FIRST IN THE FAMILY: Advice About College from First-Generation Students
Your College Years    by Kathleen Cushman

“Down-to-earth advice from actual first-gen students, presented in a casual style, well written, and with planning tools at the end of each chapter. An invaluable resource for students transitioning to college and for faculty.” – Sharon Hibbard, Houghton College

“You can’t be rolling through alone.” In the words of the same college students who gave advice earlier, this next-step guidebook tells students how to persist in college—an even bigger challenge for those who are blazing new trails. They speak of culture shock, remediation woes, and finding their way in the new freedoms of college studies. They stress the importance of forging relationships—with professors who will open the doors to new learning and accomplishments, as well as with peer mentors and study partners.

FIRST-GENERATION STUDENTS TALK ABOUT WHAT GETS THEM THROUGH
Six Audio-Slideshows for First-Year Students

In this DVD of six short audio-slideshows, first-generation college students describe the challenges they confront—and the support they need to make it to the four-year college degree. Their recorded voices and photographs bring alive the research on the obstacles of money, family circumstances, and insufficient academic preparation—underlining how colleges can assist. Discussion questions, both for students and for college faculty and staff, encourage thoughtful reflection.