CAST First Gen Experience and Advice

Being a first-generation college student often means facing unique challenges—navigating complex systems, balancing academic pressures with family responsibilities, and overcoming financial obstacles. But first-gen students bring extraordinary strengths to their campuses: resilience, adaptability, and a fierce determination to succeed. They break down barriers, blaze new trails, and inspire future generations to pursue their dreams.

In honor of National First-Generation College Day some faculty and staff from the College of Applied Science and Technology offer their stories and advice.

Beth King- Retention Specialist

Happy First-Generation Day!! My name is Beth King, and I am the Retention Specialist for the College of Applied Science & Technology, here’s my first-gen story. I actually started as a first-generation student here at the University of Arizona. Those first few years of attending college left me feeling isolated, unclear about my academic and professional goals, and overwhelmed by not knowing how college worked. After many struggles that impacted my GPA and mental health, I ended up taking a break from my pursuit of a degree and worked seasonal jobs within the hospitality industry for a few years. I traveled around and learned how to break out of my comfort zone. I felt like I could do anything I set my mind to, including returning to school and earning a bachelor's degree. When I returned to college at Colorado State University as an adult learner, I was still very unsure of how college worked but had clearer goals. What really made the difference was reaching out to staff, faculty, and other students. I didn’t need to go at it alone, I needed my community! Both within the university and at home. Seeking help and connection is what aided me in not only persevering towards graduation but finding opportunities related to my goals. So, ask the questions you have! Share your goals with staff and faculty so they can support you in reaching them! Keep working your way towards graduation, because it ain’t over until it’s over! I believe in you and so does CAST. If you see me in the University Services Building, make sure to say hi!

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Brandy A. Brown Perkl- Associate Professor of Practice

As a first-generation student, my biggest challenge was hyper-independence—I thought success meant handling everything on my own. I didn’t realize that most successful people actually lean on mentors and resources for guidance. Mentoring has been essential to my journey, showing me paths I didn’t know existed and helping me learn what my family and I couldn’t have known. It’s okay to seek support—that’s often the key to success.

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Rachel Ridlen-Director of Academic Advising

I completed my MS in Psychology in 2022 (after completing my undergraduate degree in 2013), when my first son was three years old. Being a first-generation graduate student and a working mom was challenging. I had a ton of questions about graduate school, so I found a faculty mentor. I strongly encourage all students to find a faculty member who is a great sounding board for you to ask for help when you need it. I will be forever grateful for the advice and help from my mentor!

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Khester Kendrick-Assistant Professor of Practice

As a sophomore in high school, my family went through some traumatic issues. My father had a stroke and, soon after, a heart attack. My parents never saw a reason for college, often saying as we grew up that education wasn’t needed or that real men work real jobs. A college education was probably the furthest thing from my mind,?and with all the home issues, I dropped out at 16. I went from a low-end job to a low-end job over the next year, which you would expect from any kid with no education. My parents left the state, moving to Texas, and I room-mated with my older brother and his friends.

One of those friends had a brother who had joined the army and returned for Christmas. He talked about all the awesome things he got to do and his plan to develop a real future outside of the low-end workforce with four people sharing a 2-bedroom duplex. I expressed an interest, and the next thing I knew, the recruiter picked me up at the crack of dawn to go take the test for the GED. I remember my recruiter telling me not to stress it; but you could tell by his tone and actions that he was concerned I wouldn’t pass. I did.

Three weeks later, I was moving to Texas to meet with my folks before starting basic training. I enlisted as a communications specialist, where my love of technology came from. Flash forward to my first active assignment, I was assigned as the driver for the Battalion commander of an artillery unit after he did a random inspection of the barracks and noticed my computer system. He spoke to me while driving, often telling me I should attend college. Every excuse?and shake of my head only made him tell me that I was smart enough and good enough and could do it if I took the time.

When I got off active duty, my older brother was working on his bachelor's degree; soon, he was on his master’s and picked up a job at Boeing, making more in a week than I made in a month. He told me, like others, it’s not about being smart; it's about learning what interests you. I had attempted college; I went to a community college for some basic courses and barely passed. I went to Devry and about failed out within the first 6 months with a C- average. I had told my wife that college wasn’t for me, a high school dropout who couldn’t even tell you the difference between their, there, and theirs. My wife would smile, make a joke, and then calmly explain the difference, then tell me to take a break and hit it again later. I did and, to be honest, never intended to return.

About six months later, I tried again. This would mark the 6th time I had attended a college in hopes of getting a bachelor's degree. My advisor then looked over my transcripts, looked at my history, and recommended that instead of doing 3 to 4 courses at a time while working a full-time job and having kids, why not just do one? So I did, and passed my first course with an A; now, that first course was an introduction to university studies, but you have to take the small victories. My next course was a B, then another B, and then another until about my 5th?course; I received my first A. The professor took pity on me.?I had an 89.6%, and he gave me the .4% without asking.

Soon, I was getting a lot of A’s. I read my professors' notes on my papers and assignments, learned what I was doing wrong, and moved forward. The best advice I ever received was one of my professors telling me in a phone call, “Do the assignments; if you can just do the assignments on time every week, you can pass.” And so, I did and received my bachelor's degree in business with a 3.3 GPA.

My older brother called me; he had just finished his Ph.D. and was called to congratulate me. I told him it was just a bachelor's degree, and he replied, “No, it's not just a bachelor's degree. It’s a step in the right direction: start your masters. Bachelors are a dime a dozen; you got this.”

I started my MBA 30 days later, with AT&T picking up the tab. I did one course at a time and stopped with only one course left. AT&T had started laying people off, and my wife, being the smarter of the 2 of us, told me to go into cyber. I have already worked in mobility and security in the military. So, I started an MS in Cyber, completing the degree in 12 months with a 3.97 GPA; I turned around and finished my MBA with a 4.0, receiving both degrees within 30 days of each other. I started my Ph.D. 30 days later and graduated last December.?

Students often think professors are the smartest or the most intelligent. I’d argue we’re not the smartest; we have had our doubts, misgivings, and, yes, our own sense of imposter syndrome. I’m not the smartest, but I can read a book, watch a video, and ask for help when needed. I want my students to pass; I want them to know that I suffered and I had self-doubt. Just do the work, realize it’s a marathon, not a sprint, and if you need help, ask. You’d be surprised what professors will do for you if you try and ask for help.?