Atlantic Cape Celebrates First-Generation Students at Third Annual College Celebration

MAYS LANDING — For Atlantic Cape Community College sophomore Cieria Davis-Hassall, a psychology major from Mays Landing, NJ, attending college is more than just taking classes and preparing herself for a successful future. She understands that she is a role model for her family and community.

“I feel like I am setting an example for my siblings (13-year-old sister and nine-year-old brother) because both of my parents started college, but then had to drop out. I know my siblings already look up to me, so seeing me in college and hearing me talk about it, now they are wondering about college too,” said Davis-Hassall, who is considering attending Rutgers University after graduating. “That means something to me when they talk about how they want to go to college now.”

Atlantic Cape’s Student Support Services (SSS), in collaboration with the Student Government Association (SGA) and the Center for Student Success (CSS), celebrated students like Davis-Hassall and many others on November 7 during the Third Annual First-Generation College Celebration in the Student Center on the Mays Landing campus.

This event is held in conjunction with National First-Generation Day, which is celebrated each year on November 8 to commemorate the passage of The Higher Education Act of 1965. The Act authorized federal aid programs to support both individuals pursuing a postsecondary education and institutions of higher education.

“It (First-Generation College Celebration) gives the opportunity for first-generation students, faculty and staff to come together to celebrate and recognize one another, and to engage in the campus environment where they're able to enjoy one another's company,” said Rashawn Martin, director, Student Support Services. “I'm a first-generation student myself and this event fosters a sense of belonging. It allows them to not only identify themselves, but identify others that are just like them when you know there are others around just like you.”

The day’s event featured numerous fun activities for the students, staff and faculty in attendance from a first-generation photo booth, inflatable football toss in the Quad and karaoke to games, live musical entertainment and spray-painted t-shirt creations. First-Generation participants were encouraged to sign a commemorative banner and had the opportunity to meet with prospective transfer colleges like Stockton and Rowan universities. The Atlantic Cape Food Pantry offered fresh cucumbers, potatoes and more for students in-need.

Two additional first-generation students - Tina Austin, a sophomore Liberal Arts and Sociology major from Ventnor, and Alex Barr, a freshman Media Studies major from Egg Harbor Township - discussed the importance of being the first in their respective families to go to college.

“I wanted to make a difference and represent my family since both of my parents didn’t go to college,” said Austin.

“It’s important for me to get together with other first-generation students because I never realized how important it was to get your associate and bachelor’s degree,” said Barr. “I never took it (my education) too seriously. My dad didn’t finish college and got lucky with a good job, but I don’t think luck comes to everyone.”

Martin sees the potential that first-generation students can have at home and on-campus.

“We have SGA student leaders that are also first-generation students. As a student, you are able to identify with groups that may help you become a more successful scholar and that brings a sense of belonging,” said Martin. “We are creating first-generation leaders through mentoring and encouraging them to have a sense of self and pride.”

Visit atlanticcape.edu/sss for more information on services provided by our Student Support Services department from counseling & mentorship, academic advising & transfer planning and cultural activities to academic tutoring, workshops, seminars and more.

About Atlantic Cape Community College

Atlantic Cape Community College is a Middle States accredited, 2022 Achieving the Dream Leader College and Hispanic Serving Institution proudly serving the residents of Atlantic and Cape May counties. As a comprehensive, two-year community college, Atlantic Cape offers 47 undergraduate degree programs, and 33 certificate and professional series programs at its Mays Landing, Atlantic City and Cape May campuses. Atlantic Cape is home to the renowned Academy of Culinary Arts, rated the top culinary school in New Jersey, and for more than 50 years, our highly-acclaimed Nursing program. Atlantic Cape also partners with more than 30 colleges and four-year universities to offer students the opportunity to seamlessly earn a bachelor’s degree upon graduation.