Celebrating TU’s first-generation community

By Kyle Hobstetter on November 5, 2021

Towson University strives for inclusive excellence by providing a safe and cooperative learning environment for students from all backgrounds. This includes its community of first-generation students, who are typically identified as students whose parents have not received a college- or university-level education.

TU is home to 2,843 undergraduate students who identify as first generation.

Many faculty and staff were also first-generation students, including Towson University President Kim Schatzel.

"I can say first-hand, as a first-generation student myself, that having the opportunity for higher education can be a transformational experience not only for the individual student, but for generations to follow," President Schatzel said. "Our diversity is what makes us stronger — and the diversity of backgrounds and identities in classroom and campus environments is a pre-requisite for the highest quality university education. It is through this inclusive community that we're preparing our students to be leaders for a global economy."

To help first-generation students adjust to college life, Towson University has introduced programs such as the Students Achieve Goals through Education (SAGE) program, which provides peer-to-peer mentorship that fosters academic achievement, personal development and campus-wide involvement.

We asked several first-generation students who participate in the SAGE program about their time at TU, what it’s like to be the first in their family to go to college and what advice they have for other first-generation students.

Bryson Whittington ‘22

Public health major from Oxon Hill, Maryland

What does it mean to you to be a first-generation college student?
It means that you are a trailblazer. You are willing to experience something without a guide or any experiences to base it off of. You are also setting a trail for younger generations to follow.

How has the SAGE program helped you?
SAGE has helped me acquire the fresh start I was looking for. Coming to Towson I did not know anyone. Within my first week, because of SAGE, I had 50 friends some of whom I now look at as family! SAGE also helped me navigate through my first year. Being a first-generation student, I didn’t know much about college, but people like Raft Woodus and Tammie King-Kelly understood that and made sure they supplied me with as much as they could for me to be successful.

Tamya Sherwood ‘23

Nursing major from Montgomery County, Maryland

How would you describe your Towson University experience so far?
It has definitely been a growth experience. In addition to being a student, I am also SAGE mentor and a community center manager for Housing & Residence Life. Through these positions I’ve gained interpersonal, leadership and professional skills. I came into college lacking good communication and collaborative skills. Today, I am much more confident in my abilities to work and communicate with others.

What advice do you have for future first-generation students? 
Remember college is a time for growth. It is okay to make mistakes and not know the answer to everything. When you need help, ask for it! Find another first-generation student who has completed their first year, and ask them for guidance! Become a SAGE mentee! There are many first-generation students who are mentors in SAGE that are willing to guide and mentor you!

Joel Guerrero ’22

Forensic chemistry major from Catonsville, Maryland

How has the SAGE program helped you?
The SAGE program has helped me tremendously. They helped me when I was feeling alone after my mom had passed, gave me friends that I hold dear to my heart and reminded me that there are good people in the world.

What advice do you have for future-first generation students?
Everyone expects us to graduate on time [four years], but they must understand we’re not perfect. Everyone goes at their own pace, and there are factors that can prevent you from graduating on time. That is why it’s important to communicate with your family, so they can understand that what you’re going through isn’t easy. Remember, as long as you make it to finish line, it doesn’t matter what place you come in. You pass.

Nicole Okeke ‘23

Nursing major from Prince George’s County, Maryland 

What made you choose Towson University? 
I chose Towson University because, in addition to its academics, it’s a place of diversity and inclusivity. The environment is safe, welcoming and creates a sense of belonging. It has different organizations and groups that I was sure would fit me and make me feel wanted. I felt like it’s a place that would make me feel at home.

What does it mean to you to be a first-generation college student? 
To me, it is being a student who works hard to pave the way for many generations to come. As a first-generation student, you have to prove to everyone that you are not limited because of who you are or where you are from and are just as capable as others of exceeding educational barriers and reaching success.

Daniela Diaz ’22

Computer science major from Pasadena, Maryland

How would you describe your Towson experience so far? 
It has been amazing. Towson was the place I was able to be myself and find myself. I’ve met and made many connections with inspiring people that helped make this experience greater than I could have ever imagined.

How has the SAGE program helped you in your Towson University journey? 
SAGE helped me in so many ways. My mentor freshman year saw so much potential in me, she pushed me to be greater. She encouraged me to become a mentor the following year. I was so inspired by my mentor that I wanted the same for my mentees. It was such a great experience becoming a mentor that I wanted to continue helping others. By my junior year I became an RA with the help of Tammie’s [King-Kelly] recommendation. Overall, SAGE made me feel heard and not alone. I would not be where I am without SAGE. The love and support is beyond this world!

Student Success Programs 

Generation One Day Celebration

Student Success Programs and the Counseling Center are excited to celebrate Gen One Day! If you are a Generation One student, faculty, staff or alum, we invite you to join us on Nov. 8 in the University Union, room 322 from 12-2 p.m. We will have music, food, giveaways and opportunities to network. If you have any questions, please email studentsuccessprograms@towson.edu.

If you would like more information about and/or identify as Gen One, please fill out this form so we can keep you updated on upcoming opportunities.