We don’t have to tell you that first-generation college students are bold pioneers. But you may be surprised to learn that nearly 8,000 UC students are blazing the trail right along with you. They come from 39 states and 91 countries, all with the same determination to be the first in their families to earn a college degree.
And at UC, we’re proud to support you every step of the way. From learning communities and special events to dedicated programs and advisors, we want to make sure you succeed — and feel right at home.
Katherine Bowe
Cleveland, OH
College of Arts & Sciences, Class of '22
When she was exploring her college options, Katherine wanted to leave Ohio and move far away. The student from suburban Cleveland loves her family, but thought getting away was the best path toward establishing her independence.
Those plans changed, however, the first time she visited UC. She loved the sense of community and the potential the university offered her as a first-generation college student.
“It immediately felt like home, somewhere I could thrive and be my own person,” she says. “It just felt right. It was kind of like Cinderella, glass slipper; it fit, and it was for me."
Donald Whittle
Cincinnati, OH
Lindner College of Business, Class of '24
By the time Donald Whittle was in grade school, he had lost his first friend to gun violence. Come high school graduation he had lost another, and then a cousin to the same tragic end.
“There were a lot of things going on around me that could have taken me off my focus,” says Donald, a second-year business administration major and a UC Gen-1 student.
Donald says he learned early on, with the support of a loving family, that his faith and education were essential for a future paved with success.
And the accolades abound, including being on the Dean’s List and a member of Phi Beta Sigma.
“UC has taught me the importance of being diverse and that where I come from and who I am does not define where I go.”
Karrington Rainey
Cincinnati, OH
College of Arts & Sciences, Class of '23
Karrington Rainey sees a future in law. An activist at heart, Rainey is studying sociology and wants to be an advocate for marginalized groups in society. She grew up in Cincinnati and graduated from Cincinnati Public School Clark Montessori High School.
Karrington initially wanted to leave the Queen City for college until she became part of the CPS Ambassadors Program in high school. It opened her eyes to the possibilities at UC.
“I got accepted into the Gen-1 program and it was my sign to stay," she says. "There are so many cool opportunities here. I didn’t know about co-op and how people come from across the country to attend UC. I lived here and didn’t realize that.”
Jordan Braswell
Cincinnati, OH
College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services, Class of '22
An aspiring teacher, Jordan was drawn to the experiential learning opportunities offered in early childhood education at UC. In her very first semester, she was immersed in the classroom at Arlitt Child Development Center.
“Getting hands-on experience to become the most competitive and competent teacher candidate I could be was really important to me,” she says.
After graduating this spring, she hopes to teach in Cincinnati Public Schools and pursue her master’s.
“Neither of my parents completed college, so this was a big step for me,” she says “I’m the first person in my family who was really determined to complete college — and I’m so close. I’m going to do it!”