First generation Broncos talk college, resources and community

Nov. 8 is First Generation Day, honoring college students whose parents did not earn a four-year university degree. But Boise State provides resources and opportunities for first-generation students all year round.

We sat down with three first-generation Boise State students to learn how they adjusted to college, what resources helped them the most and their advice for future Broncos.

Zoe McMillan

Junior, sociology - Nampa, Idaho

Zoe McMillan with Buster Bronco

Not only did Zoe McMillan's parents not attend a four-year university; her siblings also chose paths that didn't involve college. In some ways, McMillan said, she felt alone in her decision to pursue higher education.

But the Nampa, Idaho, native also longed to be a Bronco. In fifth grade, she wrote herself a letter to open when she was 18, asking her future self if she had gotten into Boise State.

McMillan admired Boise State's commitment to innovation - she saw the university as a place she could go to consider "hundreds of thousands" of new ideas and jump start a fulfilling career.

"People always look like they're having so much fun [at Boise State]," she said. "That appealed to me because I was scared of going to college and not finding community or not finding my place. And it seemed like everyone who went here found their place."

This perception proved true for McMillan, who is now a junior sociology major with minors in family studies and conflict management. She has been involved as a resident assistant, an orientation leader, a peer navigator (helping transfer and non-traditional students adjust to Bronco life) and more. Off campus, she works for the Boys and Girls Club as a youth development professional. After graduating with her bachelor's degree, McMillan hopes to pursue a master's in social work and begin a career advocating for children and families.

Several scholarships, including the Idaho Governor's Scholarship, the Idaho Opportunity Scholarship, the Boise State Alumni Arts & Sciences Scholarship and the Dufresne Benefactor Fund, made Boise State financially viable for McMillan. She also values the mentorship she's received from her aunt - a social worker - and her bosses at New Student Orientation.

• How Boise State helped her prep for the future: Providing a variety of research and project opportunities that are directly applicable to real life.

• Advice for incoming students: Take every opportunity that you know you can. You're capable of way more than you think you are.

• Favorite Boise State memories: Attending her first Boise State football game, and the time when, while working as an orientation leader, three incoming freshmen told her that her story made them feel like they could succeed in college, too.

Manuel Chavez, Jr.

Senior, computer science - Weiser, Idaho

Chavez holds his certificate following the Pledge of Computing Professional Ceremony

Growing up in Weiser, Idaho, Manuel Chavez Jr. said his parents were his cheerleaders, encouraging him to attend college even though they hadn't. They never made him feel forced to pursue higher ed, "which helped a lot," he said. "It was my decision to come here."

A high school field trip to campus sparked Chavez's interest in Boise State. He admired that Boise State had the resources of a large university but the feel of a close-knit community.

Chavez is a senior majoring in computer science with an emphasis in cybersecurity. His pursuit of computer science began with a high school class through Boise State's Concurrent Enrollment Program, where he earned both high school and college credit simultaneously.

"The teacher said he thought I had a lot of potential to be able to succeed," Chavez said. "He showed me a few of the types of classes I could take within computer science, which grew my interest."

• How Boise State helped him prep for the future: Boise State Career Services provided invaluable help with job preparation, including career fairs, help with resumes, headshots and networking opportunities.

• Advice for incoming students: Use your resources wisely.

• Favorite Boise State memories: Attending his first football game, and his first time walking into Boise State's City Center Plaza, the computer science building located downtown. That's when it hit him: he was finally in college, ready to start his classes.

Layla Abdulhameed

Junior, interdisciplinary studies - Boise, Idaho

Layla Abdulhameed (top left) with her judo team

Layla Abdulhameed is a junior interdisciplinary studies major who grew up in the Boise area. Abdulhameed's parents, refugees from Syria, didn't even have the opportunity to finish elementary school. Still, they always encouraged Abdulhameed to study hard so she could attend college.

Abdulhameed wasn't sure she would attend Boise State, a school that was right around the corner from home. But she applied because of Boise State's ample opportunities for community-building.

"People are willing to make plans after class, catch up over some food or even just yap for a little while," Abdulhameed said. "The school does a good job of planning events and getting students involved."

Abdulhameed is involved with multiple organizations on campus, including Judo Club, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship and a variety of activities through the Student Connections and Support Center.

In addition to Boise State's thriving community, Abdulhameed values the guidance she's received from the financial aid and advising offices. While the former has connected her to a range of scholarships (she's received the Idaho Opportunity Scholarship and the One Refugee Scholarship among others), the latter helped her decide on a course of study.

"They introduced me to something called Pathway U [a multiple-choice survey offered through Career Services]," Abdulhameed said. "You take it, and it tells you what careers and degrees might be of interest to you."

With help from academic advisors, Abdulhameed customized her interdisciplinary studies major - adding minors in economics, global studies and communications - to fit her individual interests.

• How Boise State helped her prep for the future: Helped her balance her studies, her work and her social life.

• Advice for incoming students: Find the right advisor for you, and work with them to build a schedule that fits your needs.

• Favorite Boise State memories: Making friends through the Student Connections and Support Center, and carpooling to judo tournaments with classmates.

If you are a Boise State student of any background, the resources described in this article are available to you. Learn more about Student Financial Services, the Advising and Academic Support Center, the Student Connections and Support Center and Career Services.

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