ISU’s TRIO hosts event for first-generation college students

Illinois State University took part in a “National First-Generation College Celebration Day”, Friday afternoon at the Horton Field House. This event was sponsored by multiple organizations, including the Illinois State University Police Department and the TRIO Student Support Service program.

The event opened up with TRIO talking about the importance of being a first-generation student and why students should be inspired to be first-generation students.

“I’m the oldest on both sides of my family,” TRIO member Jemarion Barron said. “I feel like it’s important for me to lead by example, to show my brothers and sisters there’s more to life than where we’re from.”

This event also included multiple games for the students and a K-9 demonstration.

“It’s good to have more knowledge. TRIO member Summer Williams said. “And then for a first-generation student, you get more opportunities and more doors open. By experiencing it as a first-time student, you can have the background to tell your kids that you want to school for this reason.”

Another member of TRIO, Tianna Curtis-Bradley, spoke on how important TRIO has been for her.

“I’m a child of eight kids,” Curtis-Bradley said. “Your parents not always going to be able to help you afford stuff. TRIO is a place where you can get extra funding, extra stability because you are not always going to get that from your parents…. I won’t say first generation always has it harder, but you do really. You’re the first to do everything.”

ISU saw 3,000 first generation students in 2022, equating to 17% of the total student body. Statistics for the current school year have not been released.