What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
I enjoy being a mentor because my own mentor played a big role in my college experience, and now I want to give back. It’s important to me to support others the way I was supported.

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
As a first-gen student I've learned to push myself in ways I never thought possible. It's been rewarding to be able to make progress, not just for myself, but for everyone who has believed in me.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
I love meeting new people and helping them throughout their journey! I also love interacting and seeing different perspectives for each students!

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
I value being a first-gen student because it's something you have to accomplish on your own, which gives you a great sense of achievement and knowing you did it all on your own.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
I get great joy as a mentor when I help people along their path to achievement and personal development. Knowing that I'm improving someone's life by sharing my knowledge and abilities makes me feel fulfilled. It is very satisfying to observe their growth and the problems they overcome. All things considered, my favorite aspect of being a mentor is the chance to encourage and enable others.

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
Being a first-generation student, I cherish the chance to make my own path and leave a legacy of educational achievement for my family. Being the first person in my family to go to college presents some difficulties, but it also builds resilience, determination, and pride. I treasure the opportunity to push past boundaries and exceed expectations, not just for myself but also for the next generation.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
I enjoy being a mentor because it allows me to make a difference in someone else's life. It's enjoyable to share my knowledge and experiences with my mentees and see them overcome challenges and achieve their goals. Being a mentor allows me to make a positive impact on someone else's life, and it is great to know that I can help them progress personally and professionally.

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
As a first-generation student, I value having the chance to create opportunities for myself and my family while also creating a new standard for future generations. Being the first in my family to attend college encourages me to work hard and overcome challenges.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
I enjoy mentoring because it allows me to share my experiences with those who need guidance.

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
Being a first-gen student teaches you to be proud and strong, and shows how much education can change your life.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
I enjoy talking to people who I can relate to and also help with my experience being a first-gen minority. I feel I can connect and learn from meeting others because there's always something to learn from every person's experience. It also allows me to practice conversation techniques and skills that I don't get to practice often in my everyday conversations with friends and family.

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
I enjoy having my independence to get to choose to make mistakes on my own accord and learn from them. I like having my privacy and enjoy being alone. I think building my confidence as the first person in my family to go to college gives me so much empowerment and stress, but I am grateful for the experience I get while I am here.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
I think one part of being a mentor I'm looking forward to is meeting my mentees and learning more about them! Having a part in helping them adjust to college by sharing my experiences will give myself (and hopefully them) an opportunity to grow.

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
A part of being a first-generation student is the resilience and determination that is required to navigate through something that is new and without guidance from your parents/parental figures. Through this, I've learned a lot about myself and how I'm capable of doing more than I give myself credit for.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
It feels great knowing that I can help others who may be going through similar experiences that I have already gone through during my first few years at VCU. I enjoy knowing that I can potentially make another individual's transition from high school to college as seamless as possible. It's also interesting learning about other people's majors and backgrounds. We're all first-gen students and its nice to learn about each others stories prior to college.

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
The community that comes with being a first-gen student is special. Everyone here is very understanding of people's different backgrounds and life experiences before college. Being a first-gen student in the STEM field also means a lot to me because when I was younger I didn't believe I would be able to do something like this. Looking back, my high-school self would be very proud of how far I was able to come.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
I enjoy showing my mentees things that I've learned or will be learning and sharing it with them.

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
I value putting myself first before my parents expectations of what I should do while I'm attending college.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
It feels great knowing that I can help others who may be going through similar experiences that I have already gone through during my first few years at VCU. I enjoy knowing that I can potentially make another individual's transition from high school to college as seamless as possible. It's also interesting learning about other people's majors and backgrounds. We're all first-gen students and its nice to learn about each others stories prior to college.

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
The community that comes with being a first-gen student is special. Everyone here is very understanding of people's different backgrounds and life experiences before college. Being a first-gen student in the STEM field also means a lot to me because when I was younger I didn't believe I would be able to do something like this. Looking back, my high-school self would be very proud of how far I was able to come.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
What I enjoy about being a mentor is the amazing relationships I create with my mentees and being able to build our trust so that we can communicate better and reach our goals.

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
What I value about being a first-generation student is the opportunity to break new ground in my family and pursue higher education. It gives me a sense of pride and responsibility to overcome challenges and to demonstrate that anything is possible.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
As a mentor, I enjoy working with others who are similar to me in some shape or form. While I can guide others through their journey in college, I can also be their friend as well. I enjoy how relaxing and fun mentoring can be because it is not all about mentoring, but being there for those who needed me the most.

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
I value all the benefits and resources and the help that’s out there for first-gen students. As a first-gen student, I can also tell anyone who didn’t go to college how amazing it is. I can tell others that being first-gen may be scary at first because you don’t know anything, but being first-gen makes you special and unique in a lot of ways.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
What I enjoy the most about a mentor is that I get to support other students by helping them navigate the intricacies of college. Through every step of the way, I love being there to cheer them on as both a mentor and friend.

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
To be where I am, it took a lot of sacrifices from myself and the people who always believed in me. I am proud to have made it this far and will continue to go even further.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
I want to be able to support my mentees on their path, much like my mentor did for me when I was in their position.

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
Being a first-generation college student has its own set of experiences that I find valuable, as well as the opportunities that are provided. Even though it can be difficult at times, it's ultimately worthwhile.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
I enjoy getting to know my mentees and watching them flourish on campus. Seeing my mentees find their place at VCU is my favorite part of being a mentor.

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
As a first-gen student, I value the strong community we have on campus and the support that community provides. I'm proud that I've remained proactive and optimistic, and I've learned that there are many resources outside of my family that I can ask for help.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
I really enjoy empowering young adults and watching them progress through times that I once found challenging. Mentoring has brought growth and a greater sense of pride to my professional and academic experiences.

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
As a first-gen student, I value legacy. I hope to be an example to younger generations, showing them that knowledge is a lifelong pursuit.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
I enjoy creating a positive impact on others and sharing my knowledge and experience to benefit others on their academic journey.

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
I value being the first to accomplish such a big milestone in higher education. Although being first-gen can carry some burdens, it is an amazing feeling to know you are paving the way of success for other future generations in the family.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
I enjoy connecting with other students who are in the same position as I was. It can feel isolating and intimidating to navigate an environment no one else in your family has experienced. I am a resource and guide to my mentees and hopefully, they feel more confident, comfortable, and equipped to grow as students and individuals. Being their mentor, they know they have someone there to support them and cheer them on indefinitely.

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
Although there are so many adversities that first-generation students face, I admire the resilience and drive that comes with being first-gen and how many opportunities we have to pave for ourselves. There is so much strength and determination that comes from being in this community that it's uplifting to know how many of your peers who share similar experiences are here to support you.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
My motto is "leave the person better off than they were before you met them." I think sharing and being a positive force in someone's life is the most honorable thing someone can do.

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
I think there is something very gratifying about doing and being all of the things people never expected that you could do. When the cards are stacked against you, yet you still manage to prevail and be successful.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
I enjoy being a mentor because I love helping people grow and achieve their goals. I want to share my experience and knowledge with them and give them all the tools they need to succeed. Additionally, mentoring promotes a sense of connection, as I often gain new insights and perspectives from those I mentor.

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
Being a first-generation student brings immense value to me. I know my parents sacrificed their education and future for me. However, it was a challenge because I didn't have a precedent for future generations in my family, showing them that higher education is attainable and worthwhile. This experience enhances my sense of responsibility to inspire and support my mentees with their educational journey.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
I feel like it is fulfilling to see others grow and succeed. Helping someone navigate challenges, learn new skills, and achieve their goals can be incredibly rewarding. Plus, mentoring allows for the exchange of knowledge and insights, which can benefit both parties involved.

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
Being a first-generation student is like embarking on an exciting adventure into uncharted territory. It's about stepping into the world of higher education with a fresh perspective and a hunger for knowledge. There's a sense of pride in being the first in your family to pursue this path, and it comes with its own set of challenges and triumphs. From navigating the complexities of college applications to mastering the art of balancing academics with other responsibilities, every step feels like a victory.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
Being able to relate to others about unique issues that I thought I was the only one going through.

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
I value that I have different perspectives from people. This makes me more valuable to the workforce or even to different spaces around and off campus.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
As a mentor, I enjoy being a support system by giving advice to navigating their college experience. I love the opportunity in building long lasting connections and learning from them.

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
I value being part of a community that is open and supportive of our goals/achievements. Being a first-gen student is stressful but it's important to know we are not alone in our experiences.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
I want to pass on advice, knowledge, and wisdom to individuals who are in the same position as I was. I know the feeling of hopelessness, believing that you’re entering this new journey of college alone and have no guidance on what to do to get the most out of your time at university. Through mentorship, I can be a point of contact when questions arise and equip first-generation students with useful tools that have helped me succeed in college. Additionally, this is an opportunity for me to learn from mentees as well. In the end, if they are able to grow and pass on any information I give to them to other first-generation students, it’s a win in my book. I don’t want the cycle of sharing useful information to die, and I want first-generation students to see themselves as achievers.

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
Many first-generation students had to naturally overcome challenges on their own. It’s the constant resilience despite the obstacles they face that I deeply admire about first-generation students. Remind yourself that you are taking on the world by yourself, and you should be proud of all your accomplishments so far.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
I think being a mentor is such an incredible privilege and experience. Overall, I feel that the best part would be watching my mentees succeed in all aspects. Being able to help them and watch them branch out.

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
Growing up as a first-generation student has enriched crucial abilities within me and instilled a deep-seated resilience. These characteristics have magnified my commitment to education and pushed me toward my career goals. I'm convinced that regardless of the challenges I face, my determination will never falter, and my goals will never seem out of reach.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
I love guiding others through thier personal and professional journeys and seeing the growth and success.

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
Being first generation comes with unique challenges but I love that I am able to pave my own path and set an example for future generations.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
I love being able to share the resources, support, and community that are available to first-gen students that I didn't know about when I first came to VCU. I also enjoy the meaningful relationships created with the foundation of guidance and advocacy.

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
It took me time to appreciate the grit and determination it takes to navigate higher education; however, the learning curve has made me a stronger and more tenacious person. It took hard work to get where I am now, but I am so proud of who I became despite all of the obstacles. Remember, give yourself grace and credit for everything you have accomplished that got you to where you are now.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
Although I have finished training to become one, I haven’t met my mentees yet so I’m unsure. But for the process that I went through, I enjoyed getting to meet the team I would be working with to ensure success in life on VCU’s campus grounds. We all are respectful and have a lot to offer to the mentees ahead of us. In a way, I was able to figure out resources I can still use for the remaining semesters I have left before I graduate. To that meaning, it was like I was healing my worries from my early years here at VCU. I am both excited and nervous to face this leadership position and help out those after me.

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
With its upsides and downsides, being a first-gen student to me is like being given a chance to trailblaze my journey my way. Since my parents did not go to college, I get to make my own decisions about independence and how I want to live at the end of the day. This is both amazing and challenging. As my parents are both Vietnamese, I get to learn a whole new language from the start when not many get that chance. Maybe I would have been a different person with different values if I came with an easier life, but being a first-gen student also gave me skills to be more resilient against hardships.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
I am excited to be able to help students who are coming into to college as first generation. It is scary and overwhelming and having someone there to help you and be a guide a blessing!

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
I value my growth during my time at VCU. Two years ago I had no idea how much my life would shift being a senior in highschool to now a junior in college. I have learned so much thanks to the people I have met at VCU who have been supportive, especially when it comes to first generation students!

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
I enjoy giving advice and talking through issues that people have in their lives. I want to help them into accomplishing their goals as a university student and in their personal lives.

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
I value being an example for my peers and my family. I want them to see that I can accomplish the trials and tribulations that college students face in their day-to-day lives, as well as living my truth.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
I enjoy connecting with other first-generation students! I also love spreading the knowledge I have gathered throughout my 5 years in college. I love that I can help others with things I struggled with when I first came to college. Everything truly does work out and I love that I can spread that positivity and optimism to others! We all worked hard to get a seat in this space and that truly is enough!

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
I value the story I get to tell to others. Being first-gen is extremely difficult but so humbling and rewarding. I am grateful to be a success story. Having a support system whether it be familial or at school helps. I value the struggle I faced because it allowed me to find the tools and resources I needed to succeed. I value being able to tell my true authentic story. This has been an amazing journey and I would not have it any other way.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
Being a mentor is way more than just a position. You become someone's guide, role model, friend, and so much more. Everyone deserves support in the world, and being able to get specialized support catered to your own needs can change your life. Not only are you offering them guidance, but they are also teaching you at the same time. Leaving behind that kind of legacy is incredibly important.

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
As a first-gen student, I've dealt with a lot of struggle. There have been many obstacles I've had to encounter, but it wasn't anything I couldn't get through or find a way to cope with. Being first-gen has taught me to persevere and take pain and turn it into strength. It's a unique skill that all first-gen students have, it might just take some thinking before they realize.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
Some things I enjoy about being a mentor is being able to support and guide students on campus who might feel lost or alone as first year students. I remember that feeling as a first-year student and with the help of my mentor, I felt more confident being a college student here at VCU. I want to be able to provide that same support to my mentees and other first year students.

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
I value that as a first-generation college student, my experience throughout college will be very different from most of my peers, but I am not alone in my journey since there are many other first gen students.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
I enjoy being able to help guide first-year students to a successful first year here at VCU. Having them succeed is what I want for them, and I can help guide them to that goal. Being someone my mentees can talk to when they need help or advice is another thing I enjoy as a mentor.

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
What I value about being a first-gen student is learning through trial and error. I can experiment on my own with what works for me and grow from my mistakes, knowing that all my success is from my determination to learn and succeed.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
I enjoy meeting new people/student and having conversations about their journey academically and personally. I also get to see peoples different perspectives in college, watch them overcome their challenges, and have conversations.

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
As a first-gen student, there are several struggles that need to be overcome and there are several things that you learn in college that other students have already know. Achieving success as a first-gen student is truly rewarding and it takes a lot not only to attend college but also to feel accomplished.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
I love that I will be able to give advice and guidance to my mentees coming into VCU. I had a great experience with my mentor when I was a freshman and was able to learn about all the resources VCU has to offer.

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
Being a first-gen student comes with its challenges; however, the community and peer support helps us get through those obstacles. Being the first in my family to go to college has been extremely rewarding and taught me more about myself.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
I appreciate the perspectives my mentees bring to the table as it can be extremely refreshing. I have been able to learn from the different backgrounds, majors, and lifestyles of some amazing people which in turn helps to build my leadership perspective. In addition, having the opportunity to experience life with someone who is in the same position I was

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
I value my resilience and initiative-taking skills as a first-gen student. I value the impact of my culture, my families history, and the community that has supported me as they have taught me how to remain determined.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
I enjoy connecting with other first-generation students! I also love spreading the knowledge I have gathered throughout my 5 years in college. I love that I can help others with things I struggled with when I first came to college. Everything truly does work out and I love that I can spread that positivity and optimism to others! We all worked hard to get a seat in this space and that truly is enough!

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
I value the story I get to tell to others. Being first-gen is extremely difficult but so humbling and rewarding. I am grateful to be a success story. Having a support system whether it be familial or at school helps. I value the struggle I faced because it allowed me to find the tools and resources I needed to succeed. I value being able to tell my true authentic story. This has been an amazing journey and I would not have it any other way.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
I love being a mentor because I get to meet people that are going through similar experiences to what I've been through. Guiding them through their journey and being a part of their growth is always a rewarding experience for me!

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
I love being a first-generation college student because it feels empowering to break barriers and pave a new path for future generations. Being a first-generation student has many more unfamiliar complexities and responsibilities that other students may not have. However, being able to navigate through all the challenges leaves me more resilient and allows me to continue growing personally and academically.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
I enjoy making a positive impact and helping guide people through some of the same experiences I encountered my first year. First-gen students possess a strong drive and determination despite the obstacles, and I closely identify with the same motivation.

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
Being a first-generation college student, I value my accomplishments and am proud of paving the way for my family. I am proud that I will be the first one to hopefully complete college. It is a big step with a lot of experiences that I look forward to sharing with others who are the same. 

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
Something I enjoy about being a mentor is the fact that it is a learning experience for me and my mentees. I also enjoy knowing that I am making an everlasting impact on my mentees lives.

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
I value the ground breaking changes I am making as a first-gen Black woman in STEM. The opportunities and “uncomfortable” places I have forced myself to be in, I am now comfortable in and hope to make them comfortable for people who look like me. This fulfills something in me that I feel was stripped from me as a woman of color and more specifically a Black woman.