A first generation breakfast event was held for first-generation college students on Nov. 8, in the Johnson Plaza.
About 50 students in all participated in the event consisting of four tables with food and information about opportunities and support for first generation students.
Roughly half of University of La Verne students are first generation, meaning they are the first in their families to attend college.
The Academic Success Center and Academic and Career Services both had tables as well.
The event was in honor of first generation week on campus.
“We try to make people feel included because it can be intimidating when you are in college and you don’t know anyone who has done college before and it is a new process,” said Cinthia Rodriguez, senior business major social media coordinator for the Holistic and Inclusive Practices for Student Success, or HIPSS. One table that had fruit, breakfast burritos, donuts, and hot chocolate.
The Academic Success Center table offered information about the services offered there. They also gave out pens and notepads.
The Academic and Career Services table also offered information about career paths for various majors, along with snacks to grab and go.
“We basically help out students (who) need some direction, and we help in any way we can, whether that be financial, with tutoring, or just as mentors,” she said.
The HIPSS office also offers peer mentoring.
One activity at the breakfast offered passers-by and participants the chance to write messages to the first generation students, with the goal of making them feel included.
For more information on first generation programs and services, email title111grant@laverne.edu.
—Justin Ries
Justin Ries is a junior journalism major with a concentration in broadcast journalism, and is a staff writer for the Campus Times.
Vicente Rodriguez is a senior photography major with a marketing minor and a staff photographer for the Campus Times. He has previously served as photography editor of the Campus Times and a staff photographer for La Verne Magazine.
