Trailblazers in Education and Pioneers in Health Care

Texas Tech Health El Paso Celebrates First-Generation College Students on First-Gen Highlight Day 

Texas Tech Health El Paso hosted First-Gen Highlight Day during the institution’s Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI) Week event, from Monday, Sept. 16 to Friday, Sept. 20.

First-Gen Highlight Day, held on Sept. 20, celebrated the achievements and resilience of students, faculty, and staff who are among the first in their families to attend college. The event underscored the powerful role first-generation-to-college students play in reshaping the future of education for themselves, their families, and their communities.

Vice President for Institutional Advancement Andrea Tawney, Ph.D., shared her sense of responsibility as a first-generation graduate: "Being a first-gen college grad means I have a responsibility to mentor and reach behind to lift other first-generation college students. My goal is to lead by example so that fellow first-gen students know (and see) that there’s a path already paved, but it’s up to them to blaze their own trail."

Foster School of Medicine student Taylen Day reflected on how being a first-generation student symbolizes hope for her family: “Being a first-generation student is a symbol of hope, not only for my mother, but also for my younger siblings and cousins. While the road I paved was difficult, it makes the journey to higher education more attainable for my other family members to pursue. I can only hope to continue to inspire them.”

Perseverance and pride in cultural identity are central themes in first-gen identity for Gloria Loera, D.N.P., R.N., NEA-BC, assistant professor and graduate program director of the Hunt School of Nursing: "Being a first-generation-to-college student means being proud of who I am and my culture. Regardless of my life experiences, I persevered to accomplish the goals I set for myself, knowing the hard work and accomplishments were not only for me but for my family."

For Hunt School of Dental Medicine student Mariah Martinez, her family’s encouragement was key to her academic journey: "Although my relatives did not attend college, they instilled the values of hard work and determination in me and led the path to my success. I believe my success is not defined by studying in higher education, but by listening to my family’s advice and pursuing my dreams, whatever they may be."

Francis Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences student Lupy Aleman expressed the significance of setting an example for her family: "Being a first-generation college student means dedicating myself to paving the way for my family and setting a strong example. It's about showing what's possible through commitment and hard work, and inspiring others to follow. I'm proud to be the first in my family to take this step."

Assistant Vice President of Student Services John Harrell II, Ed.D., said a quote from Vice President Kamala Harris resonated with his experience. "When I think about my journey as a first-gen student and my work in higher education, it makes me echo the words of VP Kamala Harris: 'You may be the first to do many things, but make sure you are not the last.'"

Reflecting on the sacrifices made by her family, Program Coordinator for the Office of Interprofessional Education Ana Diaz highlighted the legacy of strength she is passing down: "Being a first-generation college student is the result of the many sacrifices my mother made so I could reach my goals. I now have the opportunity as a professional to pass along my values, strength, and dedication to my children and our community."

Assistant Vice President of Academics Christiane Herber-Valdez, Ed.D., captured the generational impact of higher education: "Coming from a hard-working family, I’m among the first in my family to apply our work ethic to higher education and build a successful professional career. It’s a source of pride for my family and has encouraged younger family members to choose paths toward college degrees. Together, we build a chain of opportunity for generations to come."

The celebration of First-Generation Highlight Day during HSI Week this year, supported by the Office of Interprofessional Education and the HSI Initiatives Committee, reminds us of the perseverance, dedication, and inspiration first-generation college students bring to Texas Tech Health El Paso as trailblazers in higher education and future pioneers in our region’s health care!