The second session of the Compass Leader’s four part First-Generation Series took place 3 p.m. Feb. 10 in Blackmore Library. The session focused on the values and motivators of students who are the first in their families to go to college.
“We’re here to address the needs first-generations have… and to provide some guidance,” said Anthony Hitch, first-generation student and creator of the series.
Hitch began the session by showing a clip from “Why Not Us?,” a documentary created by The College Board and Roadtrip Nation that focuses on four first-generation students who are traveling the country interviewing inspirational and successful people who were also the first in their family to go to college.
The video shows students that they can be successful despite not having anyone in their immediate family as a role model.
“I think it was a good reminder of why I’m here at Capital, and [it] also helped me put my priorities in order,” sophomore Gabriella Tole said.
Hitch then led an exercise that dealt with students’ values, communities, friends and families, identity, and goals. After listing 30 of the most important things in their lives, students were then asked to narrow down those items to only one, the core motivator.
“The purpose of this is to shed away the other things, to show you what motivates you…what is most important,” Hitch said.
The session concluded with another video clip and an open-dialogue prompt regarding how families influence students’ decisions concerning higher education.
“I think today’s session went very well. I like that there were some new faces in the room, and it’s always nice when people are open to discussion,” Hitch said. “You can come in for any session and sit and learn something about yourself.”
The third session focusing on “Communities and Social Identity” will be held 3 p.m. Wed., March 24 in Blackmore Library room 110.
