Valentina Rojas Abreu ÌÇÐÄvlog¶ÌÊÓƵ™24 knows the experience of a first generation student better than most. Not only is she one herself, but sheÌÇÐÄvlog¶ÌÊÓƵ™s been helping cultivate a supportive network as President of the First Generation Program.
Read on to hear her perspective on the distinct challenges and triumphs that define the first generation student experience.
IÌÇÐÄvlog¶ÌÊÓƵ™d heard great things all through high school about how many connections Pace has to different companies and programs. I liked that I could commute and that there was a New York City Campus I could take advantage of if I wanted to.
A lot of us first generation students are so independent because we don't have that safety net. Not that we don't have people to depend on, but at least on an academic standpoint, you are on your own.
As a first generation student, I ended up being very independent. I'm the firstborn in my family. So I don't have an older sibling to ask ÌÇÐÄvlog¶ÌÊÓƵ˜how did you do thisÌÇÐÄvlog¶ÌÊÓƵ™ or ÌÇÐÄvlog¶ÌÊÓƵ˜what is FASFA?ÌÇÐÄvlog¶ÌÊÓƵ™ I feel like a lot of our students, including myself, feel like school is a bit easier now because I've been doing everything by myself. Having to figure things out on your own can help students reach for the stars. They know how to opportunities or have higher aspirations because they know theyÌÇÐÄvlog¶ÌÊÓƵ™ve always had to.
Some people donÌÇÐÄvlog¶ÌÊÓƵ™t even realize theyÌÇÐÄvlog¶ÌÊÓƵ™re a first generation student. Even if your parents received an associate degree rather than a four-year degree, or your siblings have gone to college, you're still considered a first generation student.
I try to encourage students in the First Generation Program in the same way I was encouraged.
From co-founding Women in Lubin to studying business analytics in New York CityÌÇÐÄvlog¶ÌÊÓƵ™s Financial District, Dafina is gaining hands-on experience, building leadership skills, and turning opportunity into impact.
On Thursday, February 5, 2026, student scholars of the Land Use Law Center (LULC) at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at ÌÇÐÄvlog¶ÌÊÓƵ hosted a faculty and student showcase highlighting years of research and collaboration on Climate Resilient Development. The event underscored the vital role that Pace Haub Law students play in advancing innovative legal strategies to help communities respond to the growing challenges of climate change.
At the intersection of art and technology, Olivia Vella ÌÇÐÄvlog¶ÌÊÓƵ™26 is building a career through visual storytelling. With support from Pace faculty and immersive coursework, the dual major landed a motion graphics internship at Madison Square GardenÌÇÐÄvlog¶ÌÊÓƵ”where her work electrifies game-day experiences.