Celebrating our first-generation students

I wanted to share with you my message to our students today as we celebrated First-Generation Scholars Day on campus:

Today is national First-Generation College Celebration Day. Nearly half of our students are the first in their families to go to college, and many of our staff and faculty are similarly first-gen. I am the second generation in my family to go to college, but as the 18th president of Goshen College, I am only the third president who is not first generation. Goshen has a long history of serving and being led by first-gen scholars.

 

Navigating all of the choices and responsibilities of being in college is demanding! I know that this can create anxiety. And all of the changes happening now in our society and politics may add to that. People are saying threatening things about identities that we embody here at GC. In the midst all of this, we are here for you – to listen to you, to understand what resources you need, and to do all that we can do to be responsive to you.

 

People learn best when they feel safe and when they can trust their environment and their community. For me and for all of us at GC, your security – physical, emotional, and social – is our highest priority because we want you to learn and thrive and graduate. But also because we care about every one of you as persons.

 

We create a safe and trustworthy environment at Goshen College through understanding one another. Don’t hesitate to tell us what you need to thrive here in the midst of all the diversity on this campus and around us more broadly.

 

At GC there are things that we share in common, and things that make us different – our citizenship, race and ethnicity, gender, sexuality, the languages we speak. In the midst of all of our variety, we will treat you with dignity and honor who you are. We will advocate for your security and your needs – in the context of your legal rights and also in the way of Jesus, who came to bring liberation to the oppressed.

 

To our first-gen students, we are so glad that you are here! We see your talent, your intellect, and also your confidence and bravery as you make your way through college. Keep making connections, letting us know how you are doing and what you need. We are here for you.”

Rebecca Stoltzfus

Meet three of our first-generation students: