First-Generation Student Association: Fall Kick-Off Panel

By My Nguyen (MPA 2024)

On October 5, 2023, NYU Wagner and the First-Generation Student Association (FGSA) Leadership Board organized the First-Generation Fall Kick-Off Panel, a discussion on the unique experiences of first-generation students. 

The event featured four panelists from the Wagner community: 

  • Dr. Domingo Morel, PhD Political Science, Associate Professor of Political Science and Public Service at NYU Wagner
  • Giovanni Barcenes, MPA-PNP Public & Nonprofit Management & Policy Alumnus (2020), Senior Director of External and Government Relations for City Year New York
  • Javon Robinson, MPA-PNP Advocacy and Political Action Alumna (2021), Philanthropy Fellow at Philanthropy New York
  • Kartika Fuentes, MPA-PNP Advocacy and Political Action Alumna (2023), Research Officer at Columbia University

April Cardena, MPA-PNP student and co-chair of FGSA, moderated the discussion. Over the course of the evening, panelists provided guidance for incoming and current students who identify as first-generation college students. 

moderator standing at the podium and panelists sitting in the chairs on the stage, laughing and smiling while in conversation with one another.
Left to right: April Cardena, Dr. Domingo Morales, Giovanni Barcenes, Javon Robinson, Kartika Fuentes.

First-Generation Faculty and Alumni Share Personal and Moving Stories of Their Journey

Figuring out things on your own. Being resilient and resourceful. Experimenting. Opening the door for others. These responses came up as the panel reflected on what being first-generation meant to them. 

The dialogue was inspiring, empowering, and, most importantly, honest. Panelists shared their journeys in higher education and all members shared a sense of struggle on navigating complex and bureaucratic processes from the application process to financial aid. Their responses created space for a great level of vulnerability around not only what it looks and feels like to be first-generation, but also what it means to be the individual that sets a precedent for the next generation. Paying it forward was a recurring theme during the conversation, as panelists agreed that finding a community of peers, friends, professors, and mentors who have been in a similar space can go a long way to navigating this journey as a first. 

“I try to look at the bigger picture when I feel upset or frustrated during my journey. When you are first-generation, there is this pressure to prove to yourself, your family, and your peers that you are capable. You have to give yourself grace during the process, especially when you find yourself comparing your journey to others. Oftentimes, we want to do so much and we get disappointed with ourselves if we don’t achieve a certain level of success. What I try to remember during trying moments is that it will all be okay no matter what”, says Giovanni Barcenes. 

Panelists and attendees posing in two rows, with the front row kneeling down, for a group picture at the end of the event
Panelists and attendees posing for a group picture at the end of the event.

Resources for First-Generation Wagnerds to Explore

Written by My Nguyen, a second-year MPA-Public and Nonprofit Management & Policy student at NYU Wagner, and co-chair of NYU Wagner’s First Generation Student Association.