A First Generation Student at ATI

Submitted by Olivia Orf

Heading off to college is a very big deal for every freshman, waiting to jump into the next chapter of their lives. Being a first-generation student is the same thing, plus a lot more stress. Going off to college is a time of a lot of firsts for students, but also a lot for parents if they have never been to college themselves. As the daughter of two parents without college degrees, I had so much to learn about school that many of my peers already knew. My parents couldn’t warn me about the stress or the idea of having roommates. Nor could they advise me on how to properly use the resources the university provides its students.

My parents and me

Ohio State ATI understands first-generation students like no other university. Between the small class sizes, peer tutoring and support, and the student-to-faculty ratio, Ohio State ATI is a great place to get your education started. Student Success Services at ATI is exactly what the name says: a place with resources to help you succeed—and it really does just that. I have personally utilized many forms of peer tutoring, counseling, mentoring, and advising in my first semester at ATI.

This university understands what it is like to not have the same resources that other students might have. This is a large part of why they support and encourage first-generation students. This past autumn, Ohio State ATI held an event for first-generation students. This event gave us the chance to hear from other first-generation students, learn about our work ethic, and hear more about the resources offered here.

The library and many of the staff here at ATI are also extremely supportive of first-generation students and their journeys. The resources they provide include but are not limited to access to all textbooks while you’re in the library, supplies to help with projects and study habits, tips and tricks to study well, and multiple rooms to find your comfort when you’re studying in the library.

All of the people in this photo were recognized in November for being first-generation college students!

We also have many staff members that are first-generations students, including housing coordinator, Mick Steiner; assistant to the director, Michelle Villers; and professor and PhD candidate, Eric Williams. The faculty and staff here at ATI create the atmosphere, they understand the processes that first-generation students have to go through, and they are more than willing to help you personally find your niche in college.

Coming to college as a first-generation student isn’t easy, the path is not always clear, and sometimes the decisions are hard simply because you’re surrounded by people who don’t understand your situation. However, the journey is just as important as the destination. You would not earn the privileges of having a degree if you don’t go through the process. Here at Ohio State ATI, they make that process and that journey just a little bit easier.