Current First-Generation Students

Current First-Generation Student Chronicles

Myah BoyesMyah Boyes, Graduate, School Counseling major.

Tell us about why you chose Ball State University.

I chose Ball State because of the wonderful community the campus provided me! There was always something to do, whether that was Late Nite, resident assistant or housing events, or athletics. Additionally, there is a wide range (more than 200) of different organizations and clubs that are offered to students, which allows every student to have an opportunity to engage with their peers and community.  

What were you the most nervous about in coming to Ball State? How did you navigate those concerns?

My biggest concern coming to Ball State, and college in general, was that I did not know what to expect. As a first-generation college student, I did not necessarily have all the information and resources I needed to be the most successful. I am also an out-of-state student, so moving out to Indiana was a huge step for me to take. I was initially worried about making friends and navigating adulthood without my mom being physically close to me, and I was worried about making all of the right choices. To help ease into the college environment, I enrolled in an early start program that Ball State offers freshmen/first-year students, where I had the opportunity to move onto campus before the general student population. In the early start program, I was able to tour campus, learn about Ball State’s resources, and meet other students that I am still friends with today (since 2019)! I also attended as many events as possible, and by doing so, I made a lot of friends and met faculty and staff who have aided me in my success here. 

What are the qualities and experiences you brought with you to Ball State that have helped you succeed in college?

One hundred percent—an open mind. Coming to college can be a huge culture shock; the student population is diverse, resources and communities are different, the structure of classes is built for different learning styles, and at college, you are going to learn about a lot of topics that grade school didn't teach you. You are going to meet a lot of people with different perspectives, life goals, and values. I truly learned how important it was to consider intersectionality when it comes to meeting new people and understanding their worldviews and opinions. 

What has been the most difficult part of the college experience for you? 

One of the most difficult parts of college for me was feeling confident enough to ask for help. I am a headstrong person, and I want to believe that I can do everything myself— especially since I want to show everyone that I can be independent and that I can be the first one to go to college in my family! I eventually learned the hard way when I began to fail my classes because I wouldn't ask for help. Just because you need help or are confused by something doesn't mean that you are less than someone else. It is so important to ask for help when you need it—whether that is with academics, mental health, or social gatherings. Ball State offers a wide range of assistance such as the Learning Center, teacher assistants, note takers, study sessions, the Writing Center, and much more. Ball State wants you to succeed, so take advantage of the free assistance!

Tell us about your proudest moment/s at Ball State University.

There are a lot of memories during my six years at Ball State that I see as proud moments. Looking back over my years, I think the thing I did that made me feel the proudest was essentially pulling an organization out of the ashes and restructuring it back to its success. As the president of the Green Action Team, I was able to engage with community partners, faculty, staff, and all of the students. During this experience, I gained a lot of support, strong relationships, and feelings of acceptance. I felt like I meant something to the Ball State community and that I was making a difference. That is something for which I will always be grateful.

Looking back, what is something you know now that you wish you had known during your first few weeks at Ball State as an incoming student?

I wish I had known about all of the financial and insecurity resources that were available. During my first couple of years at Ball State, I wasn't aware of the amazing resources offered to students, such as Cardinal Kitchen (Ball State’s free food pantry), Cardinal Closet (a free business clothing store), and the Counseling Center. Additionally, I learned the importance of engaging with the Muncie community as well as the Ball State community. There is so much more than just campus life! Muncie has farmers markets, fun shops, lots of restaurants, fairs during the Summer, pride festival, etc. 

What is one piece of advice you would share with first-generation students preparing to attend Ball State University, or in their first year at Ball State?

Get involved! Step out of your comfort zone and talk with your classmates, compliment someone on your walk to class, and join committees and clubs. A simple act of kindness can make your day and can even positively impact your college experience. 

First Generation Students

Angel VazquezAngel Esquivel Vazquez- Junior, Biology Major

Tell us about why you chose Ball State University.

I chose Ball State because they were significantly faster and more attentive to my questions and financial aid needs. I was initially planning on attending IUPUI, but Ball State got back to me faster and gave me more benefits.

What were you the most nervous about in coming to Ball State? How did you navigate those concerns?

I was nervous about failure. I am the first person in my family to go to college, and I put a lot of pressure on myself to succeed and thrive. I had no idea what the work would be like and had nothing to compare it to. I got through it by taking it one day at a time. Maybe it sounds a bit cliché but waking up to every day as a new day and telling myself, "Just for today, I will focus on my schoolwork and allow nothing to interfere with my responsibility of getting a better education," or "Just for today, I will smile. I will be grateful for all the wonderful things I have instead of focusing on everything I do not have." There is a lot to do in one day—sometimes too much—which can easily overwhelm us. Sometimes, it is easier to take a step back and do it one day at a time.

What are the qualities and experiences you brought with you to Ball State that have helped you succeed in college?

I think the most significant qualities are discipline, tenacity, and patience. These were vital to creating everything I wanted to do and getting involved with around school. Discipline was built into me early on because the stakes were way higher than in high school. I knew I had to organize my time and take extreme ownership of my education and myself because my success depended entirely on me. Tenacity was also key because sometimes my hopes were high, and sometimes things turned out low, but I knew there was something new to look forward to or something different to try my hand at. This mental fluidity kept me moving, and even though there were roadblocks, I knew I would find my way around them. I just needed to avoid getting stuck in the past, wasting time on what I couldn't change. Instead, I focused on the now because the present is much too exciting. Lastly, patience was a big part of my success because there is so much going on all the time, and sometimes, it is easy to get caught up in the emotion of everything and say or do something you don't mean. Being patient not only with different opportunities and biding your time but, most importantly, with other people is crucial. Learn to detach with love from the chaos and let others lose their cool. Keep focused on what is best for you because a focused mind has no room for our sometimes destructive, overactive imaginations.

What has been the most difficult part of the college experience for you?

The most difficult for me has been the work-life balance. I sometimes struggle with the two extremes; there should be a good balance between locking yourself in your room to grind out homework and playing video games for 12 hours. I struggle with allowing myself to relax or take a break because I feel pressure to always be doing something. It's the wrong mindset, but I believe that if I'm not getting better, then I'm getting worse. This ends up putting me in a constant work mode and never really spending time doing anything I want to do, leading to burnout and overall poor mental health. Slowly, I've been getting better, and I know there is a better way to manage my workload, but it's a process. The best thing I can do is give myself grace and continue to actively work toward my goals.

Tell us about your proudest moments at Ball State University.

My proudest moment was being selected as a resident assistant at Park Hall. It was a huge moment during my freshman year because I felt like I had made a genuine impact on the people around me. I later spoke to the residential learning coordinator at the time, and she gave me some insight into why they chose me to be in their building. I was just so grateful and proud of the work I had put in. Seeing that my work had turned into something tangible, like free room and board, was amazing. I was honored, and it felt heartwarming to know that people were recognizing me and noticing me—so much so that they offered me a job!

Looking back, what is something you know now that you wish you had known during your first few weeks at Ball State as an incoming student?

There are tons of scholarships and opportunities around campus and on websites that aren't really advertised anywhere, and you have to ask around until you get in contact with someone who can help you with your goals. This is where that tenacity piece comes in because you have to put in the work, and it will come to you in one way or another. There are many excellent opportunities and scholarships that many don't know about, so they may not be as competitive or hard to receive as you might think. 

What is one piece of advice you would share with first-generation students preparing to attend Ball State University or in their first year at Ball State?

There is so much I could say about this question, and I’d love to be a resource for other students, but my best advice is—do what you think you can’t.

Alisha FieldsAlisha Fields- Junior, Psychological Science Major

Tell us about why you chose Ball State University.

I chose Ball State because I loved the atmosphere of the campus. I also live in Muncie, so it allowed me to stay close to home, which was nice, especially during my first year. I already knew a lot about campus and wanted to explore the opportunities Ball State provided over other schools. 

What were you the most nervous about in coming to Ball State? How did you navigate those concerns?

The thing I was most nervous about in coming to Ball State would be the general college admissions process, such as application, housing, dining, financial aid, etc. Since my parents never went to college, we were used to a completely different school system from a different country. I didn't have siblings or older friends, so I didn’t have anyone to answer my questions. However, once I was on campus, I realized there were actually a lot of people who could help me. I used a lot of on-campus resources, which helped me a lot in navigating how college worked. 

What are the qualities and experiences you brought with you to Ball State that have helped you succeed in college?

Some of the qualities that I already had that helped me a lot as I transitioned to a college student at Ball State would be good time management and loving to learn. I think that many students struggle with time management, but I was always lucky enough to be able to organize my time efficiently and successfully. I have also always loved to learn about the things that interest me, so it was never a struggle to wake up and go to class, and I never really had the urge to skip my classes. This has always, in turn, made me a very attentive listener, which helps me retain what I learn better and perform very well in my classes. 

What has been the most challenging part of the college experience for you? 

The most difficult part of college for me so far has been making friends. Since the majority of my high school friends are also attending Ball State, I have kind of just kept to those who I already know and haven't really branched out to other people. 

Tell us about your proudest moment/s at Ball State University.

I am proud of everything I have accomplished so far while at Ball State, but some moments that stick out are making the Dean's List every semester. I am also very proud of being selected by professors for immersive learning classes, research opportunities, and honors classes because it proves to me that all my hard work and determination are significant and put me in line for better opportunities for the future. 

Looking back, what is something you know now that you wish you had known during your first few weeks at Ball State as an incoming student?

One thing I wish I had known earlier is how boring college can be at times. The abrupt transition from the busyness of high school—with seven classes a day, after-school meetings and events, constantly hanging out with friends, and, for me personally, night classes after school—to having only a couple of classes a day and being bored in my dorm room was not something I expected. The media and teachers throughout high school make it seem like college is so much harder, but I have had a very different experience. I would advise others to get involved on campus to avoid the boredom and stay productive. 

What is one piece of advice you would share with first-generation students preparing to attend Ball State University or in their first year at Ball State?

Coming to college is a very intimidating transition in life, even more so for first-generation students, but everyone feels the same way. It may feel lonely and like you are the only one who is a little lost or confused, but I promise everyone is feeling the exact same way. Many people don't want to admit that they don't know what is going on or what to do, but they still feel that way. Don't be scared or too proud to admit your confusion because it allows you to take advantage of many amazing on-campus resources that will help you so much, especially in your first year. 


First-Generation Faculty and Staff Chronicles

Amaya LeBlancAmaya LeBlanc – Student Success Coach, University College

Tell us about why you chose Ball State University.

I chose Ball State for many reasons. I wanted a medium-sized school that wasn’t too far from home, and being raised in Indianapolis, an hour away was just the right distance for me. When I first visited, everyone was so welcoming, and the moment I stepped on campus, I knew it was the place for me. It felt like a second home, and I loved that it offered the major I wanted. It just felt like the right fit.

What were you the most nervous about in coming to Ball State? How did you navigate those concerns?

I was nervous about being away from home since I’m close to my family. Being away from my support system was a big concern for me. I was also worried about the transition from high school to college because they’re so different, and I wasn’t sure if I was fully prepared for what college would be like. I navigated these concerns by getting involved in student organizations like the Black Student Association (BSA), Pinky Promise, Ball State Dance Marathon (BSUDM), and Impact. Being active in these groups helped me feel more connected and supported. I also had a close group of friends who helped a lot with feeling homesick, which made a big difference.

What are the qualities and experiences you brought with you to Ball State that have helped you succeed in college?

As a first-generation student and the child of immigrants from Trinidad and Tobago, I brought resilience and determination to Ball State. My family moved to America when I was just six weeks old, which motivated me to succeed and make the most of my opportunities. Setbacks like academic warnings and being dismissed pushed me to work harder. After my dismissal, I spent a year at Ivy Tech to raise my GPA, showing my commitment to improvement.  Ultimately, I wasn’t just doing this for my parents; I was doing it for myself because I had my own goals, and finishing school was essential to reaching them.

What has been the most difficult part of the college experience for you?

The hardest part of my college experience was dealing with academic setbacks, like being on academic warning and then getting dismissed. These challenges affected my grades and made me doubt myself and my place at the University. As a first-generation student, the pressure to meet expectations made things even more challenging. It was hard to overcome my fear of failure and get back on track while feeling uncertain about myself. Returning to Ball State after a year away was also difficult because I had to adjust to a higher academic standard and rebuild my support network.

Tell us about your proudest moments at Ball State University.

One of my proudest moments was making the Dean’s List three times after returning to Ball State. After struggling academically in the beginning, being recognized for my achievements was rewarding. It proved that all the hard work and perseverance paid off.

Another proud moment was graduating from Ball State and getting accepted into a master’s program. It felt like a full-circle moment, going from facing academic dismissal to thriving in grad school and then becoming a full-time staff member as a student success coach. It’s important to me that other students thrive here as I did.

Looking back, what is something you know now that you wish you had known during your first few weeks at Ball State as an incoming student?

I wish I had known how important it was to reach out for help early on. Being a first-generation student, you feel lost and feel like you have to learn everything on your own, but you don't. Ball State has many valuable resources available to students, such as academic advisors, success coaches, tutoring, and student organizations. I gained an understanding that asking for support isn’t a sign of weakness but a step toward success. Knowing that early on would’ve made a big difference for me. If I had started building a strong network of mentors, advisors, and peers from the beginning, I would’ve felt more connected and better prepared to handle the ups and downs of college life.

What is one piece of advice you would share with first-generation students preparing to attend Ball State University, or in their first year at Ball State?

I’d tell first-generation students to embrace the journey. You are not alone, and there are plenty of resources to help you, like advisors, success coaches, and tutoring. Get connected as much as possible because these resources can help you overcome academic challenges. Remember that there’s no shame in struggling, but there’s a lot of power in not giving up. Even when things get tough, it’s possible to turn things around and achieve success. As Maya Angelou said, “You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated.” So, keep pushing forward—you’ve got this!

First-GenEration Faculty and Staff

First-Generation Faculty and Staff Chronicles

Nikolas AtlasNickolas Atlas, Director of Student Services, College of Health

When in your life did obtaining a college education become a goal for you? Why was it so important?

In eighth grade, we went to Washington, D.C., for a school field trip, and I immediately knew it was where I belonged. I remember saying to myself, “I have to go to college here.” Both of my parents had always encouraged me to go to college, and it was never really a question of if I would go, but where. In high school, it clearly became my goal to get into a college in Washington, D.C., because that is where I wanted to live. It was important to me because I knew early on that I wanted to work in education, and a college degree was required. I was fortunate to have the full support of my parents and achieved my goal of being accepted into The Catholic University of America, and lived in D.C. for 14 years. A dream come true!

What were some of your biggest challenges as a first-generation student as you began your college career? How did you navigate those challenges?

The biggest challenges for me were that there were zero resources at my institution for first-generation students. I also couldn’t ask my parents for help because they had no knowledge of how higher education worked. I didn’t know what any office names were, like a “Provost” or “Registrar,” so I literally had to Google them. I also didn’t have a traditional academic advisor, but rather a faculty advisor who simply picked out my courses for the first year. Partially because it is my personality, but also because I think most first-generation students have this attitude, I took it upon myself to investigate A LOT. If no one was going to help me, I was going to find out everything on my own. I made sure to find the requirements for my degree, minors, general academic policies, etc. This isn’t to say I didn’t struggle. In fact, I struggled particularly with my academics in my first year, and I didn’t have anyone to advise me on how to study, or if I should retake a course. Most, if not all, of my friends were not first-generation students, and therefore, I felt I couldn’t lean on them for support. Despite being in my favorite city, I was also challenged by being so far away from home. I navigated all of these challenges by just pushing through and not giving up.

What were some qualities and experiences you brought with you to college to helped you succeed?

I can be a very stubborn and determined person. I could have easily dropped out of college because of the lack of support the university offered me. I was clearly floundering my first year. Would that happen in 2023? No. They’ve implemented a lot more resources since I was a student. I owe it to my parents for the continued support they gave me, in addition to my personal determination for not wanting to give up.

Tell us about your proudest moment/s as a college student.

It simply was graduating and knowing I did it essentially all on my own. I basically picked out all of the courses for my major and found a way to triple minor. I remember walking on the steps of our Basilica, shaking hands with our dean while holding my diploma and looking out into the crowd seeing my parents hold up a huge banner that read, “Congrats Nick Atlas, we love you!” That was my proudest moment as a college student.

What was your family’s reaction when you earned your first college degree?

Everyone was extremely proud, particularly my parents. Several family members, including my parents and grandmother, all traveled from Connecticut to attend the graduation ceremony.

Attending to the needs of first-generation students is a major point of emphasis at Ball State. What are some impactful ways you’ve seen this area addressed in your position on campus?

We have First-Generation Day on Nov. 8, where we recognize all of our first-generation college students at a reception. Several other offices and colleges also contribute with their own events. I think this is really wonderful because when a first-gen student sees a faculty or staff member and other students who share this identity, they become part of this special community. Recognizing and celebrating are extremely important!

What is one piece of advice you would share with first-generation students preparing to attend Ball State, or in their first year at the University?

Identify the support services that your university provides. If you find they are lacking in any areas, don’t be afraid to ask questions and do your own research. Ask for clarification on things. Be your own advocate if you need to! Fortunately, Ball State does a wonderful job supporting our first-generation students!


Adam BeachDr. Adam Beach, Dean of the Graduate School and Professor of English, College of Sciences and Humanities

When in your life did obtaining a college education become a goal for you? Why was it so important?

My father worked in the skilled trades in a Buick plant in Flint, Mich., where I grew up, and he always emphasized to me the importance of going to college. My parents wanted me to have other career opportunities besides the auto factories in our hometown.

What were some of your biggest challenges as a first-generation student as you began your college career? How did you navigate those challenges?

I was lucky to grow up in a house with readers (my mom and grandmother always had a book in their hands) and an emphasis on hard work and attaining higher education. However, my family wasn’t always thrilled to learn about the ideas I was exploring in my classes, even though they always supported me and were super proud of me as I went through school and eventually obtained my Ph.D. If you are having difficulty translating what you are learning in college to your family members who did not go to college, I think this is normal. I had to navigate and code-switch a lot, and ended up not talking a whole lot about my studies when I was at home.

What were some qualities and experiences you brought with you to college to help you succeed?

My family always emphasized hard work, and my father worked long hours without complaint. I think I brought that hard-working, blue-collar mentality to my academic work and would stick with difficult assignments and classes even when I did not feel like working or wanted to give up. If my dad never complained about doing hard physical labor in a plant, then I decided I would not allow myself to slack off in my own academic work. Thankfully, I was able to become very successful in college, and much of that was due to the hard-working habits instilled in me by my family.

Tell us about your proudest moment/s as a college student.

I played baseball for all four years at Adrian College and managed to graduate with a 4.0 GPA. I am most proud of those two achievements and the way I was able to balance these different parts of the college experience. In my junior year, I also met my wife, Lynnette, and we have been married for almost 28 years. I will always be grateful to Adrian College as the place where I met the love of my life.

What was your family’s reaction when you earned your first college degree?

They were thrilled, and they also were especially excited that I decided to go on and get my master’s degree (and eventually my doctorate). I could not have made it through all of my schooling without the support of my family! They thought it was pretty cool to have a “doctor” in the family, even if I wasn’t one of the medical docs.

Attending to the needs of first-generation students is a major point of emphasis at Ball State. What are some impactful ways you’ve seen this area addressed in your position on campus?

I am really proud of the Graduate School’s administration of The Pathways Project, which offers mentoring, programming, and community to first-generation college and graduate students. If you are a first-generation student and need support, you should check out Pathways and see if the program might be just what you need!

What is one piece of advice you would share with first-generation students preparing to attend Ball State, or in their first year at the University?

I grew up in a very tight-knit family and community, and, in many ways, it was difficult for me to leave and go away to school. I remember that, after the first year at Adrian, I wanted to come back home and go to school in Flint. My parents really encouraged me to go back for my sophomore year and to give it more time, and that really did the trick. I think it can be hard to take on new opportunities in new places when nobody in your family has done something similar and cannot help guide you in making the transitions. My advice would be to stick with it when times are tough, especially if you are feeling homesick. I am so glad that I continued with my studies and learned how to be independent. It has made all the difference in my life

Treon McClendonTréon McClendon, Director of Student Success, College of Communication, Information and Media

When in your life did obtaining a college education become a goal for you? Why was it so important?

In light of my life experiences, I opted to seek a college education during my senior year of high school. I knew it could improve my life and social capital, so I knew I wanted to take this leap next in my life. Furthermore, because I did not apply to college until the second semester of my senior year, I missed every deadline, and lucked out after being a Lilly recipient, so the sky was the limit from there. This was about to be a game changer for my family, community, and everyone else I touched. This was the life adjustment I needed to persevere and become the best version of myself.

What were some of your biggest challenges as a first-generation student as you began your college career? How did you navigate those challenges?

As a first-generation student, some of my most difficult hurdles were overcoming financial worries, support, imposter syndrome, and family buy-in. I suffered a lot from this during my first year of college because I knew nothing about college and had no one to lean on. It was not until I decided to get active on campus with New Student Orientation and the Groups Scholars program that I realized what I was interested in and why I was going to college in the first place. This is also where I found my support system and connections, which have been crucial for my success and purpose in assisting others. This is how I navigated these difficulties.

What were some qualities and experiences you brought with you to college to help you succeed?

For as long as I can remember, I have been a creative visionary. For myself, I would say that I brought to college my confidence, open-mindedness, very confident, goal-driven, relational, and tenacity, which set me up for success in anything I set my mind to. My college experience has made me a better person.

Tell us about your proudest moment/s as a college student.

My proudest moment as a college student was graduating and watching my late grandmother from the crowd as I delivered the graduation address. I knew I had made my grandmother and family proud because my grandmother's education did not extend beyond the sixth grade. This was one of my happiest moments throughout my undergraduate career.

What was your family’s reaction when you earned your first college degree?

My family was overcome with emotion. They had no idea what to expect and were simply delighted that I had reached such a significant milestone in my life. I recall my mother yelling and screaming with joy because I had defied the odds and paved the road for many others to follow in my footsteps. My family was supportive and welcomed this new chapter in our lives.

Attending to the needs of first-generation students is a major point of emphasis at Ball State. What are some impactful ways you’ve seen this area addressed in your position on campus?

CCIM's leadership is dedicated to student success, which is critical for assisting first-generation students in flying beyond uncertainty. Our dean is deeply devoted to empowering our students' achievement and working to remove any impediments to reducing the opportunity gap, which helps me in executing in supporting students in my current role. I am new to the University, so seeing it happening in our work to promote our students' holistic success has been motivating. My work as director of student success contains all of the characteristics required to assist first-generation students in succeeding, fostering a sense of belonging that ties our students to the University, and engages them in immersive learning.

What is one piece of advice you would share with first-generation students preparing to attend Ball State, or in their first year at the University?

To imagine and never stop dreaming. If your dreams do not frighten you, you are not dreaming big enough. Never accept no for an answer since you can achieve anything you set your mind to, so prepare and write out your goals. You have a place here and will succeed! Nothing worthwhile in life comes easily. You belong!!

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