Celebrating the first-generation student experience: Four years with GenerationOne

The GenerationOne living-learning community (LLC) began in the fall of 2021 and this academic year marks four years of learning and support for its members. This spring, the first cohort’s members will graduate and become the first members of their families to receive a four-year degree from a university.

“Coming into Virginia Tech, I knew I wanted to join GenerationOne so that I could be surrounded by people who had similar perspectives,” said Laura Powell-Portillo, a senior triple majoring in business information technology, cybersecurity management and analytics, and management consulting and analytics. “We were able to help each other and feel that we had a support system when everything surrounding us was so new and confusing.”

According to the University Data Commons, there are over 5,500 first-generation undergraduate students at Virginia Tech. Students at Virginia Tech are considered first-generation if neither parent nor guardian has completed a bachelor's degree at a college or university.

For many first-generation students, the journey to college presents a set of unknowns as they navigate social and academic transitions into college life. First-Generation Student Success’ GenerationOne works to uplift students from the moment they step onto campus to the time they walk across the graduation stage.

Cultivating community 

GenerationOne emphasizes the importance of community and belonging among first-generation students. Through the close-knit residential experience, students can share their hardships and successes with their peers — fostering a nurturing environment that validates the perspectives of first-generation students.

“Going to college was my first time being away from home for such a long time — it was scary,” said Ana Rivera, a senior majoring in wildlife conservation and minoring in ecological cities. “It was helpful to be around so many people who were also going through that.” 

Both Rivera and Powell-Portillo said the friendships they made are one of the most valuable parts of their time in the living-learning community. They describe the first-generation lounge as a safe space for students to spend time together, allowing them to foster long-lasting connections and build cherished memories.

“Just having that community already built in went such a long way, it saved me so much stress,” said Powell-Portillo, reflecting on the opportunities and support shared through the GenerationOne community. “I had access to so many resources because of it.” 

Resources, mentorship, and support 

According to data from U.S. Department of Education, first-generation students are less likely than other students to utilize university resources, such as health services, academic advising and support, or career services. By integrating resources for first-generation students into campus life, GenerationOne ensures that first-generation students can access services to help them succeed during and after their time at Virginia Tech.

GenerationOne programming helps first-year students build a foundation of skills and confidence to help them flourish in their academic and professional careers. Programming initiatives feature student success workshops, community service events, and a tailored first-year student course. 

Workshops and peer mentors connect students with "any resource that could help us better ourselves socially, professionally, or academically," said Powell-Portillo. “It feels like yesterday I was meeting my mentor, not knowing what my major would be or what I would do. Luckily, I had that guidance the whole time that led me to where I am today.”  

Through the GenerationOne program, incoming students are paired with a peer mentor to assist in navigating their college experience.   

“The aspect of mentorship is something I’ve always been passionate about, especially seeing how much of an impact it had on me,” said Powell-Portillo. “It’s something I’ve worked to give back and hope to continue as I become established in the workforce.”

After GenerationOne

First-generation seniors have used GenerationOne supports as a platform toward their future careers. 

“I learned to take advantage of the resources that are available to me — to not be afraid to put myself out there,” said Rivera of her experience in the first cohort.

Powell-Portillo said professional resources offered in GenerationOne started the chain of events leading to her future career. In her first year she took the opportunity of a first-generation Deloitte mentorship; now, she plans to work with Deloitte as a business technology solutions analyst after graduation. 

“It all started with GenerationOne for me,” said Powell-Portillo. “It was like a snowball — one opportunity leading into so many different things.”

While the first cohort of GenerationOne accelerated their college experience, they established a community and support system for the cohorts that followed.  

“Having those spaces was so impactful, and I hope others are able to experience and take advantage of those opportunities,” said Powell-Portillo.

Applications for incoming students to join GenerationOne or additional Living-Learning Programs are now open and will close on Friday, June 6. 

First-Generation Student Success 

The 2024-25 academic year marks the fifth anniversary of First-Generation Student Success (FGSS) at Virginia Tech. Since its launch, the program has grown its scope of programs, learning opportunities, and community for first-generation students.  

“When you have a vision, you aim for the time spent planning and strategizing to yield meaningful outcomes,” said Tamara Cherry-Clarke, senior assistant dean of students. “The objective of GenerationOne, along with the other FGSS programs and initiatives, is to foster the academic, personal, and professional growth of our first-generation scholars. Our team is already in the process of planning and preparing for our fifth cohort.”

The program encompasses a variety of initiatives and programs at Virginia Tech in addition to the GenerationOne LLC aimed to benefit first-generation students and elevate their college experience. Additional initiatives include the student organization First-Generation at Virginia Tech, the mentorship program HokiesFirst, the Deloitte First-Gen Mentorship program, and the Healthy Equity Scholars in partnership with the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine.

First-Generation Student Success initiatives reflect Virginia Tech Advantage, working to provide transformative educational experiences and remove barriers for students during their educational journey at Virginia Tech.

To learn more about First-Generation Student Success or to hear about upcoming events by email, contact firstgen@vt.edu. Additional information on first-generation programming, events, and resources can be found on the  program's Instagram, @vt1gen. 

Written by Kyndall Hanson, a senior majoring in multimedia journalism and philosophy, politics, and economics