MAYS LANDING – They may come from different countries, follow separate religions, speak native languages and look unlike one another. Yet, one commonality binds them all together and that is their determination as a first-generation student to be the first in their respective families to earn a college degree.
First-generation students comprise a vital cultural demographic within Atlantic Cape’s closeknit Mays Landing, Atlantic City and Cape May County campus communities. Being the first in their family to attend college can be an overwhelming experience and it takes courage to confidently navigate through the myriad challenges and difficulties that arise.
Each student has a courageous story to tell and at the 5th Annual First-Generation College Celebration, held on November 5 in collaboration with Student Support Services and the Center for Student Success, Atlantic Cape acknowledged the dedication and resiliency of each and every first-generation student.
Nicole Moyano, a sophomore health science major from Hammonton, NJ who comes from a large family, loved the idea of attending college to pursue her dream of working in healthcare.
“Being a first-generation student means a lot to me because both of my parents were from Argentina. My mom got her GED and my dad graduated high school, plus I have a lot of siblings and I am the first to pursue higher education,” said Moyano.
During her time at Atlantic Cape’s Mays Landing campus, Moyano has been an active participant in many student clubs, such as Circle K, is a peer mentor and also played on the women’s volleyball team.
“I've met a lot of people, along with a lot of my friends from high school, and we just all get together and talk about everything,” said Moyano, who would like to transfer to Thomas Jefferson University after graduation in hopes of one day becoming a radiation therapist.
Matthew Chow is a sophomore business major and vice president of the Student Government Association (SGA) from Pleasantville, NJ. His parents never graduated from college and he’s proud to be on track to become the first in his family.
“To me, being a first-generation student just means making my parents proud. It's something that they wanted me to do and it’s also something I want to do for them. They inspired me to get my degree,” said Chow, who has found the numerous campus resource fairs, career fairs and advising assistance very helpful.
After graduation, Chow would like to attend a four-year college or university while continuing to study business or finance.
There is a tremendous amount of pride that comes from being the first member of one’s family to graduate from college. Many students study late into the night, wake up for early classes and spend hours on homework assignments to make not only themselves proud, but especially their parents.
For freshman criminal justice major and Mays Landing resident Le’Van Ireland his pursuit of higher education is proof that he is a man of his word.
“I promised my mom that I would go to college and I am fulfilling that promise. My friends inspired me to come to Atlantic Cape because they're all going here and it’s another reason I can spend more time with them,” said Ireland, who has found the Campus Closet helpful during his first few months on campus. After graduation, Ireland plans to transfer to a four-year university.
Jiavonni Jones, a freshman health science major and resident of Atlantic County, found motherly inspiration as well in her decision to attend Atlantic Cape as a first-generation student.
“For me, being a first-generation student means setting the bar high and 
doing what I need to do to graduate,” said Jones, who has taken advantage of the Library’s tutoring center, Student Support Services and the Educational Opportunity Fund as she works her way towards getting into Atlantic Cape’s nursing program and graduating.
As an international student, freshman and Galloway resident James Kotokpo Brown is adjusting to college life. While being inspired to meet new people, connect with his professors and join a club or a sport, Brown is thankful for the College’s free resources and support.
“Tutoring has helped me a lot when it comes to doing assignments and submitting them on time. My first week at Atlantic Cape was difficult, but right now I’m really into it and it is now easier for me,” said Brown, who hopes to earn a degree in public health and get a job while also chasing his soccer dream as well.
This year’s Annual First-Generation Celebration offered students like Moyano, Chow, Ireland, Jones and Brown the opportunity to participate in open microphone karaoke, pose for fun photos in the digital photo booth, create decorative airbrushed t-shirts, and sign a First-Gen banner with messages of hope while also enjoying free cake and refreshments.
This annual 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. This Act authorized the federal aid programs to support both individuals pursuing postsecondary education and institutions of higher education.
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.
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About Atlantic Cape Community College
Established in 1964, Atlantic Cape Community College is a Middle States-accredited, Hispanic-serving institution proudly serving the residents of Atlantic and Cape May counties. As a comprehensive, two-year community college, Atlantic Cape offers more than 50 undergraduate degree programs and 34 certificate and workforce development 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 to its highly acclaimed Nursing program for more than 60 years. 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.
