First-Generation Stories
These faculty and staff know what it's like to overcome and lead the way. They'd love to hear your story and help you find the path to your life's work.
Felicia Bragg
Title III Project Director at Naz
"Being the first in my family to go to college meant that I could change the trajectory of my life, opening new doors and possibilities for me, while also being a role model for my younger family members, showing them they could also achieve whatever they wanted."
What are a few words that come to mind when you think of First-Generation students?
Trailblazer, Driven, Courageous
Bryan Adams
Bryan Adams, assistant clinical professor in the School of Business and Leadership, was a first-gen student when he attended Nazareth.
What he sees today: First-gen students "are heavily invested in and care deeply about earning a college degree" and tend to be "incredibly self-motivated and fiercely independent."
His tip: Get to know faculty and staff. It's OK to ask for support.
Amanda Brady
Director of First-Year Admissions
At the time I applied to college(s), I didn't even realize I was a First-Generation student. I think it's important for other students in the same boat to know being First-Generation can be exciting, scary, confusing, and impactful all at once. Going to college allowed me to help create a path for my siblings and relate to students applying to Nazareth who may also be First-Gen, even if they don't realize it.
What are a few words that come to mind when you think of First-Generation students?
Trailblazer, Independent, Motivated
Alexis Masciangelo
Clinical Assistant Professor in Nursing
As a first-generation college student, going to college was about more than earning a degree—it was about changing the trajectory of my life and my family’s future. Education represented opportunity, stability, and a way to contribute meaningfully to my community.
I wanted to prove to myself—and to those who would come after me—that it was possible. There were moments of uncertainty and self-doubt, but each challenge reinforced how important it was to continue. Going to college allowed me build confidence and eventually become the kind of mentor I wished I had when I started.
What are a few words that come to mind when you think of First-Generation students?
Motivated, Empowering, Visionary
Rupert Johnson
Associate Professor in Communication Sciences and Disorders
My parents worked long hours and multiple jobs to set the stage for my siblings and I to excel in school. As immigrants living in poverty, we knew we had to work twice as hard to get half as much. So it's was imperative that I attended college as a first gen student.
What are a few words that come to mind when you think of First-Generation students?
Future leaders who overcame (or are overcoming) the odds and trailblazers within their own families and communities.
Rocio Ruiz
Admissions Counselor
"I come from a lower socio-economic background and I was raised by a single mother. I was determined to get my family and I out of our current living circumstances. I knew that higher education was the pathway for career opportunities and upward mobility."
What are a few words that come to mind when you think of First-Generation students?
Determined, Resilient, Empowered, Trailblazers, Inspiring , & Hardworking!
Patrick Garrett
Assistant professor of biology; greenhouse manager; program director for environmental science and sustainability
(College) provided that skills I needed to pursue my career aspirations and gave me the financial stability to support my family. I was a non-traditional first-gen student due to the fact that I was a single father. I went to college not only for myself, but to prove to my son that you can pursue your goals and be successful with enough determination and effort.
What are a few words that come to mind when you think of First-Generation students?
Resolute, Determined, Strong
Julie Frohm
Talent Acquisition Specialist
College was deeply important to me as a First-Gen student, given my family’s unique challenges and my own educational journey. My mom, a child of an incarcerated parent, emancipated herself at 16, while my dad started college but didn’t complete his degree. Despite my own struggles with undiagnosed dyslexia and ADHD, I dedicated myself to athletics, though my grades suffered. The journey wasn’t straightforward, but each step shaped me. Competing in two collegiate sports taught me self-advocacy and helped me develop a learning style that worked for me. With my second Master’s from Nazareth on the horizon, I’m determined to keep progressing, with my sights set on a PhD in the future.
What are a few words that come to mind when you think of First-Generation students?
Resilient, determined, motivated, tenacious, self-advocates, trailblazers, and resourceful.