The summer before her first year, Jocelyn Hernandez-Galan was already familiarizing herself with the bus route to campus. As a first-year, first-generation student who planned to commute from her home in Fitchburg, she would need to take the bus most days (unless her mom could spare the family car).
Now in her first semester, Hernandez-Galan hardly thinks about the short commute. Still, this motivation to be one (or maybe two) steps ahead has steadily marked her early experience at UW–Madison.
“I try to be as prepared as possible. The less overwhelming I can make it, the better,” Hernandez-Galan said.
While the transition to campus life isn’t always smooth for first-generation students, Hernandez-Galan has consistently sought opportunities to ensure her success at UW–Madison – even before she became an official Badger.
For example, she joined a bridge program the summer before coming to campus that focused on improving math placement test skills. This program, led by student mentors in the UW–Madison School of Engineering, introduced Hernandez-Galan to resources like office hours, drop-in tutoring in Wendt Commons, and “Chem Compass,” a Canvas course organized by the Chemistry Learning Center (CLC).
Hernandez-Galan was also plugged into an interconnected campus support network as a recipient of Bucky’s Tuition Promise. The financial aid program, first introduced in 2018, guarantees four years of free tuition and segregated fees for incoming first-year students below a certain income threshold. It also comes with a series of expectations for recipients.
For Hernandez-Galan, this includes her involvement in the Leaders in Engineering Excellence and Diversity (LEED) Scholars Program. By attending monthly meetings, Hernandez-Galan not only meets requirements to receive her financial aid, but she also gains access to built-in community, advising, and helpful advice on topics like mental health and time management.
“It’s nice to have a space on campus that’s my base,” Hernandez-Galan said.
Additionally, older LEED peers have been extremely supportive of the program’s younger members. They continue to share knowledge of campus resources and have even introduced Hernandez-Galan to additional involvement opportunities, such as the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE).
Of course, one wouldn’t expect Hernandez-Galan’s drive to stop there. She also joined Badger Volunteers and spends time each week at the Catholic Multicultural Center. She finds giving back to this organization especially rewarding, being that her mom previously attended English classes at the Center.
All of this before catching a bus back home, sometimes arriving as late as 8:00 p.m. Still, to Hernandez-Galan, all this work feels worth it.
“I’m still in shock that I’m attending the school I’ve wanted to go to since elementary school. I walk around thinking, ‘Wow. I’m here.’ It’s a really surreal moment,” Hernandez-Galan said.
…
First-generation students can celebrate their achievements and connect with fellow first-gen Badgers at UW–Madison’s annual National First-Generation College Celebration Day Reception happening on Friday, November 8 from 2:00-3:30 p.m. in the Pyle Center (located next to the Red Gym). Furthermore, all first-generation students can take advantage of community, advising, mentoring, Basic Needs support, and more through the First-Generation Badgers program led by Student Affairs.
Find details on these resources and more at go.wisc.edu/firstgen.