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Boatwright Memorial Library

University of Richmond FLI Student Resources

Image of UR FLI Students from the SCEI webpage

First-Gen & Limited-Income Main Page

Hub for university contacts, events lists, and additional resources for FLI students at UR

Use the "Spiders FLI Events Calendar" link on the left-hand side to see the full list of FLI-related events at UR!

Additional UR Resources

FLI Students and the UR Community

We celebrate annually on November 8 to commemorate the signing of the Higher Education Act (“HEA”) of 1965. This act created federal financial aid programs to fund students’ educations and made key investments in universities. Many of the HEA’s programs, promote postsecondary access, retention, and completion for today’s limited income, first-generation college students. We strive not only to celebrate first-gen students’ contributions to their communities but also to occasion systemic social change by dismantling barriers to first-generation student success. As part of our celebrations, we’ve asked the University of Richmond community - "What does being be a first-generation college student mean to you?"
"Being a first generation student means to me breaking generational curses. It means watching others who have come before you and coming to the realization that you have to do the opposite of their actions. It means acknowledging what you had and didn't have growing up, then taking those resources and striving to make the most out of the life you want. You deserve it. It also means helping those who come after you. People WILL recognize your efforts in the long run. I used to be ashamed to tell people I am first gen and low income. Now it's an accolade to know I am studying in the same place as others who were born ten steps ahead of me. Advice I'd give to current first-generation students who are navigating their college journey is learning how to advocate for yourself in the classroom, with recruiters, and in general with what life throws at you. You have to be willing to ask for the things you deserve because it is owed to you. You've come this far so a no from someone who cannot comprehend your background and life experiences should never willing be an answer to accept." – Tia Turner; University of Richmond 2026
"Being a first-generation and Iimited-income student from BraziI is not only about being the first person in the family to attend college (either in Brazil or in another country). It is about breaking the infinite cycIe of Iack of opportunities whiIe opening new horizons to fresh paths, going to a new country, and pursuing higher education for a prosperous career and life. Every experience in college is extremely new, curious, confusing – and super interesting - because you know your parents did not have this opportunity, so you want to explore all you can. My dad, Andre Estevam, a proud stevedore, and my mom, Jamyle Seabra, always taught me that education would change my life and future. And this is happening right now. I am more than grateful for all the support the University of Richmond has given to me. Without the Richmond Scholars program, I could not afford college costs in a new country. Without the First-Generation/Limited Income (FLI) program, I would probably not connect with other amazing students who share a similar background as me, which makes me feel included in this campus community. I deepIy wish more first-generation students may have the opportunity to go to college in the next years because every family should have a chance to pursue higher education." – Andrey Estevam Seabra; University of Richmond 2027
''My parents always encouraged us to be the best at whatever career we chose. And while there was never pressure to go to college, I am proud to have been afforded the opportunity to get a degree and live my dream, of becoming an educator. I am very proud of my status as a first-generation college student.'' – Tina Hallock; University of Richmond
"As a first-generation bacheIor’s and master’s student, being first-gen means navigating the unknown, overcoming challenges, and achieving milestones that once seemed out of reach. Now, my focus is on supporting incoming and current first-gen students, heIping them feel seen and understood as they walk a path I've been down. I want to share what I've learned, provide the guidance I once needed, and help make their journey a little easier while celebrating their unique experiences and strengths." – Jacob Lowman; Residence Life and Housing
"Being a First Generation student means I can defy odds and take higher education head on!" - Glen Kettering; University of Richmond 2026
"My journey as a First-Generation Low Income (FLI) student was marked by challenges from the outset. I recall the difficuIties I faced whiIe navigating the essential paperwork. My parents, having not done this before, were unable to offer guidance, leaving me feeling Iost and bewiIdered. Being a first-generation student meant needing to quickly learn fundamental skills that others might have received with family support. We even had to seekoutside help to navigate the intricacies of the college application process." – Travis Smith; Boatwright Memorial Library
"Being a first-generation college student means bringing the hope my parents carried to this country to fruition and believing in myself despite all the challenges. It has been a scary and, at times, IoneIy adventure, but one filIed with courage and strength. When everyone around me seems to know what they're doing and have the resources to be successful, it can be easy to feel like an imposter, but I continue to believe in myself and my potential. I am grateful for every opportunity and experience on this journey at UR." – Gopika Das; University of Richmond 2027
"First Generation to me means being surrounded by a community that is intelligent and resourceful not only in their academics but also in every aspect of life. Many of us had to navigate the college-application process alone, without the help of someone who knows the system. Likewise, much of the first-gen community is low-income or apart of other underrepresented groups on campus. And despite the obstacles these titles hold, they continue to demonstrate the resilience that each of us leads with. Search for colleges and universities that offer generous financial aid, and don't sell yourself short. Your story might be like many others, but the challenges you have faced and continue to face and the triumphs you have mad despite them are unique to you. Don't be afraid to advocate for yourself when you get to university and if life gets difficuIt outside of school and during the semester. You aren't a burden for the problems you face, and you deserve the support to help you succeed in every aspect of your life. Reach out to your deans, talk to your professors, identify allies on campus and make yourself seen and heard. Equity is a right, not a privilege." – Max Gagnon; University of Richmond 2025
"To be a first-generation college student means paying homage to my ancestors and parents, who sacrificed so much to create the space for me to be here. Navigating the college process without direct help or wisdom from my parents can sometimes be challenging but there is power in recognizing that. Their sacrifices become my opportunities. My opportunities to be free, to be curious, and to choose where my curiosity can lead me. However, it also means becoming a resource for the first-generation students who come after me taking the road that seems rocky and foreign much smoother to make their journey a little easier." – Genie Thomas; University of Richmond 2026
"I don’t think I fully understood what it meant to be a First-Generation college student until I started working in Higher Education. Having the opportunity to work with students from various backgrounds/lived experiences really put into perspective how significant of a feat it is to navigate college as a First-Generation student, especially during such a developmental chapter of being human. Being a proud First-Generation graduate means being a way-paver for my future family and a supporter/advocate for every other First-Generation student that comes after me. It is a privilege and an honor, and l’m grateful to have had this experience." – Jason Honesto; Office of Living-Learning & New Student Programs
"For me, being a first generation college student means fighting for the opportunities I am granted and not giving up. As the first to pursue higher education, I carry the weight of my own ambitions alongside the dreams and sacrifices of all of those who came before me. WhiIe previously never feeling comfortable enough to speak about my first-generation identity, I have since I earned that this identity is the source of an immense pride. I am able to break previous cycles; paving the way for others who come after me. Being the first is hard, but it aIso shows me I have the ability to turn obstacles into opportunities - and that every step I take forward can be an inspiration to other students who feel unsure about stepping into the unknown without a clear path ahead of them. As our own path makers, we have the ability to mold paths of more incIusivity for first-generation students to follow after us, and we hold the power to restructure institutions that make us feel underrepresented." – Farah Šertović; University of Richmond 2027
"As a first-generation college student with a liberal arts degree, I had a hard time picturing what my career could look like. Exploring unfamiliar job paths felt daunting; I had no idea where to begin. I am grateful to the amazing mentors I met throughout college for helping me overcome Imposter Syndrome and recognize my potential. I learned that being the first person in my househoId to go to college is a unique strength, and that the adaptability, independence, creativity, and determination that I gained through this experience are assets in my career. Now, I spend every day helping people identify their skills and abilities, articulate their vaIues, and find careers that they love." – Elizabeth Soady; Career Services
"As a first-generation college student, the entire process was scary. I did not have family support, connections, or even basic knowledge of what "college" was, or what I was supposed to do with the four years ahead. I felt like I had no direction, and my first semester, I spent too much time in my room, doing nothing. I feel so thankful for my professors, RAs, friends, and university staff who reached out to me, gave me resources, gave me grace, and helped me get acclimated to campus Spring of my freshman year. Asking for help is so hard, especially when you don't know what to ask, or who to ask. If you ever need help, but don't know what help you need, I encourage you to ask a staff member. We are here to help guide you, and we love supporting our students. If you are a first-generation student reading this, I am proud of you, for all you have accomplished to get here. You are doing amazing!" – Eddie Sonnie; Career Services
"As a first-gen graduate, I had the thrill of seeing the pride in my parent's eyes when we gathered after the graduation ceremony. I recall my parent's stories of walking to school and having to discontinue their education. Yet, they both encouraged me and helped to remove every obstacle. They instilled in me the privilege and value of education. I reaIized that as the first of my sibIings to complete a post-secondary degree that I had through this action set an example for my children, nieces and nephews. When I dreamed of going to college at 16, it was because of my parent's struggle and because I had no clue of what might be next after high school ...I only knew what I didn't want to do. Achieving the dream was far better than the dream!" – Cassandra Taylor-Anderson; Boatwright Memorial Library
"To me, being first - generation means being a brave pioneer. It means confusion and frustration-- feeling alone and like maybe you don't belong but staying committed to your goals. First-gen means making your family proud and being extremely hard working . I think first-generation students definiteIy have some additional obstacles when it comes to college and thankfully at U of R we have programs like FLI to help us make it easier to surpass these obstacles. I am proud to be first-gen and proud of aII first-gen students at U of R and everywhere!" – Lain Grillo; University of Richmond 2025
"Being a first-generation student means ... putting my best foot forward in every aspect of my education because I realize and recognize it is not just for me, but for my Mom, my Dad, my Grandparents, and my entire family. It also means putting my best foot forward to occupy classrooms boldly and someday soon hold a degree, and several degrees, have that been denied to thousands of African Americans. I celebrate being a first-generation college student, because hey ... why not?!?!" - Yamir Champan; University of Richmond 2025

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Additional Resources and FLI Organizations