Encounter News

Everything First Gen

By: Allison Heard Staff Writer

Sometimes we bounce the word first-generation around as if it is a ball to be thrown and whisked about in the air. It often rolls off our tongues like night and day. However, there is something powerful and magical about the reference. If you do not believe me, just ask any person who has ever described anything about their existence in this way.

At USF, we use the term to capture our excitement about First-Generation college students. Honestly, when I went to college, I do not remember the term ever being used. I did not realize, until well into my adult years, that I was a firstgeneration college student. There are two federal definitions frequently used. The University of St. Francis uses the definition to reference those college students who do not have a parent or legacy before them that has ever graduated with a four-year college or university degree. Indeed, neither of my parents had ever attended any college or university.

Now, here we are today at USF. I want you to meet Elvia Cardenas. She is bright, unassuming, shy and quiet. A little-known secret about her is that she has one of the BEST laughs. If she really gets into what you are saying, she will unintentionally snort at the end of that laugh. Everything about her SCREAMS first-generation and everything about her is beautiful. However, that is the interesting thing— she does not scream at all. She is polite and kind. She is a microcosm of all that is wonderful at USF. Everything that our world should be screaming about, but we are not. We are so busy and so enveloped in our daily routines that we often do not understand where these gems exist on our campus. I am inclined to say that we are all gems, in our own special way. Indulge me a bit. Elvia is from Joliet, Illinois. Her parents are immigrants from Guerrero, Mexico where they met shortly after her mom’s quinceanera. This celebration has cultural roots in Mexico and is widely celebrated by girls throughout Latin America as a special way that girls celebrate their fifteen birthdays. Elvia’s parents worked both inside and outside the household to make ends meet for their family. Like my parents, they did not forego college because they wanted to. Instead, they did not have the access and opportunity to do so. This is the story of many of our Joliet and USF families.

Elvia graduated in May 2020 from Joliet West High School. Everything about her last semester of high school could be firstgen and unprecedented in itself. She did not have the senior prom that she always dreamed about, nor did she have a formal high school graduation ceremony.

She could not finish learning how to drive a car so that she could get her license. Elvia was the first child in her traditional Mexican family to graduate from high school in a COVID pandemic and she was the first to attend college in this unprecedented reality. Forget learning the first-gen language like how can I add a class or what does it mean to withdraw from a class. She had to learn how to Zoom in a college environment when she did not fully understand what college was about anyway. Elvia was also the first in her family to be supported by organizations like the Giving Back Foundation. She was invited to apply for a scholarship. It was a long and competitive process but she made it through. Elvia saw college as an opportunity for freedom. She saw a horizon, untouched land, exploration and adventure. When I asked her about her major, she said she started as Undecided. She did not know exactly what she wanted to do. Her shoulders seemed to slouch

down as she was telling me but I told her “I get it!” Our country often expects our students to have their “shiza” together before they even understand what they are doing. This is a new experience for first-gen students! Are we making firstgen students plan their life out decades ahead and then lower their self-esteem when they do not live up to our standards? It sure feels that way.

Elvia decided to join the USF Radio Club. She got interested in the station and found a wonderful niche of people who she grew to trust. She created a two-hour segment about K-pop. Her show is called The Lightstick Ocean Crew. There is an entire theme behind the show and I was impressed listening to its history. After working on her show, Elvia was approached about a part-time job as a Musical Director by Anthony Musiala and she jumped at the chance. Being a part of this radio family has encouraged Elvia to think more about her major which has landed her on the path of Communications and Media Arts.

Being the first in her family to attend college is not the only thing that is first-gen about Elvia. She is a first-generation proud Mexican-American mujer. She just got her driver’s license right before coming to college at USF (online, of course). She recently set up her first-ever bank account. She learned how to use a debit card for the first time. She learned about responsibility, school, homework, managing free time, prioritizing projects etc. Elvia also said she learned how to say “No.” There is power in the word “No,” she told me.

When I asked Elvia what is special for her about USF, she spoke about her Catholic roots. In her family, some of the most important days are Sabado de Gloria, Easter, Christmas and Dia de la Virgin. If you wonder which Dia, please reflect upon la Virgin Guadalupe and the focus on faith. Faith is important to Elvia and I would venture to say it is important for most first-gen families. First-gen students often do not know what lies ahead and they have to be brave and step out on faith. Sometimes all it takes is the faith and encouragement of others who make you feel like you can do it! If you want to hear more, I encourage you to follow Elvia’s show on WCSF Radio on Fridays from 6 to 8 pm. You can also find her sitting on the USF Quad, right behind the Grotto in one of her favorite spots. When asked why this is her favorite space, she said the area has the perfect blend of sunlight, breeze, trees and foliage. The perfect recipe, I would argue, for hope and faith.

Elvia Cardenas, we salute you and our other USF First-Gen students and families! Written by: Allison Heard, Director of Institutional Diversity and Title IX Coordinator. If you have comments or want to be featured in upcoming corners relating to, Everything FirstGen, please reach out by email to aheard@stfrancis.edu.

By: Mary Mathieu Editor-In-Chief

After 100 years of serving community members, USF has a rich and admirable history. According to https://www.stfrancis.edu/centennial/, it all began in 1920 with the Franciscan sisters working hard to establish what would one day be our very own University of St. Francis. Without its history, USF would simply not be what it is today—an amazing home where one USF family thrives together. It is incredible to see how far we have come over the course of 100 years. We can only imagine where life will take our USF Family in the next 100 years. Here is to all good things!

To honor how far we have come, USF will be hosting a Time Capsule Burial Ceremony that represents our university’s history over the last 100 years. This event will take place on October 2 at 4:30 pm during our annual Homecoming & Reunion. Over the past few months, USF has been requesting photo submissions from students, faculty and alumni that represent favorite USF memories. These photos will be buried in the capsule, which will be opened in 2045. Be a part of USF’s rich history by attending the Time Capsule Burial Ceremony this October. For more information, visit https://www.stfrancis.edu/timecapsule. We hope to see you there!

ABORTION BAN IN TEXAS: WHAT IT MEANS FOR AMERICA

By: Shayna Griffith Staff writer

In May of 2021, Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed legislation that bans women from getting an abortion after six weeks of pregnancy, or as soon as a heartbeat in a fetus is detectable. Additionally, any private citizen can sue abortion providers as well as anyone who helps a woman get an abortion outside of the six-week period. This even includes giving someone a ride to an abortion clinic. The law would have gone into effect if the United States Supreme Court did not intervene by September 1, 2021.

Twelve other states have tried to create similar legislation that would ban abortions, but all have been blocked from going into effect due to them being “completely unconstitutional” since the famous Roe v. Wade trial ruled it a woman’s choice to get an abortion without government restriction.

To many women’s concern, no action was taken by the Supreme Court and the law was put into place on the first day of September, making it one of the strictest bans in America. It goes without saying that the law created an uproar amongst protestors, saying that the law infringes upon women's reproductive rights since six weeks into gestation is well before many women even know they are pregnant.

Some call it ‘The War on Women’ and others call it law and order. What does it mean for women in America?

Now that it is illegal for women in Texas to get an abortion past the six-week mark, many will be forced to travel far distances over state lines to get the procedure done. However, those who need it most due to financial struggles and other exceptional circumstances will not be able to do so because of a lack of resources. Not to mention that the Texas ban will likely influence surrounding states to put the same kind of laws into effect, making it near impossible for women to travel to surrounding states to lawfully get an abortion. As of now, the Texas abortion ban is in full effect. Protests from abortion rights group are imminent and lawsuits against antiabortion-rights groups are underway. Tezas' Right to Life, a prolife organization, for example, has set up an annonymous tip line to whistleblow against those who may be voilating the ban.

"These lawsuits are not against women," John Seago of Texas Right to Life told NPR. "The lawsuits would be against the individuals making money off of the abortion, and the abortion industry itself. So this is not spy on your neighbor and see if they're having an abortion." Many believe the ban in Texas will lead to a nation-wide restriction on abortion, which would affect women for years and years to come.

USF Substance Abuse Counseling

By: Rebecca Giese Staff Writer

The University of Saint Francis offers over 50 undergraduate programs, but only a few provide students with the ability to get certified right after graduation. One of those programs is Substance Abuse Counseling.

In order to become a certified alcohol and drug abuse counselor, one must first cover the major requirements of the program. This includes a total of 58 credit hours (49 of those being Core requirements and nine credit hours of electives). This does not include the required 51 general education credits and additional ten elective credits of the students choosing.

This program is incredibly important to society and community health. By having counselors available to those who suffer from a mental illness that may lead to drug or alcohol abuse, people are able to overcome their addictions and reach sobriety. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA) mission is to "Reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America’s communities."

SAMHSA is a major part of substance abuse counseling and mental health fields. The Administration helps counselors and psychologists learn new and proven forms of practices and treatments along with teaching preventative measures for families and communities.

Lawrence Dunbar, a substance abuse counselor at the University of St. Francis, states “If we are able to teach families and communities about addiction before it reaches them, we have a stronger chance at preventing it.” Professor Lawrence believes that the need for addiction counselors is increasing due to the ever changing and growing drug networks.

For those USF students who are undecided and are considering going into a form of counseling such as addiction counseling, clinical psychology or social work, having a background in addictions can help you to better understand and assist future clients.

Any questions about becoming a substance abuse counselor or psychologist can be directed to Lawrence Dunbar at Ldunbar@ stfransic.edu or Brady Jones at Bjones@stfrancis.edu.