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

UF honored its first-generation students with a picnic on the Reitz North Lawn this week in conjunction with National First Generation Day. Read more about what being a first generation student means to some of these students who are Machen Florida Opportunity Scholars (MFOS). 

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Madison Clark

Second year, Anthropology

I am proud to be involved with MFOS. I come from a single parent household, and college wasn’t something I thought I could obtain financially. Getting MFOS means I get to be part of a community. I am now a peer mentor as well as an ambassador where I speak with deans and donors about this amazing scholarship. I get a chance to pursue my dreams.

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Tony Pham

Third year, Mechanical Engineering

It means paving the way for future generations. MFOS is family, support and a home away from home.

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Ingrid Marrero

Fourth year, Public Relations

Being a first-gen means being an example for my younger sister and leaving a legacy for those after me.

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Reinaldo Cabrera Perez

Fourth year, Linguistics and Russian

It means representing my community. I am the first person in my family to complete a bachelor’s degree and soon to be the first to pursue a Ph.D.

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Emely Almendarez

Second year, Journalism

MFOS is the gateway to new opportunities. The first step was getting accepted into UF, and then I got accepted into this community. I have professional friends while also having a home away from home. This has been a big impact for me.

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Joel Alvarez

Fourth year, Electrical Engineering

This means to me the opportunity to do something I wouldn’t be able to otherwise. Having a university that cares about you to do stuff like this scholarship and this event means everything.

Blake Trauschke November 9, 2022