Kelsey Olivera '24

Major: Biology and Spanish

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

Being a first-generation college student has been a very unique experience with a lot more obstacles than I had expected. I am the youngest of six siblings and growing up, I witnessed my siblings navigating college applications, filling out their FAFSA, and starting their careers after college. I would see them doing a lot of things on their own and seeing them still succeed gave me hope to also do the same once I got to college. Both of my parents only had an education up until the end of elementary school and are not very informed about all of the logistics of college or the process to get here. I have always looked up to my siblings and they have been a huge inspiration for me to go to college and do my best to succeed. Once I actually got to college I started to feel as if I didn't belong in a lot of my classes and coming from a small high school in rural Oregon made me feel as if I was academically behind in comparison to a lot of my peers. Once I found my group of people through FGEN and the Latinx student Union, I started to gain confidence on campus and become more involved. I think resilience, hard work, and remembering my purpose are what have helped me get through my first two years of college as well as not comparing myself to others. I love embracing the fact that I am a first-generation student and would not be here without the help of many people growing up and many people here on campus.

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

Finding the FGEN program my freshman year was like a breath of fresh air because I knew there would be a group of people who could help with things that other students may not need help with. It was very nice knowing that there is an entire community of students like myself on campus with who I can truly relate to and understand each other. I believe the FGEN community is an amazing support system that uplifts underrepresented students on campus and makes sure that we do feel as if we belong here on campus. I am very excited to be an FGEN ambassador and provide a welcoming environment to incoming freshmen and help them navigate the college experience with tips that I wish I would have received earlier on.

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

My advice to first-gen students at UP that are facing challenges? gen students who are facing challenges are to reach out for help, I know this can be intimidating as I have personally struggled with this a lot, but people are here to help us and are only going to be able to help us if we let them know that we need it. Al so, building connections with your professors and letting them know what is going on in your life during hard times is helpful so they can understand what you're going through and they will be willing to help you out. Always remember that the FGEN community is here for you to help and direct you to others who may also be helpful for your needs.

Did a mentor play a role in your experience?

Yes, I had an FGEN mentor during the second semester of my freshman year and she was incredibly helpful to me. We had similar backgrounds and majors which really helped us relate to each other and she was able to give me many recommendations for classes to take and even helped me in creating a good resume to apply for summer jobs. My FGEN mentor was a great role model, very welcoming, and organized and I knew I could come to her with any questions or concerns that I had without feeling judged.

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

Some resources that have been very helpful to me so far during my experience at UP have been the learning commons and the Beauchamp rec center. The learning commons has great tutors who are more than willing to help in any coursework you need extra practice in and the gym has been a great resource for me to maintain a healthy lifestyle and stay active during the week.