Being the first person in your family to enroll in college comes with unique challenges and opportunities. Alongside stepping into the unknown and breaking barriers comes well-earned pride, a few crash courses in campus procedures, and plenty of tests of resilience. But even if you’re the first in your family to attend UM, you’re never alone on our campus.
The University of Montana is proud to stand up and support first-generation students through a variety of resources, including TRIO-Student Support Services, which provides personalized, long-term support for first-generation students, low-income students and students with disabilities.
Among the many resources provided by TRIO are:
- One-on-one academic and career advising
- Free textbook and technology loans
- FAFSA and financial aid guidance
- Tutoring and mentorship
- A great community with fun events and workshops
Scroll on to read student testimonials from first-generation students at the University of Montana and what they have to say about their experience. Not only are these students first-generation, but they have all taken advantage of the many resources available from Trio-Student Support Services:
BreeAnna Polk
My name is BreeAnna Polk, and I am graduating this spring with my bachelor's degree in Elementary Education, a minor in Music, and a certificate in Literacy. Being a first-generation student is important to me because I want to be a role model for my little brother and my students. I want to show students who grow up on the reservation that there are many opportunities available to them. I would encourage anyone to put themselves out there and to seek out people who care about helping you succeed.
"It can be difficult at times being first gen, but I have grown so much as a person and learned new things by seeking out resources."
Jennifer Rae Messerly
Being a first-generation college student is very meaningful to me because it represents breaking through the cultural and societal barriers that have been often placed on Native Americans. I chose to pursue a degree in social work because of the hardships I endured after moving off reservation. These experiences showed me the importance of having advocates who understand and meet and uplift marginalized communities.
My mother earned a high school diploma, and my father never finished the eighth grade. As the youngest of four children, I carry not only my own dreams but also the very legacy of my family. I tragically lost my older siblings due to a drunk driving incident and a drug overdose; I would say these important losses have shaped me to who I am today. For over thirteen years, I have helped my parents care for my sibling's children. Stepping into that role has taught me compassion, resilience, and most of all, responsibility.
I am also a single mother of two amazingly beautiful daughters who are thriving in high school. I hope to pave the way for them and my nieces, showing them that higher education is possible, even when the path is harder than expected.
Being a first-generation student means more than earning a degree, it’s about changing the course for future generations and overcoming the hardship and becoming resilient to overcome any hardship that we may endure.
Emma Hixson
I've lived in Montana since I was two and graduated from a Missoula high school. I am glad that I have had the opportunity to rely on multiple campus resources to help me pursue my Bachelor of Arts degree with a Major in History and a Minor in Sociology with a Certificate in Public History, alongside an Associate of Arts Degree.
I am also grateful that I have been able to get help through not just Office of Disability Equity but also TRIO Student Support Services because without their help with Mentoring, Tutoring, Study Lounge Areas I don't think that I would be where I am currently.
Diana Alvarez
Being a First-Generation student is very meaningful to me because it shows all the hard work, effort, and sacrifices that went into getting where I am today. My family has always worked so hard just to make ends meet, and growing up, I saw firsthand how difficult it was for them to get through life.
"I understood early that earning a degree meant more than just personal success; it would be a victory for all of us!"
Statistically, the odds were stacked against me, but I did not let that interfere with my goals. Instead, I let it become my motivation to keep going, to be the first to prove that my background will not have an impact on my future.
Ashley Rader
Being a first-generation college student is something I carry with a lot of pride and responsibility. It means stepping into unfamiliar territory and chasing opportunities my family never had.
"There are moments when it feels overwhelming, but those challenges remind me why I’m doing this not just for myself, but for my family and the generations that come after me."
Earning a bachelor’s degree will be more than just a personal achievement: it will represent the hard work, sacrifices, and dreams of everyone who helped me get here. Being the first in my family to earn a degree means breaking barriers, creating new possibilities, and proving that where you start doesn’t have to define where you end up.
Chevy Reum
With being a first-generation college student for my family, I won’t lie about how it was a bit daunting at first. The title of First- Generation College Student felt like there was so much weight that was going to be on my shoulders like I was the new King Arthur or something. But, as I continue through this journey, I realize how much of a blessing it is to be a first-generation college student.
"I not only get to have a better education for myself, but I also get to experience an opportunity that can lead me down any path that I want if I work hard enough for it."
It is true it is a bit challenging due to the fact that no one in my family knows what to expect or even knows what to do in this sort of environment. But being a college student helps a person grow and thrive every second they are here, even if this kind of world is a part of the unknown.
