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 4, 2024.
Becoming First Gen: Sharing My Story
Monday, Nov 4 | HM 144 | 11:00am - 1:00pm
Are you a first generation student? Come help us celebrate the experience of being First Gen by decorating and enjoying cookies, sharing words of encouragement on our First Gen Tree, collecting some First Gen swag, and sharing your story of becoming First Gen at TC – we would love to feature you on the GSLD Instagram (@tcgsld)!
TC Community Dinner
Monday, Nov 4 | GDH 177/179 | 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Join us for our 4th 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!
First Gen Trivia
Tuesday, Nov 5 | Virtual | All Day
Follow GSLD on Instagram (@tcgsld) and test your First Gen knowledge with a trivia game and a chance to win a TC Teddy Bear or water bottle!
TC NEXT Headshots
Wednesday, Nov 6 | GDH 177 | 3:00pm - 6:00pm
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.
How to Write a Compelling Personal Statement
Thursday, Nov 7 | GDH 177/179 | 4:00pm - 5:30pm
You have the application, now it's time to tell your story! How to Write a Compelling Personal Statement is a panel discussion that will focus on introducing students to the importance of writing a compelling statement as part of their doctoral admissions application. Panelists will draw from their own experiences to guide students in demystifying the doctoral application process. Hosted by the Office of Diversity and Community Affairs and Graduate Student Life and Development.
First Gen at TC: Film Showing & Breakfast Reception
Friday, Nov 8 | HM 148 | 10:00am - 11:30am
In honor of the sacrifices, effort, and hard work that First Gen students at TC have put in to become a part of our community, we wanted to highlight some TC Stories in our First Gen at TC Film! Stop by for light breakfast, connection with First Gen students and staff, some First Gen swag, and a showing of our First Gen at TC Film!
Student/Alumni Stories
Geórgia Freire
M.A., ’17, Higher and Post-Secondary Education
"As a first-generation graduate student from the northeast of Brazil, I am deeply touched by the realization that opportunities to learn and create impact in our local communities are not out of reach for those from underprivileged areas around the world."
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Delmy Lendof
Ed.D. ’13 Higher and Postsecondary Education
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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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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
Michelle Knight-Manuel
Professor of Education
"Faith has allowed me to stay on this journey, all these many years."
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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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Noah Drezner
Professor of Higher 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
