Mia Urias Garcia '24

Majors: Social Work

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

Being the first member of my family to attend college was both a challenge and a wonderful experience. I struggled with registration and understanding what graduation requirements were and I felt overwhelmed that I couldn't ask my family for advice like I normally do. From that experience, I learned the importance of vulnerability and reaching out. I went out of my comfort zone and decided to join the FGEN program to meet other FGEN students and seek the guidance I needed as a first-gen college student. I'm very thankful for all the advice and guidance my mentor gave me during my freshman year. Beth showed me how to access online campus resources and answered any and every question I had about the college experience here at UP. Although the transition to college as a first-generation student was difficult, being a part of the FGEN program helped me by giving me the additional support I needed to adjust to college academia.

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

To me being a part of the FGEN community means being involved with FGEN events, encouraging incoming students to join the FGEN program, and interacting with other members of the FGEN community. When I attended the ambassador social I was very nervous to meet all these new people but I'm very glad I had the opportunity to meet all of my peers. Everyone was so nice and friendly and I felt truly welcomed by the new and returning ambassadors. My ultimate goal as an FGEN ambassador is to provide that same sense of welcome to incoming FGEN students and future FGEN ambassadors. Also, I have so many new creative and innovative ideas that could be implemented in the program to strengthen the peer relationship between ambassadors and their mentees.

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

My advice to a first-generation student who is facing challenges is to first, acknowledge the challenges they're experiencing and second, to reach out to someone that can provide them aid. I've said this many times but when I was a freshman I felt embarrassed that I didn't know how to register or even check my own transcript but because I spoke up and took the initiative to talk to both an academic counselor and my FGEN mentor, I was able to find a solution to the challenges I was experiencing. Secondly, I would advise FG EN students to not be afraid to be social/put themselves out there. Going to student clubs and other campus programs such as FGEN, give students an opportunity to meet people who have similar interests and backgrounds as them. From that point on hopefully, they can build more friendships on campus and meet other students who are in the same boat as them.

Did a mentor play a role in your experience?

My mentor during my freshman year was super sweet and nice to me and was always willing to answer any questions I had about academics and campus life at UP. Also, she took the time to get to know me as a person above anything else, she made the time to learn about my passions and interests. She consistently checked in with me about how I was doing in school, at work, and personally which made the experience sweeter in my opinion.

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

So far I love going to the writing center for extra assistance on papers and scholarships. I've been going to the center since my freshman year and I still continue to go because of how nice and helpful the writing center employees are. Also, I had an amazing experience with the career education center in Franz. I was very anxious to apply for the FGEN ambassador position as I lacked confidence in my resume. My counselor dedicated an entire hour with me to review my resume, supplemental questions, and references sheet. She was so useful given she was considerate, and patient, gave my application advice, and left me feeling more confident to apply for the position,