Autumn Paone

What does being a first-gen student mean to you?

For me, being a first generation student means recognizing and honoring the hard work of my parents, while taking that first step towards achieving my goals, even if it is daunting and unfamiliar.

Why are you excited to be a first-gen mentor?

I am very excited to be a first-gen mentor and build fruitful connections with incoming first generation students! There are aspects of college life and preparing for the future that are hard to navigate without the guidance of someone who has shared experiences. I currently have a faculty mentor who continues to help me in a multitude of ways as I prepare for my senior year, so I know first hand how advantageous this program can be. The peer mentoring program will be an incredible tool for first year students, and I couldn’t be more eager to be a part of it!