Jinayah Lighty (SEBS’25), animal science major.
Jinayah Lighty at her high school graduation.
in 2017, November 8 was selected as the date for the annual National First-Generation College Celebration to honor the anniversary of the signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965. The Higher Education Act (“HEA”) emerged out of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s War on Poverty.
Being a first-generation college student is a rewarding feeling overall, but it does come with its challenges. It’s a fantastic feeling to be the person paving the way for future generations to be better. And knowing that my ancestors worked so hard for me to gain an education is humbling. It is also rewarding in itself to be one of the very few people in my community—Paterson, New Jersey—to graduate high school and attend a University. I know very few people who have been to college, so it was tough to get acclimated to college life and to figure out how things like financial aid, student loans, and financial planning work.
SEBS EOF was there to guide and work with me before my college journey officially began. The Summer Start-Up Program helped incoming EOF Freshmen with the social and educational aspects of college life. We were able to meet, go through college courses with one another, and create bonds before even stepping foot on campus, something that other first-year students didn’t have the opportunity to experience.
The support didn’t end there. SEBS EOF continues to guide me through this new experience. They are another system of support besides your family and friends. Whether you need academic help, general advice, or just someone to talk to, EOF will be there every step of the way. They are never too busy and are only one call or email away. I am proud to be a part of such a fantastic community, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds!
