First View Mentorship Program: A welcoming network for first-generation students

Starting college is a milestone many students look forward to, but for first-generation students, it can also feel like stepping into the unknown. What makes the journey brighter is finding a community that understands and walks alongside you.

Vanderbilt's First View Mentorship Program,a collaborative initiative led by the Office of Undergraduate Education, the Student Center for Belonging and Communities, the Career Center, and student organizations such as First-Generation and/or Low-Income Grads and FirstVU, which are dedicated to celebrating and empowering first-generation students. The program is designed to make each student's journey one of connection, guidance and belonging.

Through a layered pod structure, each group of new students is paired with an undergraduate mentor and a graduate mentor from FGLI, creating multiple levels of support. Matches are made based on shared academic and social interests, ensuring students are surrounded by mentors who understand their experiences and aspirations.

"First View is radical collaboration personified. This program couldn't be what it is-and is becoming-without the campus partners who are equally committed to fueling the success of First View students," said Jeremi London, associate provost for academic opportunity.

Mentors guide their pods through at least three engagement activities per semester, from informal social gatherings to academic workshops and professional development sessions, all supported by the various offices leading this initiative.

"I remember arriving on campus as a first-generation student and feeling completely lost-not knowing anyone or where to turn for the resources I needed," said Oliver W. Colbert, associate director of the Student Center for Belonging and Communities. "Vanderbilt has so much to offer, and I want every student to know that everything Vanderbilt provides is meant for you, too."

"First View gave me a community of upperclassmen I know I can relate to and rely on," said Gabi Matis, an incoming first-year first-generation student mentee of the First View program. "The kindness and wisdom of my mentors helped ease my transition to Vanderbilt."

By building these connections early, the First View Mentorship Program helps first-generation students not just find their place at Vanderbilt, but thrive throughout their college journey.

Izabella Maestroiani, a current junior, First View mentor and president of FirstVU, said that her mentor helped her to see she belonged at Vanderbilt and inspired her to be a mentor for others. "That is what I appreciate most about First View; it creates a built-in community that makes the transition to Vanderbilt less intimidating and more welcoming, especially for students who may feel unsure of where to begin, just as I once did."

"First View is an incredible way to help students foster connections and discover opportunities that can help them grow in their career journeys," said Antonella Valdivia, assistant director of the Career Center. "The immersive career trek component of First View is designed to help students explore career pathways that connect with their field of study and create connections that can aid in future opportunities."

This fall, First View students will be honored on a much larger stage, as Vanderbilt Athletics hosts a First Gen Basketball Night during the men's game against Eastern Kentucky on Nov. 12. By building connections and experiences that last beyond the first year, the First View Mentorship Program ensures that first-generation students don't just find their place at Vanderbilt; they thrive.

Learn more about the First View Mentorship Program.