Rianna Rama '25

Major: Integrative Health and Wellness 

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

The love and support I get from my parents and my brother have really kept me afloat through all my success in my life in and outside of school, but I also give credit to my mindset as well. At the end of every day, I am the one who makes decisions for myself and I control how I want to see my day or my future panned out. I wasn't known as an A-average student in my middle school and high school years, but I was very outgoing when it came to joining clubs or even sports. As introverted and shy as I was to go out of my way to join these activities, I knew at some point I had to grow out of my comfort zone because that was the only way I knew how to really grow up. And I feel as though as hard as it was to have to force myself to grow out of the person that I was so used to being, it was very much needed to do so because I have never been prouder of the person I have become today. I can't wait to make my family proud in the future as well.

What does it mean for your personally to be a part of the FGEN community and, specifically, to be a FGEN student ambassador?

To be a part of this FGEN community to me means more than words can ever say really. I never knew there were FGEN communities in college. I was only ever aware that going into college we would just be known as FGEN and nothing more. Coming to UP, I was shocked to even know that there was an actual freshman class for us and a community of us to be surrounded by one and another. I felt a big relief knowing that we were all able to have something like this. I felt like I wasn't alone. And now that I am officially an FGEN student ambassador, it's something to be so proud of. We are representing something that is so much bigger than ourselves. And that isn't the title of being an FGEN that is, but the future we have ahead of us to finish college off strong amidst the internal struggles of pressure to do this for ourselves and for our family. Being known as an FGEN student is so much more than the idea that our parents didn't go to college. Our parents went to college but didn't get to finish because they chose us over their education. Our parents weren't able to go to college because they couldn't afford it. Our parents couldn't go to college because it wasn't what they wanted to do. As different as our stories may be about how we have been brought up as FGEN kids, we all have very similar stories and we are all one and the same.

What is your advice to FGEN students at UP who are facing challenges?

My advice would be to reach out for help when you know you really need it. You could start off by even sending an email if you're scared to talk to anyone face to face at first. It's so much better when you do get the help you need when you are facing challenges that you know you can't do on your own. I've learned the hard way to ask for help a little later than I should've, but I still got the help I needed. You are never alone in any of this.

Did a mentor play a role in your experience?

A mentor who played a role in my experience would have to have been my counselor and my own FGEN mentor. As busy as both were in their tight schedules, they always had time for me just to talk and just to get some guidance on things. I am so glad I got a great counselor and a great FGEN mentor for my first year because they are the people I want to be in life when it comes to helping others. My first year was extremely hard because this was the year you have to really take seriously because it affects how the rest of your years in college can pan out with classes and all. And of course, a lot of us are away from our families and have to do a lot of this without them and that's something you have to learn to do on your own. What seemed to be a very difficult year for me was made less difficult because of those two and I am extremely grateful for both.

What resources have been significant, meaningful or helpful for you so far during your UP experience?

Resources that have been significant, meaningful, and helpful have been just being in the FGEN community and reaching out to any of the professors or mentors at UP. Because I am Catholic as well, I found a lot of help from the Church.