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TALK TO US: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A FIRST-GENERATION COLLEGE STUDENT?

GREG SCHENK '82 (LM)
First, take as much oral and written communication courses as possible. The better you listen, speak and write, the better you will do in any career. Second, get involved in as many new outside activities as possible to give you exposure out of your comfort zone and expand your horizons. Third, read StrengthsFinder 2.0 by Tom Rath, a great book on the bestseller list that will help you define your passions and bring them out to the best of your abilities.

Setting goals, time management and balancing work, school, and life are the biggest challenges, but can be done.

MAURICE BOYD '55 (LM)
1. Choose the school that seems the most suitable.

2. With an eye toward graduating or going as far as possible, select required courses at first, then some of interest.

3. Don't think of career paths until end of sophomore year. As a child of college-educated parents, I did this on my own, and was satisfied.

MICHAEL BROWN '81
1. Document and sustain the relationships you make at Ohio State. Don't just "check the boxes" as if you were attending a vocational school.

2. If you have to work, find a job that allows you to network beyond your normal experience. Try to get a job in downtown Columbus or someplace that will expose you to the larger world.

3. Pursue a sport or activity that you never new existed until you arrived at Ohio State. This was my mistake. How I wish I had found OSU Crew when I was a student.

EVERETT RAY JOHNSON '65
My advice to the first-generation college student is to find a mentor, either on or off campus, in the field of study that you are pursuing.

After four years of manual training and drafting classes in high school, in which I excelled, I wanted to further my education by enrolling in a "real" drafting program to become the best drafting technician possible. My options were limited, and I don't remember getting any help from guidance counselors. Since my parents had limited educations, they were in no position to guide me other than with their encouragement.

Given my family's limited economic means, going to a private or state-funded school seemed out of the question. At the suggestion of my shop teacher, I enlisted in the navy with the purpose of going to their 90-day drafting school in California.

I was assigned to a mobile construction battalion. My work with the Seabees brought me in contact with numerous officers and enlisted personnel who were college graduates.

Without the assistance of one specific architect, Lt. John Ross Wear, a graduate of the University of Illinois, I probably would not have attended Ohio State. He assisted me in filling out the various forms and obtaining letters of recommendation. I am deeply indebted to his efforts and advice.
Once I arrived on campus, I had to find my own way. After five years, I graduated with a bachelor's degree in architecture.

Looking back, what I really lacked was a mentor and adviser. Given more guidance during my time at Ohio State, I probably would have earned better grades. I tried to do it on my own.

I am grateful for the education that I received at this great university. My life has been enriched immensely.