Allen Hansen

Current Position: Shiley School of Engineering, Technician Supervisor

Alma Mater: Mt. Hood Community College

Major/Undergraduate field of study: Integrated Metals and Technology

What was it like being among the first in your family to go to college?

Very scary at first. it was time and money being devoted towards a goal, and I didn't want to fail and waste all that. But I quickly learned that the more I stressed, the less energy I had to get things done. So I made sure to stop myself every time I started "freaking out" at a low quiz score or something I wasn't quite getting and instead spent that time and energy seeking help and resources. That's easier said than done, but every time you can catch it a little sooner and practicing it helps. I wish I had realized earlier that everyone I was working with in college was there to help me succeed and learn, not judge me and put me through trials to "test my worthiness". That shift in perspective is powerful and makes reaching out for help natural and part of the process, instead of "admitting weakness". I had several classes that were engaging, but by far my class in metallurgy really peaked my interest and got my wheels turning! I looked forward to learning more and it made me realized I WANTED to be there, instead of it being another hurdle I had to fulfill so I could get a job.

Are there any unique challenges you faced as a First Generation student?

I didn't have any family members that I could turn to in my darkest hours, they just wouldn't understand. So I had to cry and freak out on my own, then pull myself together so I could ask cogent questions from people with answers. It would have been nice to have someone that knew me really well to be a mess in front of.

Do you have any advice for FGEN students at UP that are facing challenges?/

Don't give up. it's really hard. it's really worth it, for more reasons you won't see until much later. be persistent in finding help and resources, your NOT being a pest. you CAN understand the subjects and classes, sometimes it takes a little longer, but that just means you will absorb more depth when you do get it. Get excited, let yourself become emerged in it, don't allow yourself to sit on the outside looking in even if it's uncomfortable at first. seek out mentors and support, keep to your schedule, don't bottle it up and let it out.

Did a mentor play a role in your FGEN experience? How so?

How do you feel your experience prepared you, both professionally and personally?

Of all the subjects I learned about and enjoyed, I think it was the actual "learning how to learn" that was the biggest thing. it made me realize I could actually learn new things and understand them, which turned me into a life-long learner. I still have a passion to learn something new ever day of my life, and it all started because I proved to myself that I could do it and enjoy it.

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