First Generation program: building confidence in the classroom and beyond

Every college journey comes with challenges, but for first-generation college students, pursuing higher education can also mean discovering what is possible when determination meets opportunity. With support from the First Generation program and the Wayne M. Densch First Generation Scholarship at Seminole State College of Florida, students are empowered to turn challenges into opportunities to grow, lead and keep moving toward their goals. Seminole State serves more than 2,000 first-generation college students. 

Brianna Boyd: finding opportunity through education

Brianna Boyd, a health sciences student, has a passion for helping others. Inspired by her family’s compassion and her grandmother’s experience as a nurse, Boyd hopes to earn a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology and pursue a career in physical therapy.

As the first in her family to attend college, she sees her education as an opportunity to make her family proud and build a future of her own. Through the First Generation program, she found support navigating college, and her involvement with the Grindle Honors Institute helped her build confidence and step outside her comfort zone.

That confidence has changed how Boyd handles setbacks. Rather than letting a disappointing exam grade define her abilities, she learned to keep moving forward and take challenges one step at a time. The Wayne M. Densch First Generation Scholarship has provided additional support as she continues working toward her goals.

Jolie Santiago: dreaming bigger, going further

Jolie Santiago knew her parents wanted more for her: the opportunity to pursue a college education they did not have themselves. Now, she is working toward that goal while balancing school, work and family.

When a difficult biology course caused Santiago to question her path, she chose not to give up. She sought help from her professor, took advantage of tutoring services, adjusted how she studied and completed her first year of college, one of her proudest accomplishments.

Support from the Wayne M. Densch First Generation Scholarship has helped Santiago work fewer hours so she can spend more time focused on her education. With experience as a certified nursing assistant, she plans to pursue a nursing degree at Seminole State and build a career caring for others.

Chelsea Oliva: paying it forward

Through the First Generation program, Chelsea Oliva found a community that helped her realize her potential and eventually become a source of support for other students.

A recipient of the Wayne M. Densch First Generation scholarship, Grindle Honors Institute student and first-generation peer mentor, Oliva took on leadership roles while working toward her educational goals. When personal challenges tested her motivation during her final semester, support from faculty and staff reminded her that she was not on this journey alone.

Now studying psychology at the University of Central Florida, Oliva is gaining experience with the public defender’s office and political campaigns as she works toward becoming an attorney. She plans to attend law school and hopes to eventually establish a nonprofit focused on helping others.

For students like Boyd, Santiago and Oliva, the First Generation program provides a community to turn to as they work through challenges, build confidence and prepare for what comes next, with Seminole State as their Learning Partner for Career Success.