Navigating the journey to and through college is a challenge for all students, but is even more daunting for those who are the first in their families to pursue education beyond high school.
Millsaps understands these challenges and has recently formed an organization designed to provide these students a place where they can find information, answers and support.
The group, “Majors First,” is led by Charlie Barnes, a junior double-majoring in biology and health & exercise science, with staff support from Dr. Ryan Upshaw, assistant dean for student life.
Unique Struggles and Challenges
Nearly 27% of Millsaps’ students identify as first-generation, defined as those whose parents did not complete a four-year college degree. They often lack the same resources and parental guidance as their peers and encounter unique struggles related to admissions, financial aid and navigating the academic environment without their family’s help.
Charlie Barnes
Many first-gen students feel isolated and unsure about how to approach the college experience. Majors First seeks to break down the barriers, foster engagement, increase success and promote a sense of community among these students.
“I’m a first-gen student, and when I got here, I found out quickly that I didn’t know how to navigate college,” Charlie explained. “I didn’t know about financial aid and scholarships, I struggled to fit in and make friends; I didn’t even know what office hours were. And I had nobody to tell me how hard it would be. I’m not saying I’ve got it all figured out now, but I do have a better handle on it. We want Majors First to be a support group for people like me.”
For many first-generation students, the college journey is both a source of pride and a significant challenge. They enter higher education determined to succeed, not just for themselves but for their families, whose expectations often weigh heavily.
“It’s a huge privilege but also an enormous amount of pressure being a first-gen student. My dad came to Millsaps but didn’t finish his degree,” Charlie said. “So I feel like I’m here to finish what he started, I want to do this for me and my family.”
“My only reference to college was what I’d seen in movies and,” Tia Anderson, sophomore double-majoring in psychology and health & exercise science said. “I worried about fitting in. I didn’t know how to handle situations financially because it was my first time away from home. There were many live-and-learn moments as I realized I didn’t have to spend money every time I got paid!”
Why Majors First Matters
Dr. Ryan Upshaw
Dr. Upshaw is especially passionate about supporting this student population. Being a first-generation college graduate, he understands the challenges firsthand.
“As a first-generation college student, I struggled, starting with the search process because I didn’t have a parent who could give me advice on exploring various institutions,” Upshaw reflects. “Once I chose my college, it was because of campus involvement that I made connections and found mentors who were critical to my success. I’m excited to provide support to Millsaps students dealing with the same issues adjusting to college life.”
His experience mirrors that of many first-generation students, who often lack a roadmap to guide them through the complex college admissions and adjustment processes.
This ignorance can make what should be an exciting experience feel overwhelming and intimidating. Majors First will connect students with mentors, help them gain access to resources, and assist in developing networks of support.
Building a Community for Success
One of the central goals of Majors First is to create a supportive environment where first-generation students thrive. According to the Office of Student Life, the organization will provide targeted academic and financial support to help students succeed.
There will also be opportunities for networking and mentorship, ensuring that students build valuable relationships with faculty, staff and peers. For first-gen students, these connections are life-changing, helping them navigate the complexities of college and feel more secure about their place within the academic community.
In developing the program, feedback was gathered from current first-gen students. Many expressed a need for more academic guidance and resources to ease financial burdens, which are often more acute for this demographic.
Networking opportunities are another major focus, as students hoped to meet others who understood their experiences and challenges.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Majors First
Majors First will host an informational and recruiting event in the Leggett Living Room on November 15 for everyone who wants to be involved with the organization.
The group’s plans beyond that include hosting workshops on everything from financial literacy to career development. By creating these opportunities, Majors First lays the groundwork for student success and helps first-generation students make the most of their college experience.
Barnes is eager to get started and make a lasting impact on campus. Together with Dr. Upshaw and other campus partners, she is determined to ensure that first-generation students at Millsaps have the support they need to thrive.
“Being a first-gen student means that I’m creating a standard for my family,” Tia explained. “Those before me didn’t have the opportunity or confidence to attend college, but I do, so I’m making the most of it. I feel like everyone is proud of me and supportive because I’m representing my family; it motivates me to finish since I know I’ll have something that my family members before me could not achieve.”
As Millsaps continues to prioritize diversity and inclusion, this new group is a significant step toward creating a more equitable and supportive campus environment for all students.
First-generation students often carry the hopes and dreams of their families with them when they step onto campus, and Majors First will ensure they have the resources and support to make those dreams a reality.