Student Success
Faces of First-Gen
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Staff Spotlight: Kylie Amato |
Associate Athletic Director, Academics
M.A. School Counseling and Guidance, University of West Alabama
Q: What does being first-gen mean to you?
A: Being a first-generation student means hard work and dedication. It means accomplishing
something not only for myself, but my parents.
Kylie Amato joined the Golden Eagles after spending seven years as an Academic Counselor at Mississippi State.
Her duties primarily involve advising student-athletes on a daily basis to help them achieve academic success. Her duties also include monitoring academic progress to ensure eligibility with NCAA academic requirements and ultimately graduation, as well as communicating periodic status updates to coaching staff to keep them informed of student-athletes' academic progress.
Amato, a native of Toomsuba, Miss., was a letterwinner in volleyball at the University
of West Alabama, where she earned a bachelor's degree in psychology in 2000. She began
her career in coaching and joined the Northwestern State University volleyball program
as a graduate assistant coach. While there, she earned her master's degree in Sports
Administration in 2001. Amato continued her education by completing a second master's
at the University of West Alabama in Continuing Education with a concentration in
Counseling / Psychology in December, 2012. Amato is currently an active member of
the National Association of Academic Advisors for Athletics
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Keep working and never give up. There will be road blocks, but there will also moments where you see that all those hard times were worth it. Having a degree means having the one thing that someone can't take away from you. When you have a degree, you have earned it. It is something that no one can take away from you. You did the work, own it. Be proud of your accomplishments.
Staff Spotlight: Danlana Brooks |
Associate Director of Residential Learning and Leadership Development
Ph.D. Higher Education Administration, The University of Southern Mississippi
Q: What does being first-gen mean to you?
A: Being first-generation means being a trailblazer for my family. It means you lead
with persistence, and you can't give up because you are paving a way for a future
generation. You learn to overcome challenges through prayer, asking questions, and
utilizing every available resource to help you succeed.
I was born and raised in Columbus, MS, which is about 150 miles north of Hattiesburg. After my high school graduation, I wanted to go to college and enlist in the armed services. Not knowing exactly what I wanted to do, I did both. I enlisted in the Army Reserves to receive the GI Bill to pay for college, because my parents could not afford to send me. This decision led to a delayed entry into college due to serving my country in the Dessert Storm war. After returning home, I began college and completed my bachelor's as a young veteran, mother, and wife. I'd like to think being a first-generation student set a precedent for my immediate and extended family to further their education through any adversities. After finishing my bachelors, I worked in banking for 7 years. starting as a part-time teller to a supervisor. Later, my husband and I became business owners and continue this present day. After my banking career, I began a career in higher education. With 17 yrs. of experience, I have grown to become a life-time learner and encourage students to do the same, hence furthering my education to earn a doctorate degree. I do believe keeping God first and following his path have awarded me opportunities and opened doors in and outside of my career.
The advice I have for first-generation college students is to develop resiliency and persistency when it comes to your education. When things get tough, keep your eyes on the end goal rather than looking at present adversities, which shall pass. Finally, find a mentor who will help you to stay focused.
Staff Spotlight: April Broome |
Assistant Director for Leadership and Student Involvement
Ph.D. in International Development with a major in Economics and Minor in Social/Cultural
Development, The University of Southern Mississippi
Q: What does being first-gen mean to you?
A: Being a first generation college student provides me with a platform to show my children
that it can be accomplished at any age. I hope that I have laid a foundation for my
children to know that even if you don't have someone that went before you, it is ok
to forge your own path. Don't even give up on your dreams. Instead, surround yourself
with a group of people who will support your growth and stand in your gap.
I am a nontraditional First Gen student. My father did attend and graduate from a
college, USM to be exact! However, I am the first member of my family to attend and
graduate with a Masters and Ph.D.
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You are never too old, never too busy, never not ready...just take that first step, and watch yourself SOAR!
Faculty Spotlight: Kevin Buckley |
Professor of Practice in Sales & Marketing
M.S. Economic Development, The University of Southern Mississippi
Q: What does being first-gen mean to you?
A: To me, being first-generation represents a sense of pride and accomplishment. My
family couldn't provide me first-hand advice on applying to college or succeeding
once there, but I worked hard, found value in mentors, and forged my path to get where
I am today. I feel privileged to now be in a position to mentor other first-gen students.
Mr. Kevin Buckley is a Professor of Practice specializing in Sales and Marketing. An alum of Southern Miss, he earned both BSBA in Marketing and MS in Economic Development in Hattiesburg.
For his classes, Mr. Buckley brings years of experience in both industrial metals sales and directing tourism marketing communications.
Alongside his classroom duties, Mr. Buckley directs the Professional Sales Program.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kbuckley90/
First, remember progress isn't always linear on your college journey. There may be setbacks or times you feel out of your element. Allow those closest to you to provide motivation during the tough moments when you feel alone.
Second, find a community somewhere on campus - student organizations, classmates, specific academic programs, Fraternity/Sorority life, and so on. Start by connecting with those who share your interests - this provides invaluable peer mentorship. At the same time, put yourself out there to make connections broadly across campus. The more networked you are, the more you can take advantage of opportunities
Faculty Spotlight: Samantha Bull |
Access Services Librarian/Assistant Teaching Professor, Gulf Park
Master's of Library and Information Science, The University of Southern Mississippi
Q: What does being first-gen mean to you?
A: Growing up, I never doubted that I would go to college; it was an expectation that
I had for myself. However, I never imagined I would go to college again for a graduate
degree, or that I would become an actual faculty member. College alone seemed impossibly
hard and difficult to obtain, so everything else is the cherry on top! Everyone's
journey to and through college is difficult, but being first generation is even more
confusing and unknown. I was so uninformed about college that when I started at USM
in 2013, I didn't even know what sorority rush was and hadn't signed up - I thought
that was made up for movies! I had no idea about the intricacies of working through
a college degree, which put me at a significant disadvantage from my peers. Getting
my undergraduate degree was probably the hardest thing I've done, but I would do it
all over again in a heartbeat.
I was born in Kenosha, WI, right over the state line from Chicago, where my mother
worked! I moved to Mississippi in middle school and graduated high school from Stone
High School in Wiggins, MS. After receiving several different scholarship offers,
I came to USM for my undergraduate degree since I received the highest scholarship
award. Initially, I wanted to become an international business lawyer, majoring in
International Business, but I transitioned pretty quickly to International Studies
after taking an outstanding history class with Dr. Matthew Casey (who is still here!
Take his classes!). I later added a double-major in Interior Design, which I later
dropped to a minor to graduate early in 2017. With a degree in International Studies
and Interior design, I intended on going into architecture preservation, but my life
had other plans when my wife and I moved. We moved to Austin, TX in 2017, where I
worked for the University of Texas at Austin for 5 years in various positions, including
Security Supervisor at the Blanton Museum of Art, Austin's largest art museum. During
that time, I returned to USM (virtually) for the accredited MLIS program, focusing
on environmental sustainability in libraries and graduated in 2020. My combination
of years of high-responsibility job experience in higher education and my graduate
degree led me to this position at my alma mater after moving back to Mississippi for
family. SMTTT!
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• Don't be afraid of faculty. They would much rather answer your questions about an assignment or test than fail you. I would hazard to say that every faculty member here wants you to succeed, but we don't know that you need help unless you tell us!
• Don't be afraid of rejection. It's not always a bad thing!
• Make friends with campus administrators! I became friends with a staff member at the Honors College as an undergraduate student, and she was able to help me navigate the intricacies of having multiple scholarships/grants and financial aid.
• Don't be afraid to change your major! I actually changed mine three times: Political Science - International Business - International Studies. I still graduated on time and with a degree that I really cared about.
• Take advantage of campus resources!!! The tutoring centers can help you even after you've completed the 100-level courses. The Payne Center is a fantastic gym.
• Have fun! Sometimes it's okay to let yourself procrastinate on studying or assignments in order to have a bit of fun. I did ;)
Faculty Spotlight: Nikki Camlin |
Assistant Professor of Cell and Molecular Biology
Ph.D. Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle
Q: What does being first-gen mean to you?
A: Having my parents and sister still bragging about my academic achievements to everyone.
But at the same time having to continually explain what exactly it is that I do.
I am originally from Australia, I received my B.S in Medical Science (Pathology) from
Charles Stuart University before getting my honours in Biomedical Science from the
University of Newcastle. During my honours, I fell in love with reproductive biology
and all things oocyte. I then got my PhD in Biological Sciences from the University
of Newcastle (2017), where I investigated the impact of transgenerational cigarette
smoke exposure and aging on female fertility.
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If you don't know what something is, ask. There are still things I am learning about academia even after over a decade in higher education. If you aren't sure what something is, how something works etc., ask. There are no dumb questions, and everyone wants to help you.
Also, it's ok to change your mind. There are so many job opportunities that you learn about, it's ok to start thinking you wanted to be one thing and decide something else new to you sounds better. When I started college, I wanted to be an MD until I learned that being a Professor was.
Faculty Spotlight: Melody Causby |
Assistant Professor of Music Education
Ph.D. Music Education, University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Q: What does being first-gen mean to you?
A: It means you can do anything you put your mind to!
Dr. Melody Causby is an Assistant Professor of Music Education at the University of
Southern Mississippi, where she was recognized as the 2023 Junior Faculty Outstanding
Teacher of the Year. She also serves as the Graduate Coordinator for the School of
Music. Before coming to USM, she taught band in North Carolina for fourteen years
at the middle school, high school, and collegiate levels before earning her Ph.D.
in Music Education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Dr. Causby's
passions and research interests are in music teacher training and supporting music
education programs in rural areas. She also enjoys being an active clinician, guest
conductor, adjudicator, author, and presenter.
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It's ok not to know. Don't be afraid to reach out for help from friends, professors, mentors... anyone around you!
Staff Spotlight: Nakita Davis |
Academic Advisor, College of Nursing and Health Professions
M.S. Criminal Justice, University of Alabama, Birmingham
Q: What does being first-gen mean to you?
A: Being a first-generation college student does not mean that we are less or unfortunate.
Although we may face more obstacles or lack academic support or guidance from parents,
it means to me an opportunity to explore and achieve academic goals that may have
once seemed impossible. Rather obtaining a degree was something their parents did
or did not desire, students can strive to complete something their parents did not
have the opportunity to. It also means working harder and using what may seem like
another barrier as a source of motivation.
As a first-generation college student, I did not have the support or resources to understand selecting a major and researching for a career path. I entered college wanting to pursue Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice. As graduation became closer and closer, I realized that this path was not for me. However, I continued through the program and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice from The University of Southern Mississippi. Immediately after graduation, I began working on my Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice and graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham two years later. Now that I am working in Higher Education, I have finally found my purpose. I enjoy working with students, providing resources, and helping students navigate through college. My plan is to seek a doctorate degree in Higher Education. I always let my education history be a lesson and confirmation to students that it is okay change paths and have support in making these difficult decisions.
I am excited to be a part of The University of Southern Mississippi and support students
achieve their goals through academic advising! As a first-gen staff member, I understand
the importance of needing guidance and resources to help students navigate through
college. I myself have faced and overcome many academic challenges during my college
experience as a first-generation college student. Be confident in your abilities and
you will be able to achieve your goals as well. I am here for you and dedicated to
helping you achieve your goals.
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My advice for first-generation college students is to always ask questions or for help. There are many resources available to help student navigate through college. Facilitating important conversations could provide first-generation college students to resources such as tutoring, scholarships, student organization, and life-long networking skills. Students may be introduced to these resources and tools by establishing connections with faculty, academic advisors, and student groups.
Faculty Spotlight: Allison Formanack |
Assistant Professor of Anthropology
Ph.D. Anthropology, University of Colorado-Boulder
Q: What does being first-gen mean to you?
A: To be a first-generation, low-income college student, like I was, takes a lot of
guts and gumption. It means relying on yourself as well as knowing when to ask for
help. You'll discover things about yourself you never otherwise would have known,
and while that process can be exhilarating, it can also be painful. To be first-gen
and successful takes a lot of hard work and sacrifice, but it's so, so worth it.
Dr. Allison Formanack is an Assistant Professor of Anthropology at the University
of Southern Mississippi researching nontraditional housing in the US. Her specific
interests include manufactured homes (also known as "mobile homes" or "trailers"),
tiny homes, converted vehicles and the #vanlife movement. She earned her PhD in Anthropology
from CU-Boulder in 2018 and was a Postdoctoral Fellow at Amherst College before coming
to Southern Miss. As an applied-cultural anthropologist, Dr. Formanack uses ethnographic
methods and theory to tell stories about the everyday ingenuity present in the current
cost-of-living crisis and the sociolegal and financial risks of occupying alternative
housing for academic and public audiences.
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1. Get involved - find a club, organization, or other student group that will introduce you to more people on campus as well as help you develop important social and professional skills. Making friends on campus will help you feel less lonely or tempted to go home as often.
2. Find "your" people - in addition to getting involved, get connected to student organizations for people with similar backgrounds, identities, and/or experiences to yours, including being a first-generation college student. It's amazing how isolated you can feel when surrounded by so many people, but trust me, there are others like you on campus--you only have to find them.
3. Make it count - take advantage of all the resources available to you as a USM student. Go on an alternative spring break, get a paid summer internship, work with a professor on an independent research project or Honor's thesis, and so on. There are more opportunities available to you than you even know, so take advantage of them while you can!
Faculty Spotlight: Chelsey Holden |
Associate Professor of Child and Family Sciences
Ph.D. Counselor Education and Supervision, Mississippi State University
Q: What does being first-gen mean to you?
A: For me, being a first-generation college student and college graduate has allowed
me to "live my dream" and have the career I have always wanted to have. Being first-generation
was the privilege to pursue opportunities that no one in my family had previously
been afforded. My parents and grandparents are hard workers and entrepreneurs, but
none of them completed a college degree. I am so thankful to have been able to complete
an Associate's degree, a Bachelor's degree, a Master's degree, and a Doctoral degree!
It's an honor to help blaze a trail for my children to be second-generation students
and have a familiar path to furthering their education (hopefully as Golden Eagles
like their mom and dad!).
Dr. Chelsey Holden is Program Coordinator of the School Counseling M.Ed. Program and
Associate Professor of Child and Family Sciences in the School of Child and Family
Sciences at The University of Southern Mississippi. Dr. Holden earned her Ph.D. in
Counselor Education from Mississippi State University and her Master of Science in
Marriage and Family Therapy from The University of Southern Mississippi. She is a
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC),
a Board Certified Telemental Health Provider (BC-TMH) and a National Certified Counselor
(NCC). Dr. Holden enjoys teaching, training counselors, conducting research, and mentoring
student research projects. Her research agenda is focused on wellness for helping
professionals, college students, and romantic couples; finances; and the link between
mental health wellness and physical wellness.
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Enjoy the journey. It's hard work to blaze new trails and pursue your dreams, but it can be such a beautiful process. The destination and the degree are so rewarding, but take the time to celebrate the journey and every small victory along the way, too. We can gain strength in the struggle that makes the victory that much sweeter. You don't have to do it alone - ask for help along the way. You can do it!!
Staff Spotlight: Laura Johnson |
Academic Advisor
M.S. Counseling, University of South Alabama
Q: What does being first-gen mean to you?
A: It means making my parents proud and leading the way for my children. It means making
a path where one did not exist before. It means proving that when it's hard, it's
worth it!
I have worked in the field of Children's Mental Health as well as the Public School System and now I am blessed to be continuing my career at USM with advising.
I have been married for 22 years and we have 2 children. We are life long residents
of the Gulf Coast.
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Don't give up, you can slow down and do it at your pace but don't stop! Ask all the questions as many times as you need to in order to succeed and understand a system that can be complicated to navigate.
Staff Spotlight: Tim Laird |
Postal & Vending Manager, USM Post Office
B.S. Business Administration, The University of Southern Mississippi
Q: What does being first-gen mean to you?
A: When I graduated high school I did not have the opportunity to attend college; it
was not an option presented to me due to money. It took me a long time to get my degree
because I took two classes each semester, but it was worth the work. It showed my
family and friends if you work hard you can achieve anything you desire. I planted
that seed in my children with three out of the four graduated with a college degree.
I feel a sense of accomplishment by being the first in my generation to graduate.
I have worked for Post Office and Vending Services for 28 years at the University.
I'm thankful for the opportunity to get a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
while working full time. I am married with four kids, one grandson and another grandson
one on the way.
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Never give up, take advantage of everything that is presented to you from study sessions to making lifetime friends. Ride all the rides and leave it better than you found it. When the opportunity presents itself, give back to the University, so you can help another first generation student.
Staff Spotlight: Julie May |
Research Scientist - STEM
Ph.D. Biological Sciences, Emph. Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience, The University
of Southern Mississippi
Q: What does being first-gen mean to you?
A: Growth and determination. In addition to making my parents proud, I'm also super
happy to play a major role in modeling drive, ambition and success for my children.
I have enjoyed a diverse professional experience of clinical and bench research, clinical
facility work as an occupational therapist and data manager, teaching a diverse group
of students from high school to university, as well as tutoring graduate students
in professional clinical programs. My real joy is interacting with students and helping
them really connect with the material in a way that is meaningful to them.
Fun Fact: During graduate school, my Biochemistry professor here at Southern Miss
(Dr Jeff Evans, retired) became one of my biggest teaching role models.
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Go after the career that feeds your soul, not the dream that someone else has for you. Set your sights, find a mentor in that field and don't let anyone tell you that you can't achieve your goals. It may not happen all in one shot... you may have personal or family setbacks but keep striving towards the finish line.
Administrator Spotlight: Christy Oberst |
Director, University Advisement Center
B.S. Psychology and Master of Science, Counseling Psychology, The University of Southern
Mississippi
Q: What does being first-gen mean to you?
A: Being first-generation means forging a new path and pursuing a new world of opportunities.
Christy is a Golden Eagle graduate with both her Bachelor of Science in Psychology
and Master of Counseling Psychology from Southern Miss. After several years working
as a therapist and then mental health administrator, she returned to work at Southern
Miss to help students be successful. In late 2019, she stepped into the role of Director
of the University Advisement Center where she leads a team of academic advisors who
serve incoming students as they navigate Southern Miss for the first time. Outside
of work, Christy is working on her doctoral degree in Higher Education Administration
at Southern Miss and anticipates completing this degree in July 2024. Between work
and school, she enjoys traveling with her husband and daughter.
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Take advantage of all the resources around you—from offices to faculty and RAs—everyone wants you to succeed and leaning on others is an important part of the college experience.
Faculty Spotlight: April Overman |
Visiting Assistant Teaching Professor of Sociology
Ph.D., University of New Orleans
Q: What does being first-gen mean to you?
A: Being First Gen means that I am a trailblazer! When I entered law enforcement in
1985, I was only one of five women in my class of fifty cadets. Working my way up
the ranks as one of the few women in the department blazed the trail for future generations
of women in law enforcement. Similarly, working diligently to complete my university
degrees without any "inside knowledge" on academia has blazed the trail for many non-traditional
students to advance their education. I am often told by non-traditional students that
they gain confidence in their educational goals by having a professor who has lived
experience as a first-gen scholar.
Dr. Overman completed her B.A. in history at the age of 18. She then moved on to law school and completed her J.D. at the age of 21. Growing up in crime-ridden neighborhoods of New Orleans and Washington D.C., she chose to dedicate her career to tackling those crime problems head on. Armed with a law degree and a passion for protecting society, she joined the police department. After twenty-five exemplary years of service to her community, she retired from law enforcement as a police captain. Her service was recognized by New Orleans Magazine, which named her a Top Ten Female Achiever for the city. While working full-time in law enforcement she also worked as a part-time adjunct college professor, paving the way for a post-retirement career in academia.
After retiring Dr. Overman completed her Ph.D. in urban studies, which is an interdisciplinary field that blends sociology and political science. Since completing her Ph.D. in 2014, Dr. Overman has dreamed of becoming a full-time teaching professor at The University of Southern Mississippi as a way to share her extensive knowledge and experience with Mississippi's young adults. She is currently a Visiting Assistant Teaching Professor of Sociology, and hopes to someday become a permanent member of the USM faculty.Email%20me%21
Be yourself. Education is not about using fancy words. It is not about adopting an outward persona that fits the college student stereotype. Be a professional. Bring your common sense into the classroom. Look at issues through a real-world lens.
The keys to succeeding in your degree are (1) time management, and (2) writing skills. Learn to get the job done and to write in a clear, crisp, and professional manner. If you do not have those skills, take advantage of the countless resources available from the university to improve. Those are the skills you will need to succeed in the professional career world.
Faculty Spotlight: Pulealii |
Professor of Aerospace Studies
M.A. Strategic Intelligence, American Military University, West Virginia
Q: What does being first-gen mean to you?
A: Being first-generation means that my parents were successful at achieving the "American
Dream"—they worked and provided to ensure I was afforded opportunities that they were
not.
Lieutenant Colonel Sheena M. Puleali'i is the Commander, Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps Detachment 432, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, Mississippi. She is responsible for recruiting, educating, and developing officer candidates through college campus programs based on Air Force requirements, and commissioning those that successfully meet all educational and program parameters.
Lieutenant Colonel Puleali'i was commissioned in 2005 through the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps upon graduating from Saint Louis University with a degree in Russian Studies.
Lt Col Puleali'i has served in a variety of positions throughout her career. At the squadron level, she was sent to Kadena Airbase, Japan and served as the Director of Intelligence at the 909th Air Refueling Squadron. Remaining at Kadena, she served at the Group level as the Deputy Chief of Intelligence Plans and Exercises and provided intelligence support to the Combat Air Force's largest fighter wing in the Pacific. At the Wing level, she assumed duties as the 33d Fighter Wing's Executive Officer at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida and was later charged with standing up Wing Intelligence support for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. Notable Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance assignments include: the 11th Intelligence Squadron at Hurlburt Field, Florida, where she concurrently served as a Flight Commander and Mission Operations Commander; the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Arabian Peninsula, where she served as the J2 Collection Manager; and the 607th Air and Space Operations Center at Osan Airbase, Korea, where she served as the Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Operations Team Chief. In 2015, she assumed the duties of Detachment Commander in one of the National Air and Space Intelligence's Center's most selectively-manned units. She also served at the Pentagon as the Executive Officer to the Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance and also as a National Security Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies in Washington, District of Columbia. Prior to her current position, she served as the Deputy Chief for Air Combat Command's Intelligence Systems and Capabilities Division.
Do NOT take this opportunity for granted and learn as much as you possibly can! Set goals, stay focused, and clear the path for those that can follow in your footsteps.
Faculty Spotlight: Sabrina Reed |
Assistant Teaching Professor of Sport Managment
Ph.D. Sport Management, Northcentral University
Q: What does being first-gen mean to you?
A: Being a first-generation student makes me feel a sense of pride. As a first-generation
student, you are doing things that others before you have not done. It can be overwhelming.
However, forging the path is something that makes me very proud!
Before joining USM, I was an Associate Professor of Sport Management and department
chair at Tusculum University for 10 years. I taught in-class for the first five years
but switched to online courses in 2017 when my husband and I relocated to the coast
of Mississippi for his job. After moving to the coast, I was also an adjunct faculty
member for Tulane University and Southern Arkansas University. I joined USM in the
fall of 2022. I am currently an Assistant Teaching Professor of Sport Management and
Undergraduate Coordinator of the Sport Management program. My research interests are
in the underrepresentation of females in athletic positions and the mental health
of student-athletes. Outside of academics, my hobbies include watching baseball and
football. I love spending time with my husband, daughter, and cat.
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Don't give up! My first year in college was not impressive! I did not do well and I struggled with the entirely new atmosphere. Being the first in my family to attend college was a little intimidating. When I did not do as well as I had hoped in my classes during my freshman year, I started to doubt I made the right decision. Instead of giving up, I reflected on what I needed to do to be successful in college and kept going until I earned my Ph.D.
As a first-generation student, you are taking the road not traveled before you by your family. Don't give up! Believe in yourself! Be proud of yourself!
Faculty Spotlight: Bernd Schroeder |
Professor of Mathematics
Ph.D. Mathematics, Kansas State University
Q: What does being first-gen mean to you?
A: I am not the first in my family who has the ability, but I am the first who was allowed
to use it to its full extent. My parents were cheated of realizing their potential
by terrible circumstances, and I am grateful that they still made mine immeasurably
better.
I am a mathematician who does research in Combinatorics, focused on Ordered Sets and
Graphs. I also have a good bit of experience in curriculum design and education.
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Follow your own path and be positively realistic. I have read that the biggest regrets people have later in life revolve around not taking their own path. To be sure, we must be realistic that some paths might have been nice, but really were not available. For example, I would have liked to be a professional soccer player. However, because I cannot perform at that level, this is not an unexplored path that would lead to regret. Paired with such much needed realism about one's limitation, we need some positivity. Without that, I would not have come to the United States, and would have asked myself "what if" for the rest of my life.
Faculty Spotlight: Amonia Tolofari |
Assistant Professor of Strategic Communication
Ph.D. Media and Communication, Bowling Green State University
Q: What does being first-gen mean to you?
A: It means liberty and opportunity. My parents, though not able to get a college degree,
motivated my siblings and me to pursue higher education. They supported us financially
and emotionally and gave us all the support we needed to achieve our dreams. Liberty
as a first-generation means to me breaking and changing the norms. Rewriting life
stories so future generations see opportunities unseen by our ancestors. Having a
college degree has meant opportunity-not just for me but for posterity. Opportunity
means giving someone the liberty to reach out to achieve greater goals.
My name is Amonia Tolofari, and I am an Assistant Professor in the School of Media
and Communication. I am originally from Nigeria and come from a relatively large family.
My research interest is centered on discourses on black and African feminism, especially
in digital spaces. I also do research on marginalized groups and their resilience,
especially during critical periods due to natural disasters, wars, or health and financial
crises. I enjoy teaching and experiencing learning from my students, who are eager
to consume new knowledge. I enjoy reading, listening to music, and watching a lot
of K-dramas.
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Use all the tools made available for you. Ask questions. Do not have any imposter syndrome; you are worthy of being in college. Focus on your goals and work hard and smart to attain them. Network!!! See yourself as an example to someone in your community and beyond.
Administrator Spotlight: Krystyna Varnado |
Sr Associate Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer
M.B.A., The University of Southern Mississippi
Q: What does being first-gen mean to you?
A: My father was a factory worker, my mother was a stay-at-home mom, and my stepfather
was in the military. Together they raised a nurse, a teacher, an air traffic controller,
and an HR professional. Our parents recognized the importance of education—we had
a house full of books, were expected to make good grades and were encouraged to find
and pursue our passions. They instilled in us the importance of being self-reliant.
So being first-gen to me means that my parents were able to rest easily that we were
going to be ok and could build a life for ourselves. It exposed me to a career which
I am so passionate about to this day. And it has taught me that I am capable of so
much more than I ever expected and led to some of my greatest achievements in life.
Ms. Varnado has a 20+-year career of progressive human resources management experience
in multiple industries and diverse environments. At USM, Ms. Varnado is the Chief
Human Resources Officer for all USM campuses. Ms. Varnado grew up on the Mississippi
Gulf Coast and attended The University of Southern Mississippi receiving both a bachelor's
degree in psychology and an MBA. She also has a graduate certificate in Conflict Resolution
and Reconciliation from Abilene Christian University. She has both a SHRM-SCP and
SPHR certification and is a national member of the Society for Human Resources Management
(SHRM) and College & University Professional Association- Human Resources (CUPA-HR).
She has taught adjunct HR classes at USM and is a regular speaker on HR best practices.
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Pursuing a college degree is a journey that demands perseverance, resilience and grit. Remember, it's natural to face moments of doubt. USM offers so many resources to assist you; take advantage of what is offered. Reach out for help when you need it; it's there.
My first semester of the MBA program I was in over my head and thinking about quitting, convinced I had made a terrible mistake. A wonderful professor took me aside and encouraged me to stay, that I was more capable than I realized, and it was going to be ok. He was a great mentor to me. Find those people to support you.
Make friends. College isn't just about the academics; it's an experience enriched by the people you meet. Some of my most cherished memories and lasting friendships were formed in college. Step outside of your comfort zone and expose yourself to new things and people. Becoming friends with students from diverse backgrounds and going on a study-abroad were transformational experiences in my life.
Find a career you can be passionate about and good at—that will mean more in the long-run than just a good salary. Career Services can help with that. This journey is about growing both professionally and personally, so dive in with an open mind and a willing heart.
Staff Spotlight: Geneal Washam |
Student Life Budget Manager
Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life
BSBA Business Administration Entrepreneurship, Southern Miss
Q: What does being first-gen mean to you?
A: It means breaking new ground and paving the way for others. Following your dreams,
being uncomfortable, and having the Faith to believe in your self to finish what
you started.
I am dedicated to improving the lives of others to have a healthy and prosperous life. My purpose is to teach others to live gracefully and intentionally.
My motto is "Give life options so life won't give you options".
The Greek community at Southern Miss is filled with student leaders that truly believe we are together in purpose and together on purpose. One Goal, one Motto, one Mission which is to leave it better than you found it.
Southern Miss to the Top!!!
Always give life options so life won't give you options. No matter how tough the road gets, keep going don't look back because what's in front of you is far greater than what's behind you.
Staff Spotlight: Ronda Welch |
Financial / Administrative Coordinator for The Office of Study Abroad
B.A. Fine Arts, Education Emphasis, William Carey College
Q: What does being first-gen mean to you?
A: Being first-generation in my family to earn a college degree is extremely rewarding
and makes me proud for my parents who supported me throughout my college journey.
I also hope I set an example for up-and-coming students to pursue their goals.
Born in Wichita, KS 1964. Moved to Picayune, MS in 1966 for my father to work at Stennis
Space Center. Attended First Baptist Church of Picayune and participated in many youth
activities such as choir and ensembles. Was involved in band, cheer leading and running
track while in junior high and high school.
Married my best friend "Clyde" in 1987. We have no children but we do have two babies:
1 English Shepherd named Neo and a gorgeous black cat named Nikki!! We also have 4
chickens that we tend to spoil too where we live on 2 acres in the country!
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Ask lots of questions and never give up!!! SMTTT!!!
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