First-gen students take first step toward LSUS degree with preparation program Thursday

First-gen students take first step toward LSUS degree with preparation program Thursday

SHREVEPORT - LSU Shreveport student Louise Tran stood before a group of incoming first-generation students and their families Thursday, detailing how she used LSUS resources to acclimate to college life.

After completing her bachelor's degree in psychology and just months away from her Master of Liberal Arts, Tran credits LSUS support systems with steering her around early obstacles.

"As a first-generation student, there's a lot of pressure to make something of yourself, and I was always tracking my productivity," said Tran, who is a first-year peer at LSUS and a student worker in the Student Success Center. "I leaned on my tutors, academic coaches and Career Services, and I found that I had interests and strengths in psychology and social sciences.

"I learned that it's OK to let people and your environment speak to you, and to be open to receive their messages. I started saying yes to things, and it's resulted in wonderful opportunities and internships that aren't even directly related to my field of study."

One 'yes' that Tran gave was to help fellow student Robert Toledo.

Toledo, who is now a sophomore in computer science and a first-year peer himself, said Tran is the main reason he even stayed in college after the first two weeks.

"I lost confidence the first day of college classes after not having been in school for the past two years," said Toledo, who added that he lost his passion as a nail tech and was looking for his next direction in life. "I felt stupid asking Louise for help, but when I picked my head up after asking, she had a big smile on her face.

"She helped me adjust to college. Don't hesitate to ask for help."

Asking for help is one key indicator of successful college students, especially for first-generation students who don't have a family member who's gone through the college experience.

A first-generation college student is defined as students whose parents don't have a four-year college degree.

More than 20 first-generation students and their families started their college journeys Thursday at LSUS's First-Gen Bridge to Success program, a full day of activities designed to connect students to each other and to the people and resources that can shorten the learning curve.

That learning curve isn't necessarily in the classroom but what Christopher Miles calls the "hidden curriculum" - the unwritten rules, rhythms and policies of college that aren't taught in the classroom.

LSUS's First-Year Seminar class, required for all first-semester freshmen, attempts to knock down those walls by spelling out how college works.

"We want to normalize help-seeking behaviors," said Miles, a first-generation graduate who serves as the director of student transitions and traditions. "Asking for help is a strength.

"All college students but particularly first-gen students may experience situations where they feel like they don't belong in college. But you do belong here. We are here to guide you to graduation in four years."

Students and their families heard from senior leaders like LSUS Chancellor Dr. Robert Smith and vice chancellor Demitrius Brown as they shared their own first-gen experiences.

About half of LSUS's students identify as first-gen, and Smith and Brown reiterated that navigating their first big college failure will be harrowing.

For Brown, it was a failed chemistry test.

"We are all going to hit that moment, but I what I want you to know is that there is help," said Brown, vice chancellor for student affairs. "We have great resources to get you across the finish line."

Students toured those resources and connected with LSUS staff in student affairs, counseling, academic advising and financial aid.

As students shared their excitement and concerns, Brown added the most important connection to make is with each other.

"College is a tough transition, but it's so much easier with a friend," Brown said. "Meaningful social connection is one of the main indicators of whether or not a student will persist toward a college degree."