Angel Jimenez, 22, adds his message — “You are not alone” — during USC’s celebration of first-generation college students Monday. (USC Photo/Gus Ruelas)
USC celebrates first-generation trailblazers
Students share messages of inspiration for others who seeks to be the first in their family to attend college.
Senior Angel Jimenez of the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences quickly came up with the words “You are not alone” when it was her turn to post a message on the “positivity board” erected for Monday’s celebration of USC’s first-generation students.
“It’s very easy to feel kind of by yourself in this journey but in reality, you are not,” said the sociology major, who grew up in El Monte and is planning to attend law school. “There is an entire community here that has gone through similar experiences and is here for support. I feel so seen and so proud of my first-gen identity.”
Jimenez was among the more than 300 first-generation students who gathered in Hahn Plaza on the USC University Park Campus for a spirited noontime event presented by the First Generation Plus Success Center and the Norman Topping Student Aid Fund. It included performances by members of the USC Trojan Marching Band, who shared high-fives with the crowd between musical numbers and the distribution of T-shirts emblazoned with the slogan “First to Fight On.” Students also enjoyed gourmet “USC Trojan Cookies” from Brady’s Bakery that were stuffed with pieces of red velvet cookie and cream cheese frosting.
“The idea is to celebrate, honor and showcase that USC values and really prioritizes first-gen students,” said Devon Hernandez, interim director of Trojan Success Initiatives, as he checked students into the event.
Among the other messages written on the small cardinal and gold pieces of paper and posted on the makeshift wall: “You WILL make your dreams happen!,” “Si se puede!,” “Don’t be afraid to ask for help!,” “You are here to make a difference!” and “You got this!”
Support for USC first-gen students
USC defines first-generation college students as students whose parents do not have four-year degrees. Of the 3,489 first-year students enrolled in fall classes, 22% are first-generation.
USC Dornsife senior Jada Blunt is one of those students. She’s felt support from the university since she moved from her home state of Florida to study biology at USC.
“I think it’s really cool for first-gen students to be recognized and celebrated and to know that the school is there to support them,” she said. “They don’t have to feel alone, even though they may feel that way when they first come in.”
USC’s First Generation Plus Success Center, on the second floor of the Ronald Tutor Campus Center, opened its doors in fall 2023. It serves as a resource hub and aims to create a culture of belonging and inclusion for first-generation students as they transition into college life. The center promotes campus engagement, community building and visibility, with a focus on the retention and success of first-generation students.
“We want to make sure that folks feel like they belong,” Hernandez said. “We want to ensure that students understand they have a wonderful support system at USC and that whatever they set their mind to, they can achieve it.”
Finding joy and purpose at USC: First-gen students
Sophomore Jovany Perez, who grew up in the small town of Piru in Ventura County, pointed out that while he may be the first in his family to attend college, he would not have been able to make it to USC without his family’s emotional support. This attitude is reflected in his written message: “Fight on for your family.”
“My family was there for me, supporting me in all moments,” said Perez, who is majoring in human biology at USC Dornsife. “It was especially hard trying to figure out how to manage everything you need to do to get accepted.”
The oldest of 12 grandchildren, Perez knows other members of his family are paying attention to his journey.
“I definitely want to make a way for them so they can have a better life too,” he said. “I love life at USC. I enjoy every aspect of it, and the entire vibe of the campus is completely joyful.”
Freshman Caleb Park of the USC Price School of Public Policy beamed as he watched more than a dozen fellow members of the Trojan Marching Band perform. Park, who was not performing on this day, said playing the trombone in the band has “elevated” his college experience. He is the oldest of three children and came to USC on a QuestBridge scholarship for high-achieving students from low-income backgrounds.
“I definitely found my family here, and I’m going to be really sad when I have to go back for winter break,” said Park, who is from Chicago. “Just walking around campus with my dormmates and talking to random people, you learn about their experiences. Everybody’s going through something, and we’re all kind of in this together with the Trojan spirit.”
Adriana Morales, a second-year graduate student at USC Price, smiled as a staff member handed her a first-generation T-shirt at the event. She said she plans on wearing it proudly.
“It’s very important to recognize that first-generation students are trailblazers,” Morales said. “To be able to come together in community and celebrate this way is just remarkable. Students who come from first-generation backgrounds are here and thriving.”
