In honor of First-Generation College Student Celebration Month, UA Little Rock is profiling some of its outstanding first-generation students.

Chris Gerton, a first-generation student from Lexington, Kentucky, is currently pursuing his Juris Doctor (JD) degree at the William H. Bowen School of Law.

What does it mean to you to be a first-generation student?

Being a first-generation student means everything to me; I feel extremely blessed.

How did your family react when you told them you had been accepted into the program?

When my family found out I was accepted into Bowen, they were so excited for me.

What has been the most rewarding aspect of college so far?

Thus far, I have found a few rewarding aspects of law school. To date, it has been a pleasure meeting everyone that I have met so far, whether in the same class or in a Zoom discussion. I love to learn, so all the information that I have absorbed this semester has been very exhilarating.

What made you choose the Bowen School of Law?
Bowen was a perfect fit for me. Being a part time student here affords me the opportunity to gain an education, while working full time and maintaining a family.

What do you plan to do after graduation?

I have not yet determined what field of law I will practice after graduation. However, criminal law has piqued my interest.

Do you have any advice for future first-generation students?

If there was any advice that I could give to future first-generation students, it would be to try not to stress so much. Trust me, I know your anxiety will be high, but just trust the process.