Special support for the first generation

Over one-third of the students who started attending Fanshawe in September indicated on their college applications that their parents did not attend college, or that they were the first person in their family to attend college.

This wave of first-generation students has found support in student success advisor Deborah Bomans, who works exclusively with these students.

She said she brings her own first-hand knowledge of being a first-generation student to the job. "I grew up, for the most part, without a phone," she remembered. "In my initial email to the (first-generation) students, I said, 'I understand some of the hardships or things that are coming at you out of the blue. When I was in Sarnia (attending Lambton College), I didn't even know how to make a long-distance telephone call.'"

First-generation students can come from a variety of backgrounds: from immigrants to Canada to middle-aged workers looking for further education or to hone specific skills, Bomans has helped students of all ages from various programs at Fanshawe. She mentioned an 18-year-old that was overwhelmed with the college experience and a 56-year-old who was faced with a second career.

Using her first-hand experience, Bomans focuses less on the academic side of counseling, and more on the emotional experience of being the first person in a family to attend post-secondary education.

"That's what I'm here for. Sometimes, to other people, these things seem very simple. To someone who's overwhelmed with the whole experience, the transition of moving from high school through into college, or someone who's been out in the workforce and is suddenly faced with a second career, it's overwhelming."

"They're not alone; while they're overwhelmed, we can keep their head above water," she smiled.

The first-generation program began in September 2009. "Initially, that six-month period was more about identifying firstgeneration students and more about outreach. Now, the focus is on retention. How can we help students who are first-generation access supports and services they may need to make their time here at Fanshawe successful?"

According to Bomans, the goal of the program is to help these students meet academic and personal goals in coming to school. "With so many different stories, the goals for each person are just a little bit different. Hopefully, it's to be academically strong and supported so they graduate and get a job at the end of it."

One service offered to these students is a bursary that can be worth up to $1,000. The bursary is available once per academic year. Students who began their academic year this semester can apply for the bursary until January 21. A short essay on the experience of being a first-generation student is required. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, be enrolled in a full time program and must meet Canadian Citizenship criteria.

First-generation students can participate in a meet n' greet session with other students on January 11 from 4:00 to 6:30 p.m. in the Alumni Lounge on the second floor of the Student Centre. "(The event will) present which services are available to (students) so that it's less scary. We'll also have a panel of students to talk about their experience and what it was like," explained Bomans. The event will feature Heather Cummings, the new director of Student Services at Fanshawe. Come hungry, as a pizza supper will be served.

For more information about the bursary, the event, or to schedule an appointment with Bowmans, contact her at dbomans@fanshawec.ca.