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Today is National First-Generation College Celebration day. Led by the Council for Opportunity in Education and the NASPA Center for First-Generation Student Success, November 8 was identified as the date for the annual celebration to honor the anniversary of the signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965. The day recognizes the success of first-generation college students, faculty, staff and alumni. �������� joins the national celebration by highlighting and honoring two first-generation Royals and their contributions to the �������� community.

“My advice to first-generation students is to give yourself a lot of grace and to remember that we are never going to be perfect and do not need to be. It is okay to need and ask for help.”

-Lyndsey Burrell ’24, Creative Writing and Professional Writing and Rhetoric Major

Originally from California, Burrell moved to Charlotte in 2013 to further her education at Central Piedmont �������� College. After working full-time in Charlotte for a few years, she had the opportunity to fulfill her long held dream of attending �������� in 2018. She is a member of the inaugural Lowe’s cohort as part of the Charlotte Talent Initiative where she receives hands-on professional development from �������� faculty and leaders at Lowe’s.

“Don’t be afraid to ask questions and speak with the faculty, staff, and other students at �������� because they are excellent resources for first-generation students. Get involved in activities and events; this will make navigating college life much simpler for you.”

-Elodie Deneassembaye ’23, Human Service Studies and French Major

Deneassembaye chose �������� because of the opportunity to build strong, close networks with faculty while exploring a large city. A native of Cameroon, she has quickly found a home as a member of the �������� community. She is president of the First-Generation Student Club on campus.