Yvonne Ayesiga

Current Position: Residence Life

Alma Mater: Wartburg College

Major/Undergraduate field of study: Majors - International Relations and Political Science. Minors - History and Intercultural studies 

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

I knew the stakes were high for me-unlike most of my friends at college. So for me, I knew I always had to do double the work and make no mistakes. I am grateful for faculty and staff members that were always available for me to talk to and get help when I needed it. I also had a "host-family" both my host parents were professors and that was an inspiration to me to have such positive role models. 

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

Being an international student and first-generation, I was not able to get federal financial aid. That meant working 2 jobs on campus to make ends meet for me. I was never able to have a weekend off like most of classmates as I was always working or catching up on homework.

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

Ask for help. Do not be afraid to ask for help. 

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

Yes. One of my supervisors actually talked to me about graduate school in student affairs and helped me with the application process. 

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

My experience as a first-generation college student made me resilient and hardworking. I was able to also learn how to struggle and ask for help. 

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