During this past summer, First Generation Gators saw the world through a different lens while participating in Study Abroad programs. On Oct. 2nd a panel of First-Generation Study Abroad Alumni shared their experience on Study Abroad programs. First Generation Gators, eager to study abroad filled the room to learn how their fellow First-Gen colleagues overcame challenges.
Akiya Parks (UF in India, NGOs & Development with Dr. Muthusami Kumaran), Dieu Tran (UF in Sorrento-Mediterranean Culture and Internships with Paloma Rodriguez); Madeline Hickey (UF in England- Service Learning, Nursing & Pioneer Nurses with Dr. Paula Delpech), and Tien Nguyen (UF in Fiji Sustaining Humans in their Environments with Dr. Heather Gibson) discussed the challenges they experienced as First-Generation College students studying abroad. According to Akiya Parks; “Being a college student with a son, I just thought it was impossible for me to study abroad”. With the help of UF Study Abroad Services, the Machen Florida Opportunity Scholars, and the support of my family, and my faculty leader, Dr.Muthusami Kumaran, I was able to have the experience of a lifetime on the UF in India- NGO’s and Development program”. Studying abroad was eye-opening to a world of possibilities both personally and professionally for First Gen Gators! Many of the panelist expressed that they would like to continue exploring the world beyond UF.
This First Gen Panel event was sponsored by the International Center (Diversity & Inclusion), the Machen Florida Opportunity Scholars/First-Generation Student Success programs, and the First Generation Student Organization, MFOS and First-Generation Student Success are huge supporters of Study Abroad. Thanks to the MFOS/First-Generation Student Success team, and special thank you to: Leslie Pendleton, Director; Richard Blake, Assistant Director, and Krystine White, Graduate Assistant and First Gen Student Organization leaders, Leylany Rodriguez and Kevin Bode for their collaboration and support for First-Generation Gators to study abroad!