PREPARED WITH PRIDE: REGENTS FIRST HELPS FIRST-GENERATION COLLEGE STUDENTS SUCCEED

This semester, Rockford University proudly unveiled its Regents First program, a new initiative to recruit, support, and retain first-generation college students. Strategies. Regents First participants receive a stipend to support the purchase of course materials both semesters of their first year.

... the ultimate goal is to see them become the first in their family to obtain a bachelor’s “ degree – and not only start it but finish it.”

They’re also paired with a peer mentor — another first-generation college student who can be a motivating force and help build resilience during the first year of school through weekly check-ins and study group sessions.

Open to incoming freshmen, Regents First takes what can be a challenging experience for anyone – enrolling in a four-year university – and boosts support for students who are working to become the first in their families to earn a bachelor’s degree.

Eight students make up the first cohort — all of them having been selected after applying and interviewing in order to understand the program’s requirements.

They’re paired with a designated financial aid coach, as well as a college life skills coach who will meet with them regularly throughout the academic year, according to Dr. Karen Walker, dean of academic support at the Center for Learning While the program is designed to ensure and increase student retention for first-generation college students at Rockford University, the ultimate goal is college completion.

“I have emphasized for these eight folks that I will have a tissue box with me at commencement while I watch as each one walks across the stage,” Dr. Walker explained. “They may change jobs or majors over the course of four years or so. But the ultimate goal is to see them become the first in their family to obtain a bachelor’s degree – and not only start it but finish it.”

Learning Campus Life

The Regents First participants got their first taste of campus life July 25-30 during a residential summer retreat before classes kicked off Aug. 18.

For some, it was their first or longest time away from home.

“It was good, my first live-away-from-home experience,” said 18-year-old Briana Flores, a nursing major.

“The first night was nerve-wracking, but then I started getting to know my roommate and started to feel calmer and more at peace.” Miami Roby, 17, said nerves caused her to lose some sleep that first night, but playing games and doing icebreakers with students and staff helped make her feel more comfortable.

“The retreat as a whole taught me a lot about myself,” Roby said. “It taught me how to be more open and put myself out there. There were personal moments where we shared things about ourselves and learned a lot about each other and how we’re really not that different. We learned that we’re not alone and the whole group is really here for support.”

Support is exactly what Regents First aims to provide, as well as the common thread of what it’s like to be a first-generation college student.

Roby’s family moved from the south to Rockford several years back, and she struggled during high school. Her mother cried when she found out Roby had been accepted to RU.

“She’s extremely supportive and she’s told me how glad she is that I have support and how much easier it will be to navigate not only the schoolwork but having help on campus and the emotional support,” said Roby, who’s majoring in musical theater.

Flores, who was raised in California and moved to Rockford about two years ago with her family, said her mom tagged along when she bought her books, and she enjoys including her parents on her journey.

Jenny Pina, 18, also came to Rockford by way of California about five years ago with her family. She feels the pressure to succeed as the oldest sibling with two younger brothers.

“I am the example,” said Pina, an education major who wants to teach third grade. “I’ve felt nothing but support from my parents. I worked all summer to pay for tuition, but my parents offered to help me in whatever way they could because they’re so proud of me.”

Support also comes from Regents First peer mentors such as Jaedyn Brannon-Davis, a 19-yearold sophomore, and 22-year-old senior Kassandra Campos. Both are also first-generation college students and use that shared experience to connect with Regents First students.

Brannon-Davis, a sports management major, was recommended by his basketball coach to become a mentor. He sees a lot of mentees in his classes and is looking forward to being there for each other and bonding. “I want them to never underestimate what they can do,” he said.

Campos, a biomedical sciences major, also wanted to help people through becoming a mentor. “I know the struggle of finding your way around campus and studying for classes and not having family members who’ve been through it. I wanted to help others because I know what it’s like.”

Looking Ahead

Flores, Roby, and Pina shared what they’re most looking forward to at RU as they embarked on their first semester.

“I’m really looking forward to meeting new people and experiencing new things in my major,” Roby said. “In middle school and high school, I never felt like I was part of things or fit in. After coming here and meeting my advisor, I already feel like I belong, like I’m actually going to grow here. I’m excited for that.”

“The class size ratio is small, so I can get to know the other students and we can reach out to our mentors and other students if we need them,” Flores explained.

“I think the biggest thing is mostly the growth I’ll get from here,” Pina said. “Making connections and meeting people, becoming part of and having a sense of community. I’ve never found something where I said, ‘this is my passion and I belong here.’ I’m hopeful college will give me a sense of direction to find out what I’m made for.”