Celebrating First-Generation Student Day at Wake Forest SPS

In honor of National First-Generation Day, Wake Forest School of Professional Studies asked Melissa Ratliff, Senior Director of Enrollment Management, to share her experience as a first-generation college student.

The journey to college is challenging for anyone, but for a first-generation student, it can feel like stepping into the unknown without a map. For me, it meant navigating the entire college application and enrollment process with little guidance. After losing my mother at 14, I was raised by my father, who had a seventh-grade education—college was not something he had any personal experience with. 

But I persevered and was accepted to Northeastern University. 

There, I was fortunate to be a part of the Ujima Scholars Program through the African American Institute. This program, designed for high-achieving students from low-income areas, provided me the essential support I needed to navigate my studies and offered a reliable place to seek advice. As a first-gen student, you are often unaware of the resources available on campus, and having programs embedded in my university experience provided crucial awareness and access. 

Being first-generation also required significant sacrifice. For me, that meant balancing a full course load while working. These experiences cemented the value of education as a vital tool for advancement. 

As a mother now, I often tell my children that I persevered so they could have opportunities that were not afforded to me. I want my children to know that every step I took opened a door for them. And while they will also face challenges, I want them to know that they, too, have the strength to open doors for others.

What does being a first-generation college graduate mean to you?

“It means I am capable of more than I was told I could be.” – Kaylee Messick, PPO (B.S., current Master of Public Administration student)

“It signifies belonging to a community of dedicated, hard-working individuals. It also means modeling the importance of lifelong learning for my children.” – Loréal Maguire, Executive Director, Student Services & Alumni Engagement at Wake Forest SPS (B.S., M.S., D.Ed.)

“It has truly changed my life in so many ways! This is something I now get to pass on to my daughter by providing a better foundation for her future and planning.” – Amy Slack, Associate Director of IT Solutions (B.S., M.A.)

“It represents my parents’ belief in the importance of education and the realization of opportunities they once dreamed of. It means I saw a summit that was untouched by my lineage, and I put our name on it.” – Evita Valdez, Marketing Account Manager at Flow Automotive (B.S., current Master of Communications student)

“It demonstrates the transformative power of education.” – Michael Hogan, Adjunct Professor at Wake Forest SPS

“Since my undergrad days, I have dedicated my career to higher education because I feel my first-gen experience has given me the passion to ensure others know how to make the most out of their own college experiences.” – Whitney Strickler, Director, Program Management & Operations for Executive Education at Wake Forest SPS (B.S., M.A.)

“Being a first-gen college graduate means more than earning a degree. It’s honoring the sacrifices my great-grandparents made to give me a chance at a life they could only imagine.” – Corddarryl Williamson – Rose, Alumni Engagement & Development Strategist at Duke University (B.A., current Master of Communications student)

“I’m influencing my younger family members that they, too, can do it and it’s achievable despite circumstances. I need to set the tone and be an example for my younger self and my younger family members.” – Atalie Smith (B.S., current Master of Health Informatics student) 

“It means opening new doors and a better future for myself and my loved ones.” – Nadine Miyamoto, Health Information Specialist at Datavant (B.S., Master of Health Informatics alum)

“Being a first-gen Black and Korean woman means navigating multiple margins, sometimes feeling like I’m proving myself not just as first-gen, but also in spaces that weren’t built with people who look like me in mind.” – Linda Aubrey Higgins, Director of Financial Aid & Student Accounts at Wake Forest SPS (B.S., MPA, M.Div., currently pursuing Doctorate in Ministry)

“It demonstrates that I was able to make good on the investments that so many wonderful people made in my life along the way. It also represents a significant shift in the narrative of my family, where pursuing advanced education will be normalized for future generations.” – John Jones, Executive Director, Academic Programs at Wake Forest SPS (B. S., M.Ed., currently pursuing a Ed.D. in Educational Practice and Innovation)

“It signifies all the sacrifices made by my family—my grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, and siblings—so I can continue my journey. My education holds immense value, and I am determined to make them proud.” – Amanda Barnette, Assistant Community Manager at Asset Living (B.S., current Master of Digital Marketing student)

What’s one lesson you learned as a first-gen student that still shapes who you are today?

“Perseverance. Through my college experience, finding rock bottom only allows you to see how much drive you have inside of you.” – Miranda Doomy, RN, Assistant Nurse Manager at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist (B.S., current Master of Health Informatics student) 

“Never self-select out.” – Amy Wallis, Ph.D., Full Professor of Practice at Wake Forest

“Education is a privilege that should be valued and used for good.” – Tricia Richards-Service, Academic Director of the Master of Communications program at Wake Forest SPS (B.A., MHA, Ph.D.)

“With faith, support, and determination, anything is possible.” – Holly Crafton-Lay, VP of Solutions at Reconex (B.A., Master of Project Management alum)

“Being the first in my family to navigate college meant I didn’t have a roadmap or blueprint. I didn’t always know the right questions to ask, so I had to learn to embrace challenges and speak up.” – Jessica Nipper, Business Manager at Duke Raleigh Hospital (B.S., MHA, Master of Project Management alum) 

“To lean on mentors when you need help! Professors, supervisors, and advisors, are there to help and work with you. Don’t be scared of these people, seek them out when you are struggling or even if you’re doing okay and just have a question!” – Madeleine Blazer, Associate Director of Digital Marketing and Web at Warren Wilson College (B.A., Master of Digital Marketing alum)

“Success is not achieved in isolation; it requires mentorship, collaboration, and courage to ask for help. That realization still influences how I lead, teach, and serve others. It taught me to create spaces for students who share similar backgrounds to know they belong and their voices and dreams matter.” – Dr. Daequan Porteous, PMP, College and Career Counselor for the KIPP Atlanta Schools (B.S., M.S., Ed.D., Master of Project Management alum)

“It’s okay to not have the same lifestyle as my peers. I’m working towards the life I want for myself.” – Ligda Ayala, Recreational Therapist at Whitaker PRTF (B.S., current Master of Public Administration student)

“There is no ‘one way’ to be successful. My grandparents weren’t college-educated and worked blue-collar jobs, but defined success on their own terms. They saved for me to go to college and helped my mom raise me.” – Lauren Burns, Chief Marketing & Student Services Officer at Wake Forest SPS (B.A., M.S.)

“I didn’t have the same amount of help and guidance going into college as many of my peers. It left me confused and frustrated at times, but that self-reliance shaped my work ethic and taught me to be my own advocate.” – Max Gamble, General Manager at Thompson Safety (B.A., current Master of Enterprise Risk Management student)

“Individuals can set high-expectation goals. Career dreams can come true with hard work, dedication, and grit.” Dr. Tanya Skalecki, Educational Leadership Faculty at Wake Forest SPS (B.S., M.Ed., J.D.)

“Imposter syndrome is real; you are meant to be there.” – Melissa Ramos Chapuz (B.A., MPH, current Master of Health Administration student) 

“You never know what others are facing and what burden they carry. Be kind to all you encounter.” – Jennifer VanSickler, SVP, Senior Issues Execution Officer at Truist (B.S., current Master of Enterprise Risk Management student)

“You have to be bold. Dream big dreams. Never stop learning. Be disciplined, open to new avenues, and committed to making yourself better every day.” – Lori Hamrick, Coordinator, Arts in Medicine Program at Northeast Georgia Health System (B.A., current Master of Health Administration student)

“One of the greatest lessons I learned as a first-generation student is the power of perseverance. Coming from a background where stability wasn’t guaranteed, I had to learn how to keep moving forward, even when the path wasn’t clear. There were moments I felt uncertain or underprepared, but I discovered that progress happens through small, consistent steps and unwavering belief in yourself.” – Teronda McNeil, Executive Director of Academic Programs at Wake Forest SPS (B.S., M.S., MBA, Ph.D.) 

“Be bold, build trust, and deliver excellence.” – Alex Mosco, Inside Service Account Manager at Juniper Networks (B.S., current Master of Project Management student)