Dany DeGrave, FirstGen
@inpersonplus.com
I remove barriers so FirstGens can thrive. https://linktr.ee/inpersonplus #firstgen
One teacher noticed his potential, stayed after class to help him write an essay for a contest, and showed him what was possible. That moment, placing 1st regionally and 2nd statewide, became the spark that made him believe: I can do this. #FirstGen #FirstGenProud #CelebrateFirstGen
🎙️ As a FirstGen student, Manuel faced hidden rules of college life—from culture shock to $2K fraternity dues. He built his own path, founded a Latino fraternity, and now leads HSI initiatives.
🎧 open.spotify.com/episode/6r8X...
#F#FirstGenE#EducationH#HSIF#FirstGenProud
🎧 open.spotify.com/episode/6r8X...
#F#FirstGenE#EducationH#HSIF#FirstGenProud
January 6, 2026 at 9:50 PM
One teacher noticed his potential, stayed after class to help him write an essay for a contest, and showed him what was possible. That moment, placing 1st regionally and 2nd statewide, became the spark that made him believe: I can do this. #FirstGen #FirstGenProud #CelebrateFirstGen
Spread the word #FirstGen
Our household helps support a first generation former foster-care student getting through university.
You can help us help her too if you have anything to spare!
You can help us help her too if you have anything to spare!
Donate to Helping Avery Get Through University, organized by Martha Crawford
Greetings to all those that this reaches,
This is Martha Crawford LCSW, and I… Martha Crawford needs your support for Helping Avery Get Through University
gofund.me
January 4, 2026 at 5:53 AM
Spread the word #FirstGen
This podcast provides a wonderful oral history of FirstGen lived experiences.
It nicely shows how all FirstGen lives are different, but have in common that pioneering mindset of figuring it all out with minimal or no guidance.
#FirstGen #FirstGenProud #CelebrateFirstGen
It nicely shows how all FirstGen lives are different, but have in common that pioneering mindset of figuring it all out with minimal or no guidance.
#FirstGen #FirstGenProud #CelebrateFirstGen
Reflecting on 40 incredible FirstGen stories shared this year!
From immigration journeys to bold pivots, each narrative highlights resilience, creativity, and community. Grateful to our hosts for inspiring conversations.
Happy New Year from The FirstGen Lounge 🎉
From immigration journeys to bold pivots, each narrative highlights resilience, creativity, and community. Grateful to our hosts for inspiring conversations.
Happy New Year from The FirstGen Lounge 🎉
December 31, 2025 at 7:24 PM
This podcast provides a wonderful oral history of FirstGen lived experiences.
It nicely shows how all FirstGen lives are different, but have in common that pioneering mindset of figuring it all out with minimal or no guidance.
#FirstGen #FirstGenProud #CelebrateFirstGen
It nicely shows how all FirstGen lives are different, but have in common that pioneering mindset of figuring it all out with minimal or no guidance.
#FirstGen #FirstGenProud #CelebrateFirstGen
Interesting read. Congrats to the FirstGens mentioned in the article. #FirstGenProud #celebratefirstgen #FirstGen #scholars #academia
First-generation scholars make up more than a quarter of US doctoral students, yet their experiences in academia often remain underrepresented.
Hear from first-gen scholars at multiple career stages about their paths in higher education: bit.ly/4p5QGK8
#firstgen #scholars #humanities
Hear from first-gen scholars at multiple career stages about their paths in higher education: bit.ly/4p5QGK8
#firstgen #scholars #humanities
How First-Generation Scholars Thrive Through Community
Hear from first-generation scholars at multiple career stages about how mentorship, community, and support through fellowships have shaped their research and paths in higher education.
bit.ly
December 27, 2025 at 6:22 AM
Interesting read. Congrats to the FirstGens mentioned in the article. #FirstGenProud #celebratefirstgen #FirstGen #scholars #academia
My "First in Your Family" wife grew up in poverty, had to recreate her overwhelmed, single mom (of seven kids) tax returns to apply for financial aid. Today she holds three Masters Degrees in three unrelated but intertwined fields. A testimony to resilience and perseverance.
December 19, 2025 at 3:19 AM
“I thought a psychology degree made you a psychologist. No one told me it takes a PhD.”
Lisette also opens up about the burnout she experienced working as one of the only bilingual psychologists.
#FirstGen #CelebrateFirstGen #FirstGenProud #Psychology #PhD #imposter #mentalhealth #Latina
Lisette also opens up about the burnout she experienced working as one of the only bilingual psychologists.
#FirstGen #CelebrateFirstGen #FirstGenProud #Psychology #PhD #imposter #mentalhealth #Latina
🎙️ This week on The First Gen Lounge, Dr. Lisette Sanchez shares her FirstGen journey from university to private practice—and the confidence it takes to be the first.
🎧 open.spotify.com/episode/1Im6...
#F#FirstGenP#PsychologistP#PhDM#MentalHealth
🎧 open.spotify.com/episode/1Im6...
#F#FirstGenP#PsychologistP#PhDM#MentalHealth
December 19, 2025 at 3:15 AM
“I thought a psychology degree made you a psychologist. No one told me it takes a PhD.”
Lisette also opens up about the burnout she experienced working as one of the only bilingual psychologists.
#FirstGen #CelebrateFirstGen #FirstGenProud #Psychology #PhD #imposter #mentalhealth #Latina
Lisette also opens up about the burnout she experienced working as one of the only bilingual psychologists.
#FirstGen #CelebrateFirstGen #FirstGenProud #Psychology #PhD #imposter #mentalhealth #Latina
SHPE is the Society for Hispanic Professional Engineers. The event gives opportunities to upcoming STEM talent to connect with companies for internships and jobs. 👏👏👏 #STEM #FirstGen #engineer
SHPE 2025 Philadelphia was full of energy, connection, and powerful FirstGen stories!We loved meeting so many of you, hearing your journeys, and capturing these moments of pride together.
#SHPE2025 #FirstGenProud #InPersonPlus #STEMCommunity #CareerGrowth #FirstGen #engineer
#SHPE2025 #FirstGenProud #InPersonPlus #STEMCommunity #CareerGrowth #FirstGen #engineer
December 6, 2025 at 2:36 PM
🎙️ On The FirstGen Lounge, Sean Watley shares what it’s like to navigate college without insider tips, failing an open-note test, missing office hours, and finding purpose through AmeriCorps.
🎧 open.spotify.com/episode/6JH4...
#F#FirstGenC#CommunityServiceA#AmeriCorps
🎧 open.spotify.com/episode/6JH4...
#F#FirstGenC#CommunityServiceA#AmeriCorps
December 6, 2025 at 2:06 PM
Another honest FirstGen story, not shying away from the hard truths and the paths to a better future, built one step at a time. 👍
#firstgen #firstgenproud #celebratefirstgen
#firstgen #firstgenproud #celebratefirstgen
🎙️ On The FirstGen Lounge, Dora Mendez shares what it’s like to navigate college without a roadmap—no Greek life, no networking tips, just grit. From paralegal to HR exec, her pivots prove resilience is power.
🎧 open.spotify.com/episode/3QJO...
#F#FirstGenH#HRConsultingC#CollegeProfessor
🎧 open.spotify.com/episode/3QJO...
#F#FirstGenH#HRConsultingC#CollegeProfessor
December 1, 2025 at 1:07 AM
Another honest FirstGen story, not shying away from the hard truths and the paths to a better future, built one step at a time. 👍
#firstgen #firstgenproud #celebratefirstgen
#firstgen #firstgenproud #celebratefirstgen
Reposted by Dany DeGrave, FirstGen
SHPE 2025 Philadelphia was full of energy, connection, and powerful FirstGen stories! We loved meeting so many of you, hearing your journeys, and capturing these moments of pride together.
#SHPE2025 #FirstGenProud #InPersonPlus #STEMCommunity #CareerGrowth #FirstGen #engineer
#SHPE2025 #FirstGenProud #InPersonPlus #STEMCommunity #CareerGrowth #FirstGen #engineer
November 28, 2025 at 3:18 AM
SHPE 2025 Philadelphia was full of energy, connection, and powerful FirstGen stories! We loved meeting so many of you, hearing your journeys, and capturing these moments of pride together.
#SHPE2025 #FirstGenProud #InPersonPlus #STEMCommunity #CareerGrowth #FirstGen #engineer
#SHPE2025 #FirstGenProud #InPersonPlus #STEMCommunity #CareerGrowth #FirstGen #engineer
Listen to an incredible story of resilience, from a very hard youth to graduate of the prestigious FBI National Academy. #firstgen #firstgenproud #celebratefirstgen #law #justice
🎙️ This week on The First Gen Lounge, we’re joined by Peggy Belles— a retired lieutenant, wellness entrepreneur, and author—who shares what it’s like to pursue law and leadership without knowing where to start or who to ask.
🎧 open.spotify.com/episode/3kMd...
#F#FirstGenC#ConsultingL#Law
🎧 open.spotify.com/episode/3kMd...
#F#FirstGenC#ConsultingL#Law
November 17, 2025 at 5:28 AM
Listen to an incredible story of resilience, from a very hard youth to graduate of the prestigious FBI National Academy. #firstgen #firstgenproud #celebratefirstgen #law #justice
As a first gen student who self funded her PhD whilst working, it's moments like these that hit home how far I've come. I'm reading a chapter for a reading group on paid time. I'm not fitting it in on the commute to my day job. I'm reading it as my job. Wow! #AcademicSky #FirstGen #LittleThings
November 17, 2025 at 5:22 AM
“Each step was paved w/ their hard work.” 👍 @tmarkm.bsky.social #firstgen
2day is #NationalFirstGenDay, honoring journeys of those who are 1st to pursue #highered.
As a #firstgen college/high school graduate, I carry w/ me the hopes of my family. Each step was paved w/ their hard work.
Ur path may be challenging, but ur determination is inspiring. Keep going!
As a #firstgen college/high school graduate, I carry w/ me the hopes of my family. Each step was paved w/ their hard work.
Ur path may be challenging, but ur determination is inspiring. Keep going!
November 9, 2025 at 1:48 AM
“Each step was paved w/ their hard work.” 👍 @tmarkm.bsky.social #firstgen
🎉 Happy National FirstGen Day! 🎉
Today we celebrate the resilience, determination, and achievements of first-generation students everywhere. Your journey inspires us all. Keep ringing that bell for success 💪
#CelebrateFirstGen #FirstGen #FirstGenProud
Today we celebrate the resilience, determination, and achievements of first-generation students everywhere. Your journey inspires us all. Keep ringing that bell for success 💪
#CelebrateFirstGen #FirstGen #FirstGenProud
November 9, 2025 at 1:41 AM
“Throughout college, I continued to work at the Superstore. In between customers, I’d read philosophy. I remember the whiplash of moving from Wittgenstein’s Tractatus in one moment to refunding protein bars the next.” #firstgen #celebratefirstgen #phd #academia @firstgenphilos.bsky.social
NEW POST!
"On Feeling Awkward and Finding Your People"
By Arianna Falbo
firstgenphilosophers.squarespace.com/contribution...
#firstgenphilosophers
"On Feeling Awkward and Finding Your People"
By Arianna Falbo
firstgenphilosophers.squarespace.com/contribution...
#firstgenphilosophers
October 26, 2025 at 3:57 PM
“Throughout college, I continued to work at the Superstore. In between customers, I’d read philosophy. I remember the whiplash of moving from Wittgenstein’s Tractatus in one moment to refunding protein bars the next.” #firstgen #celebratefirstgen #phd #academia @firstgenphilos.bsky.social
Great advice to #firstgen from @unlawfulentries.bsky.social Think longer term. Prep your future.
#firstgencollegestudents #celebratefirstgen
#firstgencollegestudents #celebratefirstgen
October 22, 2025 at 12:28 AM
Great advice to #firstgen from @unlawfulentries.bsky.social Think longer term. Prep your future.
#firstgencollegestudents #celebratefirstgen
#firstgencollegestudents #celebratefirstgen
But despite not knowing initially, she did figure it out! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Thanks to @thefirstgenlounge.bsky.social for sharing these #firstgen lived experiences with us. #celebratefirstgen #edu #firstgenprofessional
Thanks to @thefirstgenlounge.bsky.social for sharing these #firstgen lived experiences with us. #celebratefirstgen #edu #firstgenprofessional
🎙️ This week on The FirstGen Lounge, Abby MacDonald talks with Yessica, a career counselor who missed out on campus opportunities simply because no one told her they were there.
🎧 open.spotify.com/episode/1uDH...
#F#FirstGenC#CareerCounselorH#HigherEd
🎧 open.spotify.com/episode/1uDH...
#F#FirstGenC#CareerCounselorH#HigherEd
October 21, 2025 at 1:01 PM
But despite not knowing initially, she did figure it out! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Thanks to @thefirstgenlounge.bsky.social for sharing these #firstgen lived experiences with us. #celebratefirstgen #edu #firstgenprofessional
Thanks to @thefirstgenlounge.bsky.social for sharing these #firstgen lived experiences with us. #celebratefirstgen #edu #firstgenprofessional
smart! @jdtramantano.bsky.social
Transparent sticky notes are my jam. Highly underrated. A lot of high school students still have paper textbooks they can’t write in! Clear sticky notes allow students to be active readers and annotate without inking up the book! #studyskills #literacy #reading
October 6, 2025 at 4:07 AM
smart! @jdtramantano.bsky.social
So true for many FirstGens.
“You only need one person to believe in you”
says Abaigh MacDonald in this podcast from The FirstGen Lounge. #celebrateFirstGens #WomeninSTEM #FirstGen #FirstGensuccess #STEM
“You only need one person to believe in you”
says Abaigh MacDonald in this podcast from The FirstGen Lounge. #celebrateFirstGens #WomeninSTEM #FirstGen #FirstGensuccess #STEM
🎙️ This week on The FirstGen Lounge, our host Abaigh becomes the interviewee and shares her story!
🎧 open.spotify.com/episode/5M5u...
#F#FirstGenW#WomenInSTEMU#UCIRvineP#Podcasting#T#TheFirstGenLounge� #U#UCIRvine
September 30, 2025 at 3:07 AM
So true for many FirstGens.
“You only need one person to believe in you”
says Abaigh MacDonald in this podcast from The FirstGen Lounge. #celebrateFirstGens #WomeninSTEM #FirstGen #FirstGensuccess #STEM
“You only need one person to believe in you”
says Abaigh MacDonald in this podcast from The FirstGen Lounge. #celebrateFirstGens #WomeninSTEM #FirstGen #FirstGensuccess #STEM
We’re sharing a series of snapshots to celebrate all the incredible people we met at NASPA - Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education! Whether you're a FirstGen student, professional, or advocate, thank you for stopping by 💛
#FirstGen #CelebrateFirstGen #InPersonPlus #NASPA #SSHE25
#FirstGen #CelebrateFirstGen #InPersonPlus #NASPA #SSHE25
September 24, 2025 at 1:21 AM
And today law professor in NYC 👏👏👏 @reneenicoleallen.bsky.social #firstgen #celebratefirstgen #firstgenprofessional
Me at @UFLaw orientation 13 years ago. A #firstgen law student in my first suit a bit nervous but mostly excited about the challenges ahead. #FlashbackFriday
September 22, 2025 at 1:51 AM
And today law professor in NYC 👏👏👏 @reneenicoleallen.bsky.social #firstgen #celebratefirstgen #firstgenprofessional
“Not knowing” is a constant in a FirstGen’s life. But they manage to address it and still become very successful, like Lorena.
#celebratefirstgen #firstgen #engineer
#celebratefirstgen #firstgen #engineer
🎙️ Lorena Martinez didn’t know what chemical engineering really was when she chose it, but she turned uncertainty into impact.
🎧 open.spotify.com/episode/6xA3...
#F#FirstGenU#UCIC#ChemicalEngineering
🎧 open.spotify.com/episode/6xA3...
#F#FirstGenU#UCIC#ChemicalEngineering
September 20, 2025 at 7:15 PM
“Not knowing” is a constant in a FirstGen’s life. But they manage to address it and still become very successful, like Lorena.
#celebratefirstgen #firstgen #engineer
#celebratefirstgen #firstgen #engineer
My first Bluesky post... 🎉
The 'First Generation Students UK: Mental Health Matters' website is now live - so proud and grateful to everyone who has contributed so far 🥰
www.firstgenerationstudentsuk.com
#firstgen #firstinfamily #FGS #studentmentalhealth
The 'First Generation Students UK: Mental Health Matters' website is now live - so proud and grateful to everyone who has contributed so far 🥰
www.firstgenerationstudentsuk.com
#firstgen #firstinfamily #FGS #studentmentalhealth
September 11, 2025 at 3:01 AM
It’s a moment that hits home for many FirstGen creatives—the realization that while others grow up with insider knowledge, you’re learning the industry from scratch.
Jordan Allen shares his journey.
#FirstGen #FirstGenSuccess #CelebrateFirstGen
Jordan Allen shares his journey.
#FirstGen #FirstGenSuccess #CelebrateFirstGen
🎙️ This week on The FirstGen Lounge, Jordan Allen, a southern soul artist, share how he learned the music industry from scratch and built a brand rooted in faith, family, and retro soul.
🎧 open.spotify.com/episode/2oZI...
#F#FirstGenS#SingerSongerwriterS#SoulArtist
🎧 open.spotify.com/episode/2oZI...
#F#FirstGenS#SingerSongerwriterS#SoulArtist
September 11, 2025 at 2:54 AM
It’s a moment that hits home for many FirstGen creatives—the realization that while others grow up with insider knowledge, you’re learning the industry from scratch.
Jordan Allen shares his journey.
#FirstGen #FirstGenSuccess #CelebrateFirstGen
Jordan Allen shares his journey.
#FirstGen #FirstGenSuccess #CelebrateFirstGen
That’s the FirstGen mindset: we will figure it out!
#firstgen #firstgensuccess #celebratefirstgen #academia #latina #stem
#firstgen #firstgensuccess #celebratefirstgen #academia #latina #stem
🎙️ This week on The FirstGen Lounge: She didn’t know what internships were or how to network—but she figured it out anyway. Anna Mercado shares what no one tells FirstGen students.
🎧https://open.spotify.com/episode/1xM3TZw3BbN4mJNiqnSmC2?si=lJRHbamYQc6rXkmwMGTpig
#FirstGenSuccess #LatinaInSTEM
🎧https://open.spotify.com/episode/1xM3TZw3BbN4mJNiqnSmC2?si=lJRHbamYQc6rXkmwMGTpig
#FirstGenSuccess #LatinaInSTEM
August 30, 2025 at 8:07 PM
That’s the FirstGen mindset: we will figure it out!
#firstgen #firstgensuccess #celebratefirstgen #academia #latina #stem
#firstgen #firstgensuccess #celebratefirstgen #academia #latina #stem