Kayann Matlock

Kayann Matlock

My experience as a first-gen student has been kind of a rollercoaster, to say the least. It feels great to be the first one in my family to attend a four year university, but it has also been a little frightening because I did not know what to expect. Throughout my freshman year, I struggled learning the ins and outs of college life here at MSU, but once I got the hang of it, everything turned out just fine.

Some advice that I would give to other first-gen students is that you do not need to suffer in silence. There are many other first-gen students who have gone through the same things that you are, so do not be afraid to ask for help. Finally, what I think being a first-gen student means is that you are willing to put in the work to make a different path for yourself and your goals.

Kayann Matlock
Sophomore Undergraduate Student in Criminology