Published on Nov. 15, 2024

A first-generation student is someone whose parent or guardian has not completed a four-year bachelor’s degree in the United States. The term was introduced in the late 70s by TRiO but to Hanna Caldwell, the definition is something bigger.   

Caldwell grew up in Hillsboro, Missouri– a small-town half an hour south of St. Louis. She graduated from the University of Missouri with a bachelor’s in communication and an emphasis in health communication. While working full time for Mizzou, she went on to earn her Master of Public Health degree.  

“My academic career has been so different in terms of the degrees I have pursued,” she explained. “In communication, I really wanted to tell stories that mattered to people. Through my public health degree, I realized I wanted to get more involved in decision- and policy-making. Now I’m pursuing my Master of Public Affairs, and it feels like it’s all coming together. All these little puzzle pieces connect to my larger goal of helping people.”  

Being the first person in your family to go to college can be challenging, and having a support system is critical to student success. Many students rely on their parents and siblings to navigate the higher education experience. First generation students, however, often need to find that support through a variety of communities.  

“During my first two weeks at Mizzou, I met my best friend in a Journalism class,” Caldwell said. “The lecture hall was massive. We shared a box of Cheez-Its, and she has been the most supportive, insightful and genuinely wonderful person ever since. She encouraged me to come to Mizzou for graduate school. I really don’t think I would have gone to graduate school if she had not been here to support me through all the ups and downs.” 

Not only has she found support through her best friend, but she built a network by using the resources Mizzou provides all students. Prior to Mizzou, Caldwell attended William Jewell College in Liberty, Missouri for a semester. As a transfer student, she found community among other transfer students as well as through campus activities. 

“I loved the Women’s Center,” Caldwell said. “As a transfer student, it felt like I missed so much.  Mizzou does so much for transfer students and first-generation students and that has ramped up over the last couple of years. The Campus Activities Programming Board (CAPB) created delightful student activities that I participated in.”  

While attending college is exciting, for first-generation students it can easily become a confusing and lonely experience. Having a support system on and off campus provides more opportunities for guidance throughout their academic journey. When students choose Mizzou, they are met with ample opportunities to grow and succeed, even if they are unsure of what they want the future to look like.  

“If you are looking for a place where you can build a community and get the support you need, it’s a no brainer: choose Mizzou,” Caldwell said. “Even if you are unclear on what you want to do or if you’re undecided about your major, or the path forward for your career. Mizzou is so welcoming to so many people and there is something for everyone.”  

For more information about First Generation resources and Graduate programs make sure to check out their websites.