First-To-Go Offer Advice to First Years

Written By: Ian Silvester

College is a time when many students experience things for the first time. Whether it’s exploring a new interest, joining a club, or diving into a research project, these years offer students a chance to take chances with limited risk. College is also the place where many students become the first in their families to ever go. 

At the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith, roughly 58% of the student body is considered first-generation. By definition, no one in their immediate family has completed a four-year degree, and sometimes it means no one even attended. For the students at UAFS who are pursuing a bachelor's degree, becoming the first in their families to do so can be life-changing for generations. 

This spring, 293 of the graduates crossing the stage to receive their associate or bachelor’s degree or technical certificate from UAFS are first-generation students. Their relentless determination is a testament to the care and guidance provided by UAFS, helping each student achieve their educational goals. Before accepting their diplomas, some of these students offered their advice to incoming first-year students. 

May 16 will be a special day for Emilo Sanchez. He will accept his associate’s degree in electrical engineering technology, just two days after graduating from Northside High School.  

This accomplishment, however, didn’t come without some challenges along the way. Emilo had to navigate getting rides to and from UAFS and Northside and is still working on how to acquire a job with his degree at such a young age. But despite this, he said, earning both degrees at the same time is worth it.  

“I’m super proud of myself,” Emilo said. “I look at people my age, even people older than me, and they don’t have these accomplishments.” 

For Emilo, being a first-generation graduate also means his parents’ sacrifice to move to the United States was worth it. He said that without them taking a chance on his future, he’d be looking at a much different outcome than holding a college-level degree at 18. It’s an accomplishment and an experience, Emilo said, that he hopes can inspire incoming students. 

“If you’re in doubt about pursuing an education, I just say go for it! It’s an investment and will help you in your future. … Even if you feel like giving up, don’t,” he said. “I always thought about giving up, maybe once a week or once a month, but I always told myself to push through.” 

Emilo’s message shines with his fellow Spring first-generation graduate, Nikki Sontchi. 

After accumulating more than 200 credit hours over the years, Nikki will earn her bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership. Her story is one of finding direction and using the support UAFS offered her every step of the way to earn her degree. 

“There are people here who want to help you, and they want to see you succeed,” Nikki said.  

When Nikki accepts her degree from the stage at Stubblefield Center, she will do so the day after her daughter receives her high school diploma. Nikki said she is excited to help her daughter navigate college as a first-year student and to demonstrate that, even as the first to go, she was successful in taking the risk.  

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