Finding Her Way
First Gen Niners offers an avenue for connection
Finding Her way
First Gen Niners offers an avenue for connection
FINDING HER WAY
First Gen Niners offers an avenue for connection
By Lisa Insixiengmay
Senior Lisa Insixiengmay is majoring in nursing and health systems management. A first-generation student, she transferred to Charlotte in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Initially, her classes were virtual, leaving Insixiengmay feeling isolated. Finding a way to engage in campus life changed her outlook.
“As a transfer student, I was extremely intimidated entering a new environment with its potential challenges. Being a first-generation student made me doubt my capabilities to succeed.
“My first semester at UNC Charlotte was completely virtual, which left me feeling isolated and anxious not only about my academic performance but my ability to establish connections with my peers. To alleviate these concerns, I made it a priority to join organizations on campus that matched my interests and passions.
“I pride myself on being a first-generation college student and encourage other such students to take a leap of faith to embrace this part of their identity.”
First Gen Niners
“After discovering First Gen Niners, I joined its Niner Engage page as an official member. Although we were virtual, I was determined to be involved, which led to my decision to run for a position on the executive board. Once I met with Dr. Lorenzo Hopper and the board members at the time, I was immediately inspired and knew that joining this organization was the right fit. As the newly appointed community outreach chair, I was motivated to plan opportunities designed to allow members to feel valued in a space/organization that caters to them.
“First Gen Niners is a great, supportive community that I am proud to be a part of. It has provided me with the opportunity to grow and meet like-minded individuals, and the space that they have cultivated is accepting, inspiring and reassuring.
“During the 2021-22 school year, I was able to partner with the Jamil Niner Student Pantry for several volunteer events. First Gen Niners helped sort, pack and inspect food items. We also helped the staff with cleaning and other tasks. Partnering with the Jamil Niner Student Pantry helped shine a light on another valuable resource for students that often goes overlooked. As a member of the First Gen organization, I believe it is crucial to highlight various resources for fellow students. Through this partnership with the student pantry, a few First Gen Niners members were able to land future volunteer and internship opportunities.
“While being a first-generation student is a big part of my identity, I hold my status as a nursing student in equal regard. My first semester of nursing school brought a multitude of challenges. Not only was it challenging academically, but I struggled with time management and other commitments. As an aspiring nurse practitioner, I have a passion for service and making an impact. Through Charlotte and the First Gen Niners, I have strengthened my communication, collaboration and problem-solving skills, all which are imperative for my future profession.
“I pride myself on being a first-generation college student and encourage other such students to take a leap of faith to embrace this part of their identity. Being a first-generation student should be looked at as a strength to use toward achieving your goals with grit, perseverance and resilience.”
UNC Charlotte’s BSN grads have a 92% average three-year pass rate on the NCLEX licensure exam.
By Lisa Insixiengmay
Senior Lisa Insixiengmay is majoring in nursing and health systems management. A first-generation student, she transferred to Charlotte in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Initially, her classes were virtual, leaving Insixiengmay feeling isolated. Finding a way to engage in campus life changed her outlook.
“As a transfer student, I was extremely intimidated entering a new environment with its potential challenges. Being a first-generation student made me doubt my capabilities to succeed.
“My first semester at UNC Charlotte was completely virtual, which left me feeling isolated and anxious not only about my academic performance but my ability to establish connections with my peers. To alleviate these concerns, I made it a priority to join organizations on campus that matched my interests and passions.
“I pride myself on being a first-generation college student and encourage other such students to take a leap of faith to embrace this part of their identity.”
First Gen Niners
“After discovering First Gen Niners, I joined its Niner Engage page as an official member. Although we were virtual, I was determined to be involved, which led to my decision to run for a position on the executive board. Once I met with Dr. Lorenzo Hopper and the board members at the time, I was immediately inspired and knew that joining this organization was the right fit. As the newly appointed community outreach chair, I was motivated to plan opportunities designed to allow members to feel valued in a space/organization that caters to them.
“First Gen Niners is a great, supportive community that I am proud to be a part of. It has provided me with the opportunity to grow and meet like-minded individuals, and the space that they have cultivated is accepting, inspiring and reassuring.
“During the 2021-22 school year, I was able to partner with the Jamil Niner Student Pantry for several volunteer events. First Gen Niners helped sort, pack and inspect food items. We also helped the staff with cleaning and other tasks. Partnering with the Jamil Niner Student Pantry helped shine a light on another valuable resource for students that often goes overlooked. As a member of the First Gen organization, I believe it is crucial to highlight various resources for fellow students. Through this partnership with the student pantry, a few First Gen Niners members were able to land future volunteer and internship opportunities.
“While being a first-generation student is a big part of my identity, I hold my status as a nursing student in equal regard. My first semester of nursing school brought a multitude of challenges. Not only was it challenging academically, but I struggled with time management and other commitments. As an aspiring nurse practitioner, I have a passion for service and making an impact. Through Charlotte and the First Gen Niners, I have strengthened my communication, collaboration and problem-solving skills, all which are imperative for my future profession.
“I pride myself on being a first-generation college student and encourage other such students to take a leap of faith to embrace this part of their identity. Being a first-generation student should be looked at as a strength to use toward achieving your goals with grit, perseverance and resilience.”
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