Disha Patel, an accounting major planning to graduate from UA Little Rock in 2022, knows how hard it is to be a first-generation college student.

“One of the biggest struggles first generation students encounter in college is the lack of a family support system,” Patel said. “Being a first-gen can be scary, intimidating, and confusing because you are like a pioneer, going somewhere with no guide and finding your own way.”

Nearly 40 percent of UA Little Rock students identify as first-generation, which means that their parents/guardians did not graduate from college. The campus community will celebrate the stories of first-generation students in coordination with National First-Gen Day Friday, Nov. 8.

The inaugural First-Generation Student Celebration Day will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the foyer of Ottenheimer Library. All students, faculty, and staff are welcome to stop by for food, fun, and to share their stories as a first-generation student.

First-gen students can also enter to win door prizes, including:

• An opportunity to grab coffee with the Chancellor 
• Two courtside seats to a Little Rock Trojan Men’s basketball game 
• A week of prime parking on campus 
• A student Alumni Association membership
• Swag from the Campus Bookstore

Little Rock students, faculty, and staff who are first-generation students are welcome to share their  story here. Current submissions can be viewed on UA Little Rock’s Facebook page. 

Patel, one of the UA Little Rock students who shared her story, is grateful for the opportunity to earn a college degree.

“You may be the first from your family to go to college, and you may have to figure out the whole college system on your own, but it is so worth it!” Patel said. “College is fascinating. You can learn about any subject that interests you.”

For more information, please email Heather Reed at hareed@ualr.edu.