CCV Celebrates First-Generation Student Success

On November 8, National First-Generation College Celebration Day recognizes first-generation students across the country. At CCV, 53% of students are the first in their family to attend college. The College prioritizes the success of these students as seen through our mission to support and challenge all students in meeting their educational and career goals. 

“At CCV, what’s unique is that the majority of our students are first generation,” said Director of Student Services Conner Gilbert. “So there are a lot of intentional efforts that we already take to make sure that these students have what they need to succeed. They are working closely with an advisor to really understand what is required of them as a CCV student and what’s available to them. We’re consistently sharing information with them and helping with things like financial aid.”

One program that is available to first-generation students is the TRIO Student Support Services Program. While it is open to students who are first-generation, low income, or have a documented disability, 77% of the program’s students are first-gen. “Through TRIO, we offer wraparound services to the next level,” said Gilbert. “Whether that be prioritized advising or financial assistance with additional funding that students can apply for. Also the development opportunities that we have available for those students – working with a peer mentor, access to licensed mental health counseling, engaging in a leadership retreat.”

Briana Samaniego is a driven, self-motivated first-generation CCV student who is a part of the TRIO program. Determined to break barriers and create a fulfilling future for herself that will also change others’ lives, Briana started taking classes at CCV. “The community working within CCV really wants their students to do well,” she said. “I like the fact that people are so invested and very positive.” 

Briana always knew that she wanted to go to college, despite being the first in her family to do so. “I love learning. I think that a drive for me is learning, wanting to understand how things work. I want to create things,” she said. After graduating from high school in New Jersey, Briana initially enrolled at Kean University. Then the pandemic hit and classes were halted, so she chose to make a change of scenery and move to Vermont. Her life shifted dramatically when she was involved in an accident, which spurred years of surgery and the start of a health and wellbeing journey. 

Through her recovery, Briana never let go of her dream of higher education. After taking time to focus on her health, Briana enrolled at CCV in the STEM studies program with the plan to transfer to UVM’s biomedical engineering program. “I’m really interested in working with prosthetics,” she said. “I myself have a disability, I have an AFO (ankle-foot orthosis), so that’s where my drive and passion come from.”

Affordability and flexibility drew Briana to CCV, while the supportive environment kept her at the College. She wanted a place where she could prove her ability to succeed academically while managing chronic nerve pain and ongoing medical procedures. CCV’s online courses, combined with supportive advisors and accommodations, made that possible. “I had a lot more [apprehensions] after my accident than I had before,” she said. “But because of the help that CCV offers and the opportunities that they have, as long as you look and you ask and you’re advocating for yourself, then you can find these routes to help you get through.”

The TRIO program is one of the opportunities Briana has taken advantage of. “Accessing TRIO programs is a great way not only to get some access to additional support, but also to have a special community students get to be part of and have access to some unique opportunities,” Student Services Director Gilbert said. “Briana is a great example. She’s serving on academic council this year, as part of our TRIO peer mentoring program, then she’ll be kicking off with a mentee starting next week.”

Despite her apprehensions, Briana has excelled at CCV and is planning to graduate this spring. “As a first-generation student you go through periods within your academic journey where you hesitate or doubt yourself in some ways. But knowing that I have a good academic standing…it’s a moment of being proud and being happy with myself.”

“As a first-generation student myself, I know it can be challenging because you don’t always have someone in your life who has walked this journey before,” said Gilbert. “CCV is dedicated to supporting first-generation and non-traditional students in every step of their college journey. On First-Gen Day, we honor the resilience, determination, and perseverance of our students and the paths they take to achieve success.”