Nearly 40 percent of Stony Brook University’s undergraduate students are the first in their families to attend college, a demographic that faces unique challenges navigating higher education without family guidance. Each November, the university recognizes these students during First-Generation Week, aligning with the national First-Generation College Celebration.
The week features workshops, networking opportunities, and community-building programs aimed at supporting and celebrating first-generation students. This year’s event began on November 3 with a brunch and panel discussion hosted by the First Generation Committee. More than 50 attendees gathered in the Student Union Ballroom to hear from students, faculty, and staff who shared personal stories about perseverance and belonging.
“Being first-generation means setting new standards and creating new traditions,” said Mariana Torres, assistant dean for Academic Advising and a first-generation college graduate who moderated the panel. “It’s about opening doors that weren’t open before — for yourself and for others.”
Panelists included Cydney Munro (academic advisor), Giselle Castro and Cenia Larios (Master of Social Work Advanced Standing students), Saniya Lopez (business management major), Celia Marshik (dean of the Graduate School), and Jose Romero-Diaz (Bachelor of Social Work student). They discussed overcoming obstacles such as unfamiliarity with campus life, financial pressures, and balancing family responsibilities.
Jose Romero-Diaz described his path to college as turbulent: “My college experience has been very turbulent,” he said. “I had to drop out due to financial and personal circumstances, and I worked in the service industry for 10 years before coming back. But I learned how to speak publicly, work under pressure, and pay attention to detail, and those skills helped me when I returned to school.” His persistence led him to join honor societies like Tri-Alpha Honor Society for first-generation students.
Cenia Larios also spoke about finding her direction after attending several colleges: “It took me a little while to get here,” she said. “I started and stopped at different colleges before realizing social work was where I was meant to be. Once I found my place, everything clicked.”
Cydney Munro reflected on how involvement on campus changed her experience: “Getting involved was a game-changer,” she said. “Attending events, communicating with peers, and celebrating milestones like graduation — that’s what made me feel like I belonged.”
Saniya Lopez recounted initial doubts about attending college: “I didn’t think I was going to college,” she said. “My family was struggling financially, and I applied late. My freshman year, I was homesick and ready to go home. But once I got involved and built a community, I really fell in love with being here.”
Giselle Castro explained her shift in academic focus: “I thought I was going to be a dentist,” she said. “But I wasn’t good at science. It was hard to explain to my family why I changed my major. They didn’t understand at first, but when I graduated, their excitement made it all worth it.”
Many panelists highlighted difficulties explaining their experiences to families unfamiliar with higher education expectations or rituals.
Munro kept her family engaged by sharing visual updates: “I used to FaceTime my family to show them where I was on campus,” she said. “Just sharing my day helped them feel part of the experience.”
Celia Marshik recalled her parents’ hesitance about her leaving home for school: “My parents wanted me to go to college but didn’t want me to go too far,” she said. “They didn’t understand the significance of things like graduation ceremonies. The first one I ever attended was here at Stony Brook, as a faculty member. I realized then what I had missed.”
Romero-Diaz encouraged others not to view seeking help as weakness: “It’s hard to feel like you belong,” he said. “But asking for help isn’t a weakness. It’s a sign of strength.”
Munro now advises students based on lessons learned from her own journey: “As a student, I didn’t take advantage of resources because I didn’t know they existed,” she said. “That’s why I tell first-gen students now: find a mentor, ask for help, and use the support systems that are here for you.”
Larios gave audience members marbles as symbols of perseverance: "Someone once gave me this as a reminder of perseverance," she told attendees.
The panel closed with advice from each participant:
“Don’t be afraid to ask for help,” Castro advised.
“Find your people," Larios added." Build your community. Be comfortable with being uncomfortable."
Marshik suggested practical engagement: "Go to your professors’ office hours."
Torres concluded by saying,“Being first-generation isn’t just about going first... It’s about opening doors so others can follow.”
Events throughout First-Generation Week include career advising sessions—where students can receive professional headshots—and social gatherings designed both for support and connection among participants.