MCC Celebrates First-Generation Students

Meridian Community College honored its first-generation students and faculty this morning in a ceremony. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, more than 30% of undergraduates were the first in their families to complete college last year.

Aurora Smith, a first-generation student, wants to leave a legacy and hopes to inspire her little brother to also attend college:

Aurora Smith- Graphic Design Major

“My mom was always talking about when she’s not here, she wants stuff to be left for us. I figured even if I don’t have kids in the future, I want to leave something for myself”, said Smith. “I think I’ve really inspired my brother to take dual enrollment classes because he’s in the same classes that I was in. I feel like maybe I’m inspiring him to want a future”

Vice President of Student Engagements, Cedric Gathings, spoke at the ceremony and gave an emotional speech explain why community colleges hold a special place to him.

Cedric Gathings- Vice President of Student Engagements

“When I say I have a love and a passion for community colleges, I do because that is where it officially started for me and I haven’t left a college campus since then”, said Gathings.

Gathings says community colleges have a huge impact on the area they stand in.

“A Lot of people fail to realize how much of an impact community colleges have in the community. It provides students an opportunity to experience things that they probably would have never got to experience if it wasn’t for them having a community college to attend. They can come here and have that experience. A lot of us have the same experiences, same stories and just don’t talk about it.”

MCC now has more than 150 first generational students in attendance right now.