By Marley Anthony, Assistant Editor

First-generation students are the academic trailblazers of their families. They will be the first in their family to earn a degree and will accomplish this without the same resources as students with family who have previously attended college.  

With nearly one-third of the 2025-2026 freshman class being first-generation students, the Center for Academic Excellence at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor recognized these students’ dedication and persistence to further their education at UMHB during First-Generation Celebration Week. 

“Hard work was always ingrained in me, and I knew from the very beginning I wanted to break generational curses and go to college,” sophomore First-Generation Student Representative Lucy Zuniga said.  

Attending college gives students more than the opportunity to further their education, it creates the opportunity to make lifelong connections, break barriers and set an example for family and generations to come. Being a first-generation student means having a family who may not know much about college, which can be intimidating if you are unaware of the resources available on campus. 

“It’s completely okay to be scared, there are people who are willing to understand and always willing to help,” first-generation student junior Tristan Witt said, referring to all the options UMHB offers for all students with questions about academics, spirituality and how to connect.  

UMHB has the Center for Academic Excellence, which offers peer mentoring and tutoring, to help students academically. Every student has an adviser prepared to answer questions about college and to help direct a student in the right direction. The Bawcom Student Union has an abundance of student organizations and ways to grow spiritually.  

“I think [college] is really good for networking, just to see students passionate about their major really helps you get connected,” junior Carigan Davis said. Being in an environment with students who are interested in the same career paths and organizations creates a positive space for students to grow and find their calling. 

First-generation students overcome the challenges of being the first in their families to conquer the milestone of college on their own. Their determination to further their education will be recognized Nov. 8 during halftime at the Crusader football game at Crusader Stadium. Watch and support first-generation students as they race an obstacle course to win $500 to the UMHB Campus Store.