Student Advice

In the College of Arts & Sciences, we are proud to celebrate our first-generation community through a collection of stories! We honor our students and alumni, and their many contributions to our university community and beyond.

This summer, 14 European reporters came to the U.S. to study the art of narrative journalism with Lauren Kessler, senior affiliate professor of communication. The two-week intensive workshop was sponsored by Forum for Journalism and Media, a Vienna-based nonprofit dedicated to the continued education of working journalists, supported by the U.S. Embassy in Vienna, and hosted by the UW Department of Communications.

A list of 10 recommended road trips in Washington state includes the UW Planetarium. Andy Tzanidakis, a doctoral student in astronomy at the UW and student director of the planetarium, is quoted. Coach Jedd Fisch also is quoted about open-to-the-public football practices beginning April 2.

Admitted students and families can engage with the College of Arts and Sciences through several department and program specific events over the next few weeks.

Holly Barker, a University of Washington teaching professor of anthropology, and three current members of the UW football team â Ulumoo Ale, Makell Esteen and Faatui Tuitele â are studying how the skills they develop to maximize their chances of victory on the field have applications outside the stadium. Their work, which is ongoing, is showing that the research methods and analytical abilities of student-athletes are applicable in academic and research settings, as well as jobs in a variety of fields.

"College freshmen read a New York Times Magazine piece about issues in education, then communicate what they learned by experimenting with audience and format," writes Megan Butler, a doctoral student of English at the UW.

"Stepping out of my comfort zone and embracing the challenges of being a first-generation college student allowed me to leave a strong mark in the Husky community. I am grateful for the experiences and people I encountered along the way. I look forward to continuing my journey in the world of journalism – uncovering and sharing the stories that matter the most." – Reneé Diaz (B.A. Communication: Journalism and Public Interest Communication, 2023)

"My first-gen college experience has inspired my approach to my level of research, work, and connection with this campus along with students and faculty by encouraging me to always go above and beyond what is expected and become eager to learn new things at any moment." – Pedro Caballero, College of Arts & Sciences student majoring in both Political Science and Public Health.

"To me, being a first-generation student means the ability to bring awareness to the only 3% of aged-out foster youth that go on to obtain a college degree. I aged out of foster care at 17 and college was something that felt unobtainable to me. By being a first-generation student, I can be a beacon of hope for foster youth, spread awareness about educational difficulties foster youth face, and break the cycle of trauma." - Sara Smith (B.S., Speech & Hearing Sciences, 2024)

"First-generation students are pioneers. No one before us had the opportunity to do what we’re doing right now. It requires immense determination and resilience to continue moving forward into this wild unknown. Cultivate your support system, establish routines that nourish your mental, physical, and emotional health, and ask for help every time you need it. Remember: You are legitimate proof that anything is possible and you are worthy of success right now, as you are. Don't let anyone or anything keep you from achieving your dreams. You got this!" - Audrey Mikal (B.A., Sociology, 2025), Treasurer, First-Generation Leaders in Law 

"I would also tell students to not count themselves out. You miss 100% of the shots you don't take and there is a reason you got into college in the first place. You are capable of anything you may put your mind to, even if no one before you has done it" - Kaitlynn Lilly (M.S. Applied Mathematics, 2023), Ph.D. Applied Mathematics, 2027

"Having to pay for my college education also felt like I should always prioritize saving every penny for future mishaps. However, the UW experience is more than immersing yourself in textbooks; it is about connecting with others on campus and learning more about yourself through attending the institution. Obtaining a degree should be a joyful experience. Know that it's okay to take care of yourself and your health. Yes, you can definitely plan out that trip abroad and go to that concert after clocking out from your part-time job—it's all about balance. Enjoy being a UW student and pursue your wildest dreams." - Fani Medel Martinez (B.A. Communication, 2024)

"Being a first-generation college student is a badge of honor and a responsibility I carry with immense pride. It symbolizes the collective hopes and dreams of my family and community, as well as the barriers I have overcome to attain higher education." – MJ Mencias, College of Arts & Sciences student double majoring in both Political Sciences and Law, Society, and Justice.

Sapna Cheryan, professor of psychology at the UW, and her colleagues want U.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona to consider not telling grads to, "Follow your passions," in his commencement address on Saturday. Instead, in this interview Cheryan shares alternative advice for graduating students.

Dustin Mara, Class of 2022, shares about his global upbringing, his vision for intersecting culture, language, and type design, and what he is looking forward to about his future career.