Breaking Barriers First-Gen Experiences,
2025
Loyola Marymount University
Breaking Barriers First-Gen Experiences, Fiorella Salazar, Alondra Hernandez, Alieth Caceres, Aolanni Jimenez-Gonzalez, Alberto Martinez, Karol Martinez, Jesus Arias, Julian Melendez Miranda, Gabby Flores, Isabell Lachinpour, Jefferson Ramos, Annette Gomez, Zahir Pineda, Alejandra Rodriguez, Carla Bueno
First-Gen Voices: Creative and Critical Narratives on the First-Generation College Experience
In Breaking Barriers: First-Gen Experiences, first-gen students showcased their stories through poems, art, research, and personal reflections. Every story reflects resilience and creativity as they navigate their educational and personal journeys with a first-gen identity. These are stories that we can connect to and learn from to further build bridges for future generations in The First to Go Program!
Food Poetry,
2025
Technological University Dublin
Food Poetry, John Cummins, Mairéad O'Donnell, Diarmuid Cawley, Áine Budds, Keith Payne
European Journal of Food Drink and Society
“Ursula’s Place” by Derek Mahon “Chipper” by John Cummins “Revived” by Mairéad O’Donnell “Sun Bun” by Diarmuid Cawley “Friday at 19 Upper Friars Road” by Eoin Cahill “Lemonade” by Áine Budds “For Mary” by Áine Budds “No. 9 The Kitchen Island” by Keith Payne “Saxa Salt by Séan Watmore
The Emergency Exit,
2025
Bridgewater State University
The Emergency Exit, Aisha Alchaar
The Graduate Review
The Emergency Exit is a short story that blends elements of fantasy and magical realism to explore themes of trauma, resilience, and self-discovery. The narrative follows Amy, a sixteen-year-old girl trapped in a life of abuse, neglect, and despair. On the verge of running away, she stumbles upon a mysterious door labeled "The Emergency Exit," which transports her to an unfamiliar world—one filled with kindness, beauty, and the possibility of a better life. As Amy navigates this seemingly perfect place, she experiences love and belonging for the first time. However, just as she begins to embrace her new reality, she …
Backspin,
2025
Bridgewater State University
Backspin, Ryan Juliano
The Graduate Review
"Backspin" is an experiment in metafiction. The piece's narrative features two characters contemplating greater meaning within the story they find themselves in.
The Paulsons Are Going To Be Millionaires,
2025
Bridgewater State University
The Paulsons Are Going To Be Millionaires, Mark K. Matheson
The Graduate Review
No abstract provided.
Investigating The Relationship Between Noun Classes And Plant Folk Taxonomy In Chasu Language Of Kilimanjaro Region In Tanzania,
2025
Sokoine University of Agriculture
Investigating The Relationship Between Noun Classes And Plant Folk Taxonomy In Chasu Language Of Kilimanjaro Region In Tanzania, Peter Rabson Mziray
Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences
The current study investigates the relationship between noun classes and plant folk taxonomy in Chasu (G 22). The study focuses on two objectives: the first objective is to describe the plant folk taxonomy in Chasu and the second objective is to determine the relationship between noun classes and plant folk taxonomy in Chasu. Data were collected from rural villages in Same and Mwanga districts by using free listing, field interviews (jungle-walk-and-identify), and written texts containing Chasu plant names. The findings reveal that Chasu folk taxonomy reflects different ethnobotanical categories; including a unique beginner which is mmea/mimea ‘plant(s)’, and three life …
Honoring Constellations,
2025
Nova Southeastern University
Honoring Constellations, Prachi S. Gandhi
be Still
“Honoring Constellations” is a meditation on the quiet labor of attention in spaces shaped by caregiving, illness, and uncertainty. The poem was born from the emotional weight of witnessing how each patient, each moment, carries a constellation of stories that are often untold. In clinical spaces, time presses forward relentlessly, but I wanted to pause inside that pressure to explore what it means to hold space for lives at the threshold of change or loss. The poem aims to honor the meaning that exists even in apparent silence. Here, attention is not just presence; it’s a form of reverence.
A Little Piece Of Her Dies,
2025
SUNY Oswego
A Little Piece Of Her Dies, Keturah L. Hancock
Gatherings
This poem explores the emotional labor of being authentic in spaces not built for women of color. This poem specifically addresses the experiences of Black women. Often, Black women find themselves torn between maintaining peace and being themselves. The poem addresses concepts such as tone policing, code-switching, and expression. It honors Black women in academia who feel they have to shrink themselves to be seen. There is a sense of safety that comes with fitting in and not making waves in a predominantly white space. However, this poem offers an alternative, calling Black women to stand up for those who …
"Breaking Barriers: First-Gen Experiences",
2025
Loyola Marymount University
"Breaking Barriers: First-Gen Experiences", Julian Melendez Miranda
First-Gen Voices: Creative and Critical Narratives on the First-Generation College Experience
Journey to college as a first-generation student, navigating challenges and self-doubt.
First Gen Voices,
2025
Loyola Marymount University
First Gen Voices, Jesus Arias
First-Gen Voices: Creative and Critical Narratives on the First-Generation College Experience
Looking back at my first semester, I’ve made some truly fond memories. Starting off with an amazing group of people in the program and going on our retreat helped me find a community I could rely on. This community has remained by my side, even during challenging times, and for that, I’ll always be grateful. Whether it was tackling escape rooms or being part of First Year Seminar, the first-gen community has shown itself to be incredibly strong and tightly connected.
The First Generation,
2025
Loyola Marymount University
The First Generation, Alberto Martinez
First-Gen Voices: Creative and Critical Narratives on the First-Generation College Experience
My poem basically describes how I feel as a first-generation student is. Many of us including myself, felt as if we were alone, not knowing if we have someone by our side, but through our experience, we do share a common ground. First to go is a place where we all can share that and is a place where we do not have to be alone but have the support of those around us who can relate to how we feel.
Roots,
2025
Loyola Marymount University
Roots, Aolanni Jimenez-Gonzalez
First-Gen Voices: Creative and Critical Narratives on the First-Generation College Experience
This poem closely focuses on my experience and acceptance of my first-generation identity. Language is a symbol of my heritage from my family and how I carry hope and resilience as I navigate my everyday life. I want to depict my journey through language and how it serves as a powerful source to communicate with my loved ones and others. While appreciating the roots and strength of my family and striving to live out my dreams and be the first of many to come.
Balance,
2025
Loyola Marymount University
Balance, Alondra Hernandez
First-Gen Voices: Creative and Critical Narratives on the First-Generation College Experience
Through the poem, I wanted to explain my journey as a First Gen student who was struggling to balance school and work. I also wanted to represent the many students who are facing the same fight everyday. My hope was to show encouragement and motivation to keep going.Making sure to remind yourself to live each day knowing you're doing your best.
First Doubts,
2025
Loyola Marymount University
First Doubts, Carla Bueno
First-Gen Voices: Creative and Critical Narratives on the First-Generation College Experience
As first-gen students, we often struggle with the identity and responsibility of being the firsts to navigate through the unknown. With this, doubts of our ability to succeed come naturally and these can be consuming. My advice is to not be afraid of using resources available and asking questions as these are the first steps into finding our way in institutions not built for us.
Dreams To Reality,
2025
Loyola Marymount University
Dreams To Reality, Annette Gomez
First-Gen Voices: Creative and Critical Narratives on the First-Generation College Experience
Beneath the shade of the trees, I reflect on the weight of my family’s dreams and the determination it takes to pursue a degree. The clear blue skies and open spaces remind me that possibilities are just as boundless, even when the roads feel steep. Here, amidst the peace and beauty I find the strength to strive as a First-Generation Latina student.
A New Beginning,
2025
Loyola Marymount University
A New Beginning, Jefferson Ramos
First-Gen Voices: Creative and Critical Narratives on the First-Generation College Experience
The purpose of my reflection is to demonstrate to other individuals, especially first-generation students, my experience with the college process, along with the obstacles I faced, the doubts, and everything that comes along with being the first person in your family to attend a higher education institution in the United States. In my reflection, I describe the process that I experienced, from the very beginning of high school to the start of my college journey. To finalize my reflection, I leave the reader with three important tips I have learned along the journey: being resilient, not being afraid of new …
My Experience,
2025
Loyola Marymount University
My Experience, Gabby Flores
First-Gen Voices: Creative and Critical Narratives on the First-Generation College Experience
This essay reflects personal experiences starting college and navigating new environments that are new to me.
Deceiving Angels Ii,
2025
Loyola Marymount University
Deceiving Angels Ii, Alejandra Rodriguez
First-Gen Voices: Creative and Critical Narratives on the First-Generation College Experience
I share a dream with my family. The dream of graduating from college, getting a good job, and living a better life. A life where we won’t be financially tied down. I am now attending Loyola Marymount University and pursuing a degree in Animation. I’m the first in my family to pursue a degree in Film & Television, and even though I can’t help the thoughts that I should be doing something more “impactful,” I know that it’s my passion and that it is the combined efforts of my family and those who have helped me, that led me here. …
Trailblazin,
2025
Loyola Marymount University
Trailblazin, Zahir Pineda
First-Gen Voices: Creative and Critical Narratives on the First-Generation College Experience
My "trailblazin" collage is just a collage of me and my brother as we grew up. It was just us two for the majority of our childhood and we were always pushed to make the most of our education here in the US. Growing up I always relied on him, and he made sure to be there to guide me and help me learn from his mistakes. Fast forward to now and we're both at LMU together, and the same way he trailblazed the path for me, I hope to do for my two younger siblings. It symbolizes what has …
Introduction,
2025
Loyola Marymount University and Loyola Law School
Introduction
First-Gen Voices: Creative and Critical Narratives on the First-Generation College Experience
No abstract provided.
