First-Generation Guidebook

Welcome and congratulations

Feb. 17, 2024

Hello,

Together, we wish to offer sincere congratulations to Geisinger College of Health Sciences’ (Geisinger College) first-generation students for your significant achievements. We are proud of you and so happy that you are part of our College community. Being the first in your family to cut through the thickets and weeds of pursuing higher education is a praiseworthy accomplishment.

First-generation students — who navigate the complexities of higher education as first in their families — are true pioneers. You leave an inspiring example for all the first-gen students who will follow.

Geisinger College is enriched by your presence, and we stand ready to encourage you whenever you need support. We hope our school community will make “going first” a rewarding experience for you and those who support you in this endeavor.

Best wishes for a fabulous experience at Geisinger College.

Julie Byerley, MD, MPH

President, Geisinger College of Health Sciences

Dean, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine

Executive Vice President and Chief Academic Officer, Geisinger Professor of Pediatrics

William B. Jeffries, PhD

Provost, Geisinger College of Health Sciences

Vice Dean for Education, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine Professor of Pharmacology

Geisinger College uses the national definition for identifying first-generation students: those students whose parent(s) did not complete a fouryear college or university degree. We ask that you use this definition for official Geisinger College recognition of your status as a first-generation student. However, we recognize that each student’s family circumstances and life experiences can

vary significantly. If you believe your individual life circumstances align with the first-generation-tocollege experience but do not meet the technical definition, reach out to the chair of the FirstGeneration Student Support Committee, Tanja Adonizio, MD, at tkadonizio1@geisinger.edu or the Vice Dean of Health Equity and Inclusion, Valencia Walker, MD, MPH, at vwalker1@geisinger.edu. Admissions proof that you are not alone

Currently,

Geisinger College first-generation student resources

First-Generation Student Support SharePoint page

go.geisinger.edu/firstgen

Feel free to contact the committee members listed on this page with any questions.

Highlights of the First-Generation Student Support Committee work

• Geisinger College First-Generation Guidebook

• Student representation on the committee through student council-elected positions

• Mentoring opportunities with Geisinger Connect: go.geisinger.edu/geisingerconnect

Sign-up and find a mentor using Geisinger Connect. A mentor is a person who is willing to share their in-depth experience of being first-generation, and who will provide tools and strategies to any first-generation student who may be struggling or having a difficult time navigating academic experiences in/out of the classroom, dealing with family situations and/ or overall life challenges. Here are a few articles with more information on making the most out of mentoring relationships:

› The Best Mentorships Help Both People Grow (hbr.org)

› How to Be a Great Mentee (In 4 Easy Steps) (psychologytoday.com)

› Making the Most of Mentors: A Guide for Mentees (journals.lww.com)

Transition to UME booklet

For families and friends in collaboration with the Division of Student Affairs’ Center for Student Wellness

English: go.geisinger.edu/gcsomume

Spanish: go.geisinger.edu/gcsomume-es

Geisinger Family Day

All current students and their families and friends are welcome to our Medical Sciences Building annually for A Day in the Life of a Medical Student and Geisinger Games.

National First-Generation Celebration Day – Nov. 8

In honor of signing the Higher Education Act of 1965 that expanded college opportunities for low-income and first-generation populations, Nov. 8 is observed as National First-Generation Celebration Day.

Food Pantry Sub-Committee

The food pantry is in the student kitchen on the fourth floor of Medical Sciences Building West. The sub-committee is working to expand services at the regional campuses. For more information or to join the committee, contact Dr. Adonizio at tkadonizio1@geisinger.edu.

Other Geisinger College resources

• Medicine and Graduate Library First-Generation Students resource page: go.geisinger.edu/libraryfirstgen

• Office of Health Equity and Inclusion: go.geisinger. edu/ohei

• Division of Student Affairs and each center’s support services, including academic and career support, wellness and engagement: go.geisinger.edu/studentaffairs

• CARE Team: go.geisinger.edu/careteam

• Geisinger Student Health Services, including 24/7 telehealth from TimelyCare: go.geisinger.edu/shs

• Geisinger Student Psychological Services, including tele-counseling and Talk Now services from TimelyCare: go.geisinger.edu/sps

• Early Alert: go.geisinger.edu/earlyalert

• Student housing resources: go.geisinger.edu/studenthousing

• Division of Enrollment Management, including Financial Aid: go.geisinger.edu/enrollmentmanagement and the Office of the Registrar: go.geisinger.edu/registrar

First-Generation outside resources

A broad range of resources are available via Temple University’s The Hope Center Accredited Schools Online provides resources and tips on how to navigate the difficulties of learning about the college environment, to cope with pressures from home and to deal with emotional struggles. Additionally, there is a list of first-generation friendly colleges/universities, as well as advice for firstgeneration students, parents of first-generation students, first-generation foundation information, a video from former first lady Michelle Obama and more.

Center for First-Generation Student Success provides data, training and expertise for a growing network of colleges and universities around the country to scale and sustain the important work of serving firstgeneration students.

Rise First empowers first-generation and/or lowincome students and professionals nationwide to achieve their full potential by providing life and career advice, lists of support resources and mentorship

opportunities through a technology platform with online tools. This platform is built for and by FGLI students, providing a real-life business and professional experience.

Scholarships for first-generation college students via affordablecollegesonline.org

These Groups Are Hoping to Help First-Generation College Students Make It to Graduation (huffpost. com)

AAMC Tools and Resources for First-Generation Medical School Students

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)See if you qualify for SNAP benefits

Too Good to Go is an app that lets you rescue unsold food at your favorite spots from an untimely fate.

PA Department of Human Services Health Care/ Medical Assistance

Promotional resources for first-generation students

Check-out promotional information in our Scranton Resources Guidebook

Online

• Unidays – discounts on fashion, health and fitness, beauty, lifestyle, food and tech. Sign up with your student email address at myunidays. com/US/en-US

• Student Beans - discounts on fashion, food and drink, and travel. Sign up at studentbeans.com/ us

• Discover NEPA – deals on food, fashion and activities. Visit discovernepa.com

• Amazon Prime Student (get a 6-month free trial, then $49/year) – access to primeeligible shipping, Prime Video and much more (verification by Amazon)

• Student Advantage - shopandtravelusa.com/samobile

• FedEx – Use your student ID to save 30% on a document with FedEx Envelop/Pak & 20% on a package with FedEx IP service.

• Apple – discounts on many Apple products with valid student ID. apple.com

Fashion

• Ann Taylor – Show your student ID card for 15% off any full-priced purchase at Ann Taylor stores.

• ASOS – 10% off full-priced ASOS products

• Banana Republic – 15% off full-priced items in store

• Club Monaco – 15% off regular and sale-priced items in any Club Monaco store and online.

• Goodwill – Many Goodwill locations offer 10% discount with student ID. Ask your local store.

• J. Crew – 15% discount in stores when you show your school ID

• Medelita – 15% off your scrubs with student discount program online

• Madewell – Students get 15% off when they show their IDs

• Steve Madden - They offer 10% off in store with your valid ID

• The Limited – Students get 15% off every purchase at any location when you show your school ID

• TOMS – Students get 10% cash back on shoes

Food

• Thai Rak Thai – 10% off bill

• Café Sevda – 10% off bill

• Eden-A Vegan Café – 10% off bill

Health and wellness

• Jewish Community Center Gym – $120/year for GCSOM students

• Steamtown Hot Yoga – Discounts on membership fees with valid student ID

• Uno Fitness – $150/year for an all-inclusive membership (includes classes and tanning)

Accessories

• Amendolaro – 10% off purchases. 570-8714643 amendolaro.com

Activities

• Montage Mountain – College discount – all day Thursday and on Sunday nights lift tickets & rentals are $25

• Roba Family Farms – College ID Day – Fridays Only (must be purchased online)

Books about

first-generation students or by first-generation authors

A Carpenter’s Daughter Renny Christopher

A Fighting Chance Elizabeth Warren

A Hope in the Unseen Ron Suskind

A Lesson Before Dying Ernest J. Gaines

Americanized Sara Saedi

Americanah On Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Behold the Dreamers Imbolo Mbue

Boy, Snow, Bird Helen Oyeyemi

Bread Givers Anzia Yesierska

Breaking Through Francisco Jiménez

Breath, Eyes, Memory Edwidge Danticat

Confessions of a Slot Machine Queen Sandra Adell

Ella Price’s Journal Dorothy Bryant

Every Student Has a Story TRIO at IPFW

Fifth Chinese Daughter Jade Snow Wong

Free Food for Millionaires Min Jin Lee

ghosts of el grullo Patricia Santana

Gifted Hands Ben Carson, M.D.

Here Comes the Sun Nicole Dennis-Benn

Homecoming Yaa Gyasi

First-Generation National Day of Celebration – Nov. 8

On Nov. 8, colleges and universities are encouraged to celebrate the success of first-generation college students, faculty and staff on campuses in any and every way possible.

Institutions will hold programs on first-generation student success, host lunch-and-learn events, kick off mentoring programs, hand out first-gen swag, feature first-generation students on websites and more!

Visit our SharePoint page to see photos from our 2023 event!

History

The concept of "first-generation" students was introduced into federal policy by the TRIO* community in 1980, during passage of the Higher Education Amendments to the Higher Education Act of 1965.

November 2017, the Council for Opportunity in Education's Board, in partnership with the Center for First-generation Student Success of NASPAStudent Affairs Administrators in Higher Education, asked college access and success professionals to

join with TRIO programs across the country for the First Annual First-Generation College Celebration on November 8, 2017 — the Anniversary of the Higher Education Act.

In 2017, the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) and the Center for First-generation Student Success launched the inaugural First-Generation College Celebration! Given the overwhelming success of this event, COE and the Center partnered to make this celebration an annual event. Institutions held speakers and programs on firstgeneration student success, hosted lunch and learn events, kicked off mentoring programs, handed out first-gen swag, featured first-generation students on websites, and more.

*The Federal TRIO Programs (TRIO) are Federal outreach and student services programs designed to identify and provide services for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. TRIO includes eight programs targeted to serve and assist low-income individuals, first- generation college students, and individuals with disabilities to progress through the academic pipeline from middle school to postbaccalaureate programs.

Geisinger College of Health Sciences First-generation alumni features

Who is Kellyann Niotis, MD?

Geisinger Commonwealth ’16

Neurologist

Dr. Niotis is the first fellowshiptrained preventive neurologist specializing in risk reduction strategies for patients seeking prevention or slowing of their neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer’s disease, Lewy Body Dementia and Parkinson’s disease. She completed her medical internship and neurology residency at New York-Presbyterian/ Weill Cornell Medical Center, serving as chief resident during her final year and the inaugural McGraw Fellow in Neurology Research. Dr. Niotis also completed a fellowship in movement disorders at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Union Square, as well as advanced training in cognitive disorders and preventive neurology under the mentorship of Dr. Richard Isaacson. She currently leads the neurology program within Dr. Peter Attia’s medical practice, Early Medical, focused on the applied science of longevity.

The practice deals extensively with nutritional interventions, exercise physiology, sleep physiology, emotional and mental health, and pharmacology to increase lifespan (how long you live), while simultaneously improving health span (the quality of your life). Previously, she managed the country’s first Alzheimer's Prevention Clinic at Weill Cornell Medical College/New York-Presbyterian Hospital. Dr. Niotis’ research interest is in personalized risk reduction interventions in patients at-risk for neurodegenerative diseases. Her work has been published in peer-reviewed journals including Neurology, Frontiers of Aging Neuroscience, Movement Disorders, Alzheimer's & Dementia and Journal of the Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease, and has been presented at national and international conference. Her opinions have been featured in several popular media outlets including CNN and Healthline.

Who is Albena Gesheva, MD?

Geisinger Commonwealth ’22

PGY1 Psychiatry Resident, The Wright Center

Dr. Albena Gesheva, PGY1 psychiatry resident at the Wright Center, grew up in Scranton and graduated from the University of Scranton and Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine. In her time off, Dr. Gesheva likes to hike around the surrounding forests and ride bikes with her boyfriend. She has two fluffy feline children, Peach and Avocado (Avi), that she enjoys bothering. “I never let my schooling interfere with my education.” – Mark Twain

Who is Stephanie Tilberry, MD, MBS?

Geisinger Commonwealth ’22

OB-GYN Resident at Lankenau Medical Center

Born and raised in northeastern Pennsylvania, Dr. Stephanie Tilberry completed her undergraduate education at Colgate University, where she received a bachelor of arts in sociology. She then returned to the Scranton area and earned both her master of biomedical sciences (MBS) and doctor of medicine degrees from Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine. She is currently living in Philadelphia to pursue her residency in OB-GYN at Lankenau Medical Center.

Who is Tiffany Garcia, MD, MBS?

Geisinger Commonwealth ’22

Family Medicine Resident, WellSpan Good Samaritan Hospital

Dr. Tiffany Garcia was born in Queens, NY, to immigrant parents from Colombia. She is the youngest of three, all of which completed higher education, but she is the first physician in her family. Dr. Garcia’s family moved to Reading, Pa., where she spent most of her life.

Dr. Garcia graduated from Reading High School in 2011 at the top of her class. She graduated from Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, Pa., in 2015 with a degree in neuroscience. During her time there, she also worked part-time and full-time during breaks.

Dr. Garcia received a master’s in biomedical sciences (MBS) at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, Pa., in 2017. In between her studies and before starting medical school in 2018, Dr. Garcia worked multiple jobs and volunteered in her local community.

Dr. Garcia earned her degree as doctor of medicine from Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine in 2022 where she was recognized as a primary care Abigail Geisinger Scholar. During medical school, Dr. Garcia was an active member of the Latino Medical Student Association serving as co-president for the school’s local chapter and attending multiple regional and national conferences including visits to the nation’s capital to advocate for issues pertinent to the Latino communities in the United States.

Dr. Garcia will be completing her residency in family medicine with WellSpan in Lebanon, Pa. Her plans are to work in underserviced urban communities much like the ones she lived in throughout her life where she hopes to use her skill of being bilingual in English and Spanish to help the growing Hispanic/ Latino population in these cities.

Who is Thomas M. Churilla, MD?

Geisinger Commonwealth ’13

Radiation Oncologist

Dr. Thomas M. Churilla is a partner in Radiation Medicine Associates of Scranton (RAMAS.) He is a graduate of Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, having entered as a member of its charter class, and receiving full tuition as a scholarship recipient.

Prior to enrolling in medical school, he was a Magna Cum Laude graduate of the University of Scranton. After completing an internship in internal medicine at Abington Memorial Hospital, Abington, Pa., he completed his radiation oncology residency at Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia.

Board certified in radiation oncology, Dr. Churilla has presented and published numerous clinical research studies, several of which were accomplished in conjunction with NROC physicians

and staff before he joined NROC. Areas of research interest have included: Brain metastases, Vitamin D deficiency in cancer patients, and population-based studies of anal cancer, breast cancer, and cervical cancer.

He has also been recognized with several awards during training, including the 2017 RSNA Roentgen Resident Research Award at Fox Chase Cancer Center, 2016 ASTRO Resident Clinical Research Abstract Award, and the 2012 AMA Physician of Tomorrow Award.

Dr. Churilla is a member of several medical societies including ASTRO (the American Society for Radiation Oncology) ACR (the American College of Radiology) and ASCO (the American Society of Clinical Oncology.)

Who is Kristina L. Borham, MD Capt, MC, USAF?

Geisinger Commonwealth ’22

Resident in Gynecologic Surgery and Obstetrics at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center

Dr. Borham is a resident in gynecologic surgery and obstetrics at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Class of 2024. She is currently active duty in the United States Air Force and will be serving for at least the next six years. Dr. Borham is from Pennsylvania and went to West Chester University for undergraduate and studied molecular biology at that time as a first-generation student. She is married to the love of her life, and they have a dog and cat that keep them quite busy. Dr.

Borham’s professional interests include minimally invasive gynecologic surgery, chronic pelvic pain, endometriosis, trauma-informed care, educating on human trafficking and gynecologic surgery simulation. She enjoys mentoring trainees and assisting with goal setting.

“Communities and countries and ultimately the world are only as strong as the health of their women.” – Michelle Obama

“It is important for all of us to appreciate where we come from and how that history has really shaped us in ways that we might not understand.”

– Sonia Sotomayor

“The biggest adventure you can ever take is to live the life of your dreams.”

– Oprah

"Life has no remote, get up and change it yourself."

– Mark A. Cooper

“Change takes courage.”

– Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

"Today you are you! That is truer than true! There is no one alive who is you-er than you!”

– Dr. Seuss

“Whether you come from a council estate or a country estate, your success will be determined by your own confidence and fortitude.”

– Michelle Obama

"Don't be afraid to be awesome. Sometimes being weird and different is good. When you think you're working hard, there is always someone else working harder, so always be yourself and know your stuff.”

– Jacqueline MacInnes Wood

“There is no secret to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work. And learning from failure”

– Colin Powell

“All your life you are told the things you cannot do. All your life they will say you’re not good enough or strong enough or talented enough… THEY WILL TELL YOU NO, a thousand times no… quite firmly and very quickly. AND YOU WILL TELL THEM YES.”

– Anonymous

“Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, ‘I will try again tomorrow’.”

– Mary Anne Radmacher

“Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.”

– Thomas A. Edison

“If you live long enough, you'll make mistakes. But if you learn from them, you'll be a better person. It's how you handle adversity, not how it affects you. The main thing is never quit, never quit, never quit.”

– William J. Clinton