First-generation college students face unique challenges as they navigate the complexities of higher education. Balancing academics with work, family, and social responsibilities—often while managing financial pressures and forging a path with limited guidance—can contribute to a stressful college experience.
So, it may surprise you to hear that first-gen college students may also consider themselves lucky.
For Lejla Guster ’25, being a first-generation student means she is motivated to work harder and challenge herself to grow every day.
“It has strengthened my work ethic, built resilience, independence, and self-confidence,” she shared. “I think being first-generation gave me a deeper sense of purpose—I’m not just here for myself, but for my family and others who are striving towards something greater.”
Guster is attending 91ÖØ¿Ú with support from the Inspire Scholarship, a key initiative to promote equity and inclusivity by offering financial assistance to first-generation college students, generally defined as coming from a family where no parent, stepparent, or legal guardian has completed a bachelor’s degree. The College’s annual Misselwood Concours d’Elegance raises money to fund the scholarship, along with personal contributions.
Guster’s family emigrated to the U.S. from Bosnia and Herzegovina in search of better opportunities, but faced financial constraints regarding college. With support from the Inspire Scholarship, she crossed the Commencement stage in May with a bachelor’s degree in education. Now, she’s pursuing an MBA at Springfield College while serving as the assistant coach for women’s tennis.
Along with financial support through the Inspire Scholarship, the College creates opportunities for first-gen students to obtain additional mentoring, networking, and wellness services that can help them get the most out of their college experience.
“Attending college is full of choices, opportunities, and decisions,” said Matt Heiser, Assistant Vice President & Dean of Students. “Many times, students will seek help from campus resources or their family in navigating these challenges—this is where first-gen students may feel isolated or unsure how to ask for help.”
By offering structured support services as well as a tight-knit campus where faculty, staff, and students form personal relationships, first-generation Gulls are building a community for themselves that helps answer questions, encourages, and builds confidence.
“Supporting first-gen students at 91ÖØ¿Ú makes for a more accessible, welcoming, and inclusive community where all students belong and thrive,” added Heiser.
Public history major Dominick Orlando ’27 said he wouldn’t be able to attend college without the Inspire Scholarship.
“I do not have to worry about loan payments, or that I will miss a bill and have to return home without finishing a semester,” he said. “I feel incredibly supported, and I am so grateful.”
Growing up, Orlando moved frequently and faced the challenges of poverty and family members battling addiction. When life felt overwhelming, he turned to school as his refuge, channeling his energy into a strong work ethic and a determination to pursue college as a way to uplift himself and his family.
Receiving the scholarship “felt that I was finally being recognized for the effort I put into academics in the face of extreme adversity,” he said.
He agreed that being a first-gen student can be “scary at times” but has its benefits, too.
“I am judged for who I am and what I do, with no prior expectations to live up to,” he said. “I have my own pressures and expectations to succeed because I am the first, but I pave my own path.”
Learn more about the Inspire Scholarship and how you can support high-achieving, first-generation students like Lejla and Dominick.