student at USG
My name is Larisa Ketcha and I major in Biological Sciences with University of Maryland, College Park at the Universities at Shady Grove. I am a first generation Cameroonian and the first in my family to go to college. I went to Montgomery Blair High School where I obtained my Diploma. I began my college career at Montgomery College Takoma Park Campus where I received my Associates in Biological Science. I then transferred to University of Maryland, College Park at USG where I will earn my bachelor’s in Biological Sciences. My goal is to become a Physician in Pediatrics.
As a first-generation student, I was surrounded by students who have different economic backgrounds. I had to explain to my parents and friends why I had to fill out so many financial forms or join programs that assisted with tuition. My parents thought I was devoting most of my time to these programs instead of focusing on schoolwork. Without parents or siblings who have attended college, I had to make sense of the school finances especially as a STEM student. I sometimes felt like I did not belong in school, yet I kept striving. I felt so much pressure to succeed and make my family proud. Luckily, programs such as ACES and CEO helped pay for school. I am proud of being a first gen student because I am taking the advantage of the opportunities that my parents did not have when they were younger. First gen students have scholarships that applies to them. Apart from being a student, I am the Chair of Communications for Trailblazers and a member of Student Ambassadors. Getting involved at school helped me get involve and engaged in workshops such as networking, resources, connection with Staff members and resume building.
I am excited to share that my student organization along with staff at USG are planning an exciting event celebrating first generation students. The First-Generation event will feature speakers that will share how they succeeded as first gen students, overcame obstacles and how they are succeeding as professionals. The event will also share accessible opportunities and resources for first gen students to help us on our way to obtaining our degrees. The event will also include games and prizes!
Here are some upcoming opportunities to get involved!
Event: Lunch with the Trailblazers!
Date: Monday, November 2, 2020
Time: 12:00-1:00pm
Register: tinyurl.com/NovTrailblazersLunch
Event description: Come have lunch with the Trailblazers and meet other first-generation students on campus to discuss how the semester is going (highs and lows) and learn about the resources and tools other students are using. This is not a lecture; it is an opportunity to create community with other students! Bring your own lunch
Event: First Gen Celebration
Date: Friday Oct 6, 2020
Time: 2:00-3:30pm
Join other first-generation students and professionals to learn keys to success, how to find and access resources and celebrate what it means to be FIRST! This event is in collaboration with the Trailblazers – a first gen student organization at the Universities at Shady Grove and it is open to everyone!
Trailblazers Student Organization (USG)
The trailblazers are a first-generation student organization (first to attend college in their families) and their goals are to support other generation students by providing community, mentorship, and resources. Do you want to join?!
Contact us at trailblazersusg@gmail.com
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