Celebrating First-Generation Students
In the words of TC faculty member and fellow first-gen student Dr. Carmen Martínez-Roldán, first-generation college students inspire us “to keep reimagining new ways to honor a diversity of voices and experiences.”
First generation students make up roughly a quarter of TC’s student population! Scroll to learn more about the exciting events and giveaways we have in store for First Gen Celebration Week, ways to support first generation students, and links to learning resources centered on the First Gen experience!
Join Us For Our First Gen Week Celebration!
In honor of the many students within the Teachers College community whose hard work and resilience have led them to be the first in their families to attend college or graduate school, TC has planned a week-long celebration beginning Monday, November 3, 2025.
Join us in celebrating our first-generation student community by signing up to attend an event below!
*Please note that some events are by lottery.
Events hosted during First-Gen Celebration Week are sponsored by: Division of Community & Student Affairs, Graduate Student Life & Development, TC NEXT, and the Office of Admissions.
Looking to connect with other first-gen students at TC? Join FLI with TC, a community for first-generation and/or low-income students at Teachers College.
Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to contact OASID as early as possible to request reasonable accommodations. Email: oasid@tc.edu. Phone: 212-678-3689. Video Phone: 212-678-3854.
The Art of Being First Gen
Monday, Nov 3 | HM 146 | 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
Join us for a creative and reflective workshop where first-generation students will tell their stories through mosaic art. You’ll design and recreate an image that represents your personal journey, celebrating your identity, challenges, and triumphs as a first-gen student.
No art experience needed, all materials provided!
Participants will be selected through a lottery. To be entered for a chance to attend the event, please submit this form.
Let’s piece together something powerful!
TC Community Dinner
Monday, Nov 3 | GDH 177/179 | 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm
Join us for our 5th annual TC Community Dinner to celebrate being First Gen and the culture of community building and connection here at TC! Tickets for this event will be lottery-based – we hope to see you there!
We will be closing the lottery application on Wednesday, October 29 at 9:00 am ET and winners will be notified by Friday, October 31 at 12:00 pm ET.
First Gen Trivia
Tuesday, Nov 4 | Online | All Day
Follow GSLD on Instagram (@tcgsld) and test your First Gen knowledge with a trivia game and a chance to win TC merch!
TC NEXT Headshots
Wednesday, Nov 5 | Virtual | 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Need a headshot for LinkedIn, a portfolio, or other professional reasons?
We got you covered with free headshots being offered along with drop in support for career related questions. RSVP your time slot to see a professional photographer! Come dressed to impress. Hosted by TC NEXT.
Path to Ph.D
Thursday, Nov 6 | GDH 179 | 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm
Thinking about applying to doctoral programs but don’t know where to start?
This workshop is designed especially for first-generation students navigating the PhD application process, offering practical guidance, insider tips, and community support. Join us to learn how to craft a strong application, find funding, and connect with peers who share your journey toward advanced degrees.
A First Gen Collective
Friday, Nov 7 | HM 146 | 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm
Join us for a cozy, creative gathering celebrating first-generation voices through storytelling, art, and community!
We'll share picnic-style bites, decorate tote bags, and make zines that reflect our experiences and identities. Whether you're here to create, connect, or just relax, this is your space to feel seen, supported, and inspired.
Student/Alumni Stories
Delmy Lendof
Ed.D. ’13 Higher and Postsecondary Education
Attending Teachers College for my doctoral degree was only possible because faculty members like Dr. Lee Knefelkamp and Dr. Kevin Doherty believed in my potential more so than I ever did.
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Wayne Glass
Ed.M. Expected '24, Mental Health Counseling
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Akemi Yonemura
Ed.D. ’06, M.Ed. ’01, International Educational Development
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Christian Tanja
M.A. '16, International Educational Development
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Geórgia Freire
M.A., ’17, Higher and Post-Secondary Education
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Jacquada Gray II
M.A. ’19, Higher and Postsecondary Education
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Courtney Parent
M.A. ’22, Developmental Psychology
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Joey Uy
M.A. ’22, International Educational Development
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Gabriel Reyes
M.S. '21, Neuroscience & Education
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D.L. Moffitt
M.A. ’20, Education Policy
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Charmagne Jones
M.A. ’20, Applied Physiology
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Veronica M. Bohorquez
M.A. '19, International Educational Development
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Diana Cervantes Martinez
M.A., '19, Higher and Postsecondary Education
Support First-Generation Students
First-generation students are trailblazers who bring unique and diverse perspectives to our community and carry forward our legacy of equity and inclusion. Support them today with a gift to Teachers College.
Faculty Stories
Noah Drezner
Professor of Higher Education
"22 years ago as my father drove me to college, I began to get nervous. Did i make the right decision? Was I going to be able to make it on my own?"
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Haeny Yoon
Associate Professor of Early Childhood Education
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Anna Neumann
Professor of Higher Education
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Amina Tawasil
Lecturer, Anthropology and Education
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Michelle Knight-Manuel
Professor of Education
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Carmen Martínez-Roldán
Associate Professor of Bilingual/Bicultural Education
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Chris Emdin
Associate Professor of Science Education
