Jennifer Guerra
Faculty — Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry
PLEASE SHARE A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF YOUR FIRST-GENERATION STORY, OR A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF.
I was the first in my family to attend a college (and then graduate school after that). My family was always supportive of my choice, but I had to learn to be my own advocate early on and navigate college on my own. I have always had this drive to learn more, and that is what has always pushed me to take on new challenges, even when I had to do it on my own.
HOW HAS IDENTIFYING AS FIRST-GENERATION IMPACTED YOUR COLLEGE EXPERIENCE OR CURRENT PROFESSION?
As a faculty member, I see how my students can be very overwhelmed with the decisions that need to be made in college (first-generation or not). I always try to reach out to them and be a guide and a resource to help them find their way. Our journey through college (and life!) is never a straight path. It is the twists and turns of this season of life that really shape and ready us for our next big adventure. I know how much it meant to me to have someone that I could go to for advice as I made my way through my degree, and I am happy to give back and take on that roll for my students.
PLEASE PROVIDE YOUR TOP THREE PIECES OF ADVICE FOR CURRENT FIRST-GENERATION STUDENTS AT UNLV?
- Ask questions, always.
- Learn to be very proactive so that you are not constantly having to be reactive.
- Don't let fear guide your decisions.