Proud To Be First Gen.
That was the theme used to celebrate the achievement of students at the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus who were the first in their immediate family to make it through the corridors of a university.
However, several students, including 21 year old Asabi Amedee who has been pursuing a degree in biomedical technology, pointed out that despite the accolades that came with being the first in her family to attain the feat, there were also challenges.
Manager of Student Engagement, Jorell Alder, said that he along with Division of Student Services and Development Director, Dr. Deirdre Charles, understood the difficulties that some first gen students may have. He noted that hosting the inaugural First Gen Initiative was just one way that the university hoped to help acclimatise students to their new experience.
According to data provided by the UWI, there are close to 700 first generation students at the campus at the moment.