The Seminole State College Student Support Services Programs recently hosted a “First to Finish” event on campus featuring a panel of three individuals, all first in their family to graduate from college.
During the program, the three panelists shared their personal experiences as first-generation college students by answering a series of questions. They discussed fear and other obstacles encountered during their college journeys and how they were able to overcome those barriers. Panelists also discussed the importance of setting and achieving goals along the path to completing a college degree. Audience members also had the opportunity to ask questions at the end of the event.
SSC graduate and panelist Lynnette Gomez answers a question during the “First to Finish” first-generation college student panel discussion hosted at Seminole State College this week. Other panelists pictured are (l-r) Kelly Hankel and Edie Cathey.
Those on the panel included Kelly Hankel, Edie Cathey and Lynnette Gomez. Hankel serves at SSC/Gordon Cooper Technology Center as a medical laboratory technician assistant professor. She holds a bachelor’s in medical laboratory science and a master’s in business administration. Cathey is a financial assistance specialist at SSC and holds a bachelor’s in business and computer information systems. She is pursuing a master’s in education. Gomez is a mathematics instructor at SSC. She holds a bachelor’s in biology and is working on her master’s in higher education administration.
Janna Manlapig, Director of Student Support Services at SSC, said, “It is our hope that by having panel discussions with successful first-generation college students, individuals in similar situations will be encouraged and see that it is possible to earn a college degree.”
Student Support Services and STEM Student Support Services are federally-funded grants hosted by Seminole State College. Both grants serve students who qualify within the federal guidelines. It is the goal of these programs to increase graduation and transfer rates of economically disadvantaged students, low-income students, first-generation college students and college students with disabilities.
For more information or to apply, please contact Janna Manlapig by phone at 382-9642 or by email at j.manlapig@sscok.edu. Those interested may also visit the program offices located in Scott 105 on campus.