First Generation
First Generation Students at YVC
Yakima Valley College is proud to support first-generation students in achieving their educational and professional goals. More than 75% of YVC students are first-generation, along with many faculty and staff members. We hope this page serves as a resource for first-generation undergraduate students and their families.
“My first year of college was a disaster and I didn't really have any support in such
a large school and fended for myself. By the time I got to CWU, I found some programs
and clubs that helped me improve my outlook on higher education and what I wanted
to do.”
Vanessa Tucker - Pathway Navigator
“To me, it is the recognition that everything my grandparents and parents did for
their families that led to the opportunity for me to attend a four year college.”
Jeffrey Smith - Music Instructor
“Being a successful first-gen college student means my parents set me up to grow as
a person. They not only challenged me, but they challenged themselves to navigate
a complicated, unfamiliar world of higher education.”
Travis Margoni - English Instructor
Being first generation means the world to me. I know that I made my grandma and my
angel in heaven my mom proud. Being the first from immediate family to graduate college
is a big accomplishment since there was many times I thought I couldn't. Anyone is
able to graduate from college you just need follow your dreams and not let no one
on nothing stop. It doesn't matter how long it takes you can do it.”
Esmeralda Cruz - Bilingual Office Assistant
To be a first-generation college student meant opportunity for not only myself but
also my family. With hard work and the support of my family I was able to obtain a
bachelor's degree from WSU and a master's degree from CWU. Now, I am lucky to be able
to give back to other students from my community by working at YVC where I absolutely
love my job!”
Karla Rabadan - Student Life Manager
“Being a first-generation student is not only important for me, but it is also important
to my family. Having an education will give me the opportunity to have a better future.”
Emilse Osorio - First Generation Student at YVC
“Getting this degree means a lot to me because I'm the first one, and it's a stepping
stone for my family. My sisters are also interested in going to school. I'm the oldest
and I’ve kind of inspired them, because they see how I'm always getting awards and
stuff like that. It has helped them realize that they want to do something as well.”
Luiz Lopez - First Generation Student at YVC
"As a first-generation college student, obtaining a college degree was a significant
milestone for me. It symbolized my autonomy and displayed my ability to overcome challenges
through perseverance, efficient time management and seeking support to comprehend
complex concepts. I aim to serve as a role model for my children and family, illustrating
that they, too, can attain a college degree by emulating the strategic steps I undertook
to secure mine."
Yadira Chavez - First Generation Student at YVC
"Being a first-gen student is kind of exciting, but also it's kind of scary because
my parents didn't go through it. Running Start helped me boost my confidence in myself
with my education."
Andrew Escamilla - First generation student who transferred to Grand Canyon University
"Honestly, it's kind of scary not knowing. My family doesn't know what it was like,
so [I feel like I’m] kind of going in blindly, but it's been working out well. I think
just being able to talk to the professors and being able to communicate with them,
knowing they will respond and give you the best feedback they can give you [has been
helpful].”
Zoe Harrington - First generation student who transferred Eastern Washington University
One of my main goals ever since I was little is going to a four-year school. When
I graduate from YVC and transfer to a university I’ll be the first person in my family
to go and that’s something that I’ve been holding on for since I was little. I remember
when I was little thinking, “I’m going to college.” That was my dream and being here
at YVC I am in college and I’m really proud of myself. I really want to make my family
proud, but also for myself I really want to be a lawyer and come back to the Yakima
Valley and help this community.
Mariah Cornejo - 2024 YVC Graduate
At 15 I was in a car accident. I suffered PTSD and didn’t realize how much it was
affecting me until after I graduated. As a first-generation student who didn’t drive
I didn’t have a way to get to campus. After a friend from church helped me learn to
drive and I overcame my PTSD I’m really grateful to be here.
Lucero Liliana Mendez - 2024 YVC Graduate
2024 First Generation Celebrartion Sights and Sounds
Ways to Celebrate First-Gen Students
We invite all members of our community to celebrate the success and presence of YVC students, faculty and staff who are the first in their families to attend college during the month of November. Show your first-gen pride on social media by using the following hashtags, social media graphics and Zoom backgrounds.
Celebration Resources
- I am proud to be a #YVCFirstGen student/faculty/staff because … #CelebrateFirstGen
- Every day #YVCFirstGen students, faculty and staff make great contributions to our community. We are proud to join colleges and universities across the country to recognize the National First-Generation College Celebration on November 8! Learn more at https://yvcc.edu/students/first-generation #CelebrateFirstGen
- I am proud to be a #YVCFirstGen student/faculty/staff because … #CelebrateFirstGen #FirstGenYaks
- Thank you to all the #YVCFirstGen students, faculty and staff who make great contributions to our community! We are proud to join with colleges and universities across the country to recognize the National First-Generation College Celebration on November 8! Learn more at https://yvcc.edu/students/first-generation #CelebrateFirstGen #FirstGenYaks
Twitter (X)
- I am proud to be a #YVCFirstGen student/faculty/staff because … #CelebrateFirstGen
- YVC is proud to participate in the National First-Gen College Celebration on Nov. 8. https://yvcc.edu/students/first-generation #CelebrateFirstGen
| [First & Last Name] [Degree Abbreviation if any] [Position Title] [Department is optional] Yakima Valley College [Area Code.Prefix.Suffix] [email@yvcc.edu] |
[First & Last Name] [Degree Abbreviation if any] [Position Title] [Department is optional] Yakima Valley College [Area Code.Prefix.Suffix] [email@yvcc.edu] |
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| [First & Last Name] [Degree Abbreviation if any] [Position Title] [Department is optional] Yakima Valley College [Area Code.Prefix.Suffix] [email@yvcc.edu] |
[First & Last Name] [Degree Abbreviation if any] [Position Title] [Department is optional] Yakima Valley College [Area Code.Prefix.Suffix] [email@yvcc.edu] |
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| [First & Last Name] [Degree Abbreviation if any] [Position Title] [Department is optional] Yakima Valley College [Area Code.Prefix.Suffix] [email@yvcc.edu] |
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Resources for First-Generation Students
YVC Guided Pathways Coordinator & English Instructor, Mark J. Fuzie recommends using available resources.