Johnston Community College celebrates first-generation college students

Submitted by JOHNSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE

SMITHFIELD — Tuesday, Nov. 8 was National First-Generation College Student Celebration Day. Johnston Community College hosted an inaugural event for its firstgeneration students, employees and alumni. The event included a luncheon and a panel discussion where three students and two staff members shared their first-generation college experiences.

First-Generation College Celebration Day was launched in 2017 by the Council for Opportunity in Education. Educational institutions, corporations and non-profits are encouraged to celebrate the successes of firstgeneration college students and alumni.

Leading up to JCC’s celebration, firstgeneration students and employees were featured in a series of stories shared with the college and the public.

“We were so inspired by the stories shared with us. The big theme that emerged was to never give up on yourself and to keep persevering despite the odds that might be against you,” said Senior Director of Communications and Marketing Carrie Pitts-Densmore. “Our panelists and contributors shared their experiences in the hopes of inspiring others to keep reaching beyond what they believe to be their limits. There are stories like this all across our campus.”

JCC plans to host the event again next year, as well as to recognize first-generation graduates at graduation.

First-Generation Celebration Day panelists, from left, were Bryanne Lee, Robyn Matthews, Erick Peralta-Mejia, Derrick Arnold, Dr. Consuela Blaizes and Carrie Pitts-Densmore.