• "Five Questions With..."
• Caroline DeLeon
•   
• Coordinator, Multicultural and 
  First-Generation Programming
  Center for Diversity & Inclusion
• Hi everyone! As a fellow  
  first-generation student, let me start off by congratulating you on a job well-done for getting this far! I  am sure there have been a host of questions, excitement, doubt, and waves of adrenaline along the way. For now, put that all behind and remember, you're in our nation's capitol! You are here and there is no looking back. 
• Why AU?  
  I receive my Bachelor's degree from Alfred University located in Western New York and Master's degree from the George Washington University. I literally found the best of both my former experiences, AU in DC. What more could I ask for?
• What does being first-generation mean to you?
  With family roots in Guatemala, I am among the first of my siblings to attend college. Looking back on my experience, sure, there are things I would have done differently knowing what I know now. None the less, I am thankful for all of it. The good, the bad, and the "I'm sorry, can you repeat the question?" 
• Was there anything you were confused by during college? 
  Not knowing what an academic advisor was, let alone what I wanted to study was a battle all in its self. I felt very alone for a long time because I thought I was the only one that was struggling with having to take on so much responsibility. Needless to say, alone was the furthest thing from reality and over time learned to ask important questions to help make progress for myself.  
• What are you most looking forward to this semester?
  I am really excited to be participating as a staff leader for the Alternative Spring Break trip to Cuba. I had a limited study abroad experience during undergrad and am excited about this opportunity!

I love, love, love ice cream! It can never be too cold and I am an avid fan of Ben & Jerry's.

 

SETTLING IN

As we start this year, we hope you are feeling confident in your ability to navigate the AU campus and resources that are available for you. Whether it is your first semester on campus or your last, there are always new departments, offices, and people to connect with. The AU campus is full of interesting opportunities for you to connect with people, broaden your network of friends and mentors, and enjoy locations to study or hang out. It takes some time to find your niche, but once you find that special location or people, it's like it has been there all along.

Check out AU's virtual tour and hear more about the hidden treasures that other students and faculty prosper from. 

BUILD RELATIONSHIPS, GET INVOLVED!

 ...and many more

UPCOMING EVENTS

The Center for Diversity & Inclusion has events and forums specifically for students who are the first-generation in their family to attend college! We are excited to announce that we're planning a professional development program for staff to gain insights on working with first-generation students in early February, and all AU community members are welcome to attend!

First-Generation: Paving the Way

Wednesday, February 5

 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.

Location TBD

Being first in your family to attend college often presents many rewards and sometimes challenges. This session will offer participants an understanding of this unique population and provide effective tips for working with this growing community.

Registration: Email [email protected]

Don't let this be you!

IMPORTANT DATES

Add/Drop Deadline - January 27

This is the last day for you to change your schedule without losing

 any money or getting a "W" on your transcript. If you are thinking about making a change to your schedule, contact your Academic Advisor as soon as possible!

Academic Calendar

Founder's Day - February 22

Founder's Day is a great American University tradition, where we celebrate the founding of our University in 1893 and the rich history of AU. Here's an article on last year's Founder's Day Ball.

Spring Break - March 9 through March 16

No classes during this week, but University offices and residence halls are still open.

Taxes Due! - April 15

Are your parents claiming you as a dependent on their taxes this year? Make sure to get all of these important questions answered ahead of time, so you can have all of your paperwork filed in a timely manner. Find out the basics here!

FAFSA Deadline - May 1

Fill out the Federal Application for by May 1 to be eligible for financial aid. Check out the Financial Aid office for information on aid deadlines and the FAFSA website for more specific information and to fill out the form.

Call for Testimonials!

Do you want to tell your story as a First-Generation college student? Contact Caroline DeLeon [[email protected]] for more details!

What is the First-Generation Focus? 

The First-Generation Focus is a monthly newsletter produced by the Center for Diversity & Inclusion. The mission of the newsletter is to foster a community among AU's growing first-generation population. Each month the newsletter aims to inform readers about beneficial opportunities on campus.