NYU’s Proud to Be First Program Empowers First-Generation Students

When you join the Proud to Be First community as a first-year, first-generation student, you can opt to work with a trained peer mentor. Your mentor will be there for you throughout your first year as you explore your interests and chart your future. Working through his own initial challenges inspired Daniel Soto, a senior Biology major, to become a mentor. “I felt behind, slower than everyone else, and limited by my lack of connections,” he explains. “In addition, I had anxiety around school, work, and my social life. I knew I needed to make changes, so I sought out resources that shaped me into the confident person I am today! Proud to Be First gives me the chance to share what helped me. This way, I can help others push through the struggles that come with being a first-generation student.”

In addition, mentees have access to academic and social programs planned by their mentors. “We recently had an amazing student panel,” recalls Proud to be First assistant director Alexandra Cordero. “There, first-generation students shared their majors and other activities with other first-generation students. We also host events like study abroad panels and game nights with food and giveaways. Everyone has a lot of fun.”

After your first year, you can take advantage of Proud to Be First’s Faculty Connect program. It’s designed to help second-year students make connections and practice networking in a supportive environment. Therefore, Proud to Be First will pair you with a first-generation faculty member. Through the program, you’ll meet with your faculty member for coffee or lunch at the Torch Club. Over a meal, you’ll learn about their first-generation journey and have the chance to ask them for advice and gain insight into their field. What’s more, many faculty also serve as Proud to Be First Advocates. If you feel you need support or want to build connections within the NYU network, you can reach out to an advocate at any time.