Grace Diviny, Staff Writer
On Friday, November 6th, SUNY Oneonta hosted a First-Gen Fri-YAY event for first generation college students to enjoy alongside discovering new career and financial pursuits. First generation students are the first in their family to go away for college, and since they may be navigating how to handle college alone without insight, opportunities like this allow them to find the resources and support they may need.
The event was held at Hunt Union Waterfront, and a good number of students showed up to hang out and find people exactly like them, with a special appearance by 2026 Mascot Madness winner, Red the Dragon!
When students first showed up, they were greeted with an ‘event’ passport bingo card that showcased a variety of activities they could do whilst there. If they got three across, they could earn a white t-shirt with the slogan “I Am First” to proudly show off their title as a first generation student. At each table were some of the fun activities listed in the bingo card, such as a table titled ‘Dear Future Me Letter’ where students could write a letter to either their past or future selves. There was also a photobooth decoration table, where students could find stickers and frames to add to their photo strips if they chose to take photos in the photobooth. Another table had murals that students could paint over and design as they pleased.
Amid the activities, there were also career and academic opportunities for students that they could check out. Programs such as the Career Planning and Networking Center and the Empire State Service Core. These organizations were there to promote their services for students who want to expand their horizons through potential internships, job offers, or volunteer opportunities within their major. Other tables, such as the First-Gen Table and the Counseling Center Table, gave some resources for students to navigate their journey without it feeling overwhelming.
Gabriel Blanco, a resident hall director at SUNY Oneonta and recent SUNY New Paltz graduate, knows exactly what it is like to be a first-gen student and wants events like this to help students feel more welcomed.
“For me specifically, I am a first-generation student. So, I know that back when I was a student at New Paltz it was really big for me to come out of my shell by going to events like these.” Blanco said, before stating how he feels hosting these events for students who were also in his position four years ago.
“I think it gives you a sense of pride and belonging within yourself, so that way, you feel more in tune with the campus. You feel like you actually belong there. The decision you made back in May or whatever year you were graduating high school, that it was a big decision. So, I think that just the opportunity to like, give back and give students that safe space of belonging. Like we are here to celebrate them, that we understand them like ‘Hey you’re a first-generation student and that can come with its own troubles and new experiences, and you’re not alone.’ We have a lot of people here that you can break bread with, hang out with, and have a great time.”
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