First-Generation Jackrabbits
Tina Birgen
Coordinator for Student Success and Opportunity
Wintrode Student Success and Opportunity Center
Opportunity Center
Alaina Corgard
Professional Academic Advisor
Wintrode Student Success and Opportunity Center
First Year Advising Center
Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering
Nicole Gertken
Academic Success & Recovery Program Coordinator
Wintrode Student Success and Opportunity Center
Academic Success and Recovery Program
Nancy Hartenhoff-Crooks
Assistant Director-Disability Services
Office of Multicultural Affairs and Accessibility
Disability Services
Traci Johnson
Program Assistant I
Wintrode Student Success and Opportunity Center
Academic Success and Recovery Program
Summer Bridge
Christy Osborne
Professional Academic Advisor
Wintrode Student Success and Opportunity Center
First Year Advising Center
Jody Owen
Senior Director of Student Success and Opportunity Center
Wintrode Student Success and Opportunity Center
Opportunity Center
Meghan Peterson
Assistant Director and Professional Academic Advisor
Wintrode Student Success and Opportunity Center
First Year Advising Center
What do First-Generation Jackrabbits have to say about their experience?
"My college degree has been critical to opening many doors of opportunity. My parents, although not having the ability to pursue higher education themselves, were passionate about the power and value of education. They instilled within me that through education all things are possible."
"Never give up on yourself."
"Find a mentor! Identify people in your life who can support you in the goals you are working towards."
"...keep pushing, do not be afraid of failure, and get connected to SDSU! Meet with your academic advisor and support staff, attend campus events, and try something new!"
"Attending college as a first-generation student was one of the most challenging, yet rewarding experiences of my life. "
"I knew I wasn't going to take over the family farm, and I also knew that having a college degree would provide many more opportunities for finding a fulfilling career than a high school diploma would."
"My biggest piece of advice for first-generation students is to explore the resources available to you, and get involved! I attended SDSU as an undergraduate, and have since come back as both an employee and a graduate student."
"Have the courage to ask questions, do your research, learn self-advocacy, meet with your professors and utilize campus resources. With dedication and belief in yourself, anything you dare to dream is possible."
"I choose to attend college because it was a way to [a] better standard of living and life. My degree(s) were then and still today have been a game changer for allowing me to serve instead of work."