Happy First-Gen Day!

On November 8, National First-Generation College Celebration Day recognizes first-generation students across the country. At CCV, 54% of students are the first in their family to attend college. “CCV is dedicated to supporting first-generation and non-traditional students in every step of their college journey,” said CCV Director of Student Services Conner Gilbert. “We offer small class sizes and a committed team of advisors and financial aid counselors who work closely with students to help them achieve their academic and career goals, while also navigating the complexities of college life.”

“First-Gen Day is important because it recognizes the accomplishments and unique challenges of students who are the first in their families to pursue higher education,” said Conner. “For many, attending college is a significant personal milestone, often overcoming barriers such as limited access to resources, financial constraints, and navigating a new educational system. On this day, we honor the resilience, determination, and perseverance of our students and the paths they take to achieve success.”

Today, CCV is proud to celebrate all of our first-generation students. Featured below is one of our outstanding first-gen students, Melanie Fellows.

Setting Up a Future

Melanie Fellows wears many hats: paraeducator, B&B manager, caretaker, mom, and part-time college student. “I’ve always got so many things going on, but I love being busy,” she said. Despite the many directions she’s pulled in, as a first-generation student Melanie has put getting a college education at the top of her priority list. “I originally wanted to do this because I was going to be the first in my family to go to college and succeed,” she said. “I really wanted this for my mom and to show my kids that you can do it, you can still go back [to school].”

Growing up, Melanie had thoughts of pursuing college but didn’t have help from her school or support from those who had experienced higher education to take the leap. “My mom always supported me in anything, but she didn’t know a lot about it,” Melanie said. After graduation, life happened and she started to juggle work, bills and kids, with little time to drive to in-person college classes. It wasn’t until 2021 that Melanie realized  she could fit college into her busy life through the flexible option to take classes fully online at CCV. “I was really nervous about failing at it,” she said. “But once I started I got really into it and really good at it, and it was just fun.”

Melanie started at CCV pursuing a degree in early childhood education, which she thought would be a good fit after her years of working in the school setting as a paraeducator. “I love the job and the kids; they’re amazing and I learn with them every day,” she said. Because of this prior experience, Melanie is taking the Focused Portfolio Development course, where she can earn credit for the knowledge and skills she has learned along the way. She has the chance to earn 16 credits through this course. “I get to write an essay about myself and remember all of the things that I’ve done,” she says of the course. “I think it’s going to benefit me a lot.”

CCV has also been a place where Melanie has been able to explore and find new passions, including art. “I love to draw and create,” she said. “I was surprised putting myself out there and putting my artwork on paper. I had no idea how good I was until I took those classes. I impressed myself.” Now, Melanie has goals to combine her education and interests together to become an art teacher and to open her own studio.

As a first-generation student, Melanie had apprehensions about pursuing college, but would advise any incoming first-gen students to take the leap. “Even if you think it’ll be hard, just try it,” she said. Despite these nerves, she is confident that earning a college degree is valuable. “I’m taking in new knowledge all of the time and I love it. I’m super happy to have the experiences I’m getting now,” she said. “It means everything. It sets me up for my future.”