness, beauty, lifestyle, food and tech when you sign up with your student email address
• Student Beans – Discounts on fashion, food and drink, and travel
• Juniata River Valley Visitors Bureau – Events and things to do in the area (many free or low-cost)
• Amazon Prime Student (get a 6-month free trial, then $49/year) – access to Prime-eligible shipping, Prime Video and much more (verification by Amazon)
• FedEx – Use your student ID to save 30% on a document with FedEx Envelop/Pak and 20% on a package with FedEx IP service.
• Apple – Discounts on many Apple products with valid student ID
Fashion
• Ann Taylor – Show your student ID card for 15% off any full-priced purchase at Ann Taylor stores.
• ASOS – 10% off full-priced ASOS products
• Banana Republic – 15% off full-priced items in store
• Club Monaco – 15% off regular and sale-priced items in any Club Monaco store and online.
• Goodwill – Many Goodwill locations offer 10% discount with student ID. Ask your local store.
• J. Crew – 15% discount in stores when you show your school ID
• Medelita – 15% off your scrubs with student discount program online
• TOMS – Students get 10% cash back on shoes
Books for nursing students and first-generation students
Nursing foundations & inspiration
Study skills & academic success
Mindset, grit and self-care
The Shift Theresa Brown Call the Nurse Mary J. MacLeod
How to Survive Nursing School Kelli S. Dunham
Nursing School Thrive Guide Maureen Osuna
Notes on Nursing Florence Nightingale
Rising Class Jennifer Miller
A High School Parent’s Guide to College Success Anthony Abraham Jack
The Privileged Poor Anthony Abraham Jack
What the Best College Students Do Ken Bain
First-Gen: A Memoir Alejandra Campoverdi Make It Stick
Peter C. Brown
Skills Handbook Stella Cottrell
to
Straight-A Student Cal Newport The Only
Guide You’ll Ever Need Jade Bowler Writing a Great Research Paper Erika Eby
Grit Angela Duckworth
Self-Care for Nurses Xiomely Famighetti
Atomic Habits James Clear
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective College Students Sean Covey
The Power of Now Eckhart Tolle
First-Generation National Day of Celebration – Nov. 8
On Nov. 8, colleges and universities are encouraged to celebrate the success of first-generation college students, faculty and staff on campuses in any and every way possible.
Institutions will hold programs on first-generation student success, host lunch-and-learn events, kick off mentoring programs, hand out first-gen swag, feature first-generation students on websites and more!
Visit our SharePoint page to see photos from our 2023 event!
History
The concept of "first-generation" students was introduced into federal policy by the TRIO* community in 1980, during passage of the Higher Education Amendments to the Higher Education Act of 1965.
November 2017, the Council for Opportunity in Education's Board, in partnership with the Center for Firstgeneration Student Success of NASPA-Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education, asked college access and success professionals to join with TRIO programs across the country for the First Annual FirstGeneration College Celebration on Nov. 8, 2017 — the Anniversary of the Higher Education Act.
In 2017, the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) and the Center for First-generation Student Success launched the inaugural First-Generation College Celebration! Given the overwhelming success of this event, COE and the Center partnered to make this celebration an annual event. Institutions held speakers and programs on first-generation student success, hosted lunch and learn events, kicked off mentoring programs, handed out first-gen swag, featured first-generation students on websites, and more.
*The Federal TRIO Programs (TRIO) are federal outreach and student services programs designed to identify and provide services for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. TRIO includes 8 programs targeted to serve and assist low-income individuals, first- generation college students, and individuals with disabilities to progress through the academic pipeline from middle school to postbaccalaureate programs.
Geisinger School of Nursing
First-generation faculty and alumni
“Being first generation means that we are the foundation that forms and builds up the organization. We set the culture, standards and policies that we, as a community, feel will be most successful. Remember that we are all setting an example and a reputation for the way the community will see our school.”
– Hannah Zelinski, MSN, RN
Faculty
“My path to nursing was not straight. As a first-generation student from Gambia, I grew up in the Gambia healthcare system. When I moved to the U.S. back in 2021, I kind of realized how many differences there were in the two healthcare systems. I really had to lean on the faculty for support. Now that I’m graduating, I can say we had some of the best faculty we could ever ask for. They are always ready to support us and are very approachable. They are just so dedicated to seeing us succeed.”
– Ebou Sogur Nursing Graduate, 2025
Scan the QR code or watch his video here go.geisinger.edu/sogur
“To have been the first in my immediate family to graduate college was exciting, but I felt the pressure, I have had less knowledge going in than some others. However, the faculty and staff have been there for me all the way. My best advice is to be sure to use all your resources.”
– Taylor Haines, RN ADN ’25
Geisinger School of Nursing Student Council
Are you a first-generation student at the Geisinger School of Nursing looking to build confidence, develop leadership skills and make your voice heard? Joining the Nursing Student Council is a powerful way to get involved, connect with peers and help shape the future of nursing education.
As a member of the council, you’ll have the opportunity to plan and organize meaningful community events, service projects and student engagement activities that reflect the needs and passions of our diverse student body. You’ll also serve as a liaison between students and administration — providing valuable feedback on curriculum, clinical experiences and student support services. Your perspective, especially as a first-gen student, brings important insight into how we can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all.
Leadership isn’t about titles. It’s about stepping up, using your voice and learning how to work with others to create change. Nursing Student Council is a great place to grow professionally and personally in a supportive space where every voice matters. For more information, contact Jessica Rogers, associate director of admissions and student affairs (jdrogers1@geisinger.edu), or Emma Gentile, coordinator of admissions and student affairs (egentile@geisinger.edu).
“It is important for all of us to appreciate where we come from and how that history has really shaped us in ways that we might not understand.”
– Sonia Sotomayor
“The biggest adventure you can ever take is to live the life of your dreams.”
– Oprah Winfrey
"Life has no remote, get up and change it yourself."
– Mark A. Cooper
“Change takes courage.”
– Alexandria OcasioCortez
"Today you are you! That is truer than true! There is no one alive who is you-er than you!”
– Dr. Seuss
“Whether you come from a council estate or a country estate, your success will be determined by your own confidence and fortitude.”
– Michelle Obama
"Don't be afraid to be awesome. Sometimes being weird and different is good. When you think you're working hard, there is always someone else working harder, so always be yourself and know your stuff.”
– Jacqueline MacInnes Wood
“There is no secret to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work. And learning from failure”
– Colin Powell
“All your life you are told the things you cannot do. All your life they will say you’re not good enough or strong enough or talented enough… THEY WILL TELL YOU NO, a thousand times no… quite firmly and very quickly. AND YOU WILL TELL THEM YES.”
– Anonymous
“Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, ‘I will try again tomorrow.’”
– Mary Anne Radmacher
“Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.”
– Thomas A. Edison
“If you live long enough, you'll make mistakes. But if you learn from them, you'll be a better person. It's how you handle adversity, not how it affects you. The main thing is never quit, never quit, never quit.”
– William J. Clinton