Finding their way: First-generation students reflect on their UTC journeys

For first-generation college students at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, earning a degree means more than reaching graduation. It represents years of learning to navigate college, find support and build a path that once felt unfamiliar.

For Rudy Tomas, becoming a first-generation college graduate is a milestone he hopes to dedicate to his family. The construction management major with a minor in business will graduate from UTC in December.

A Chattanooga native, Tomas grew up in an immigrant household where his parents encouraged him to pursue higher education. Although his parents supported his decision to attend college, Tomas said they could not always guide him through the university experience.

“I didn’t know anyone who went to college,” Tomas said. “It’s not like I could go to my parents and ask, ‘Hey, what do I do?’ because I had to figure that out by myself.”

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Nov. 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. Each year, UTC hosts a week-long celebration to recognize first-generation college students, faculty, and staff. 

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When he first arrived at UTC in 2023 after graduating from Notre Dame High School, Tomas said he struggled to adjust to the unfamiliar environment. Finding his way around campus, meeting new people and understanding academic expectations were all new challenges for him.

His older brother, who began college a year before him, became one of his first sources of guidance. Tomas also turned to UTC’s Student Support Services for guidance. He credits Melissa Laseter, now director of Student Success Programs, as his strongest resource during his time at UTC.

“She’s been my biggest support,” he said. “I probably wouldn’t have gone as far without her.”

Through his UTC support system, Tomas received help with resume building, networking and pursuing professional opportunities. He has spent nearly two years interning with local general contractor EMJ and expects to move into a full-time position after graduation.

As he prepares for December commencement, Tomas said earning his degree is a way to recognize his family’s encouragement and the work that brought him to this point.

“I’m just so honored to make my parents proud and kind of dedicate this to them,” he said.

Taylor Bishop, another upcoming December graduate, is majoring in exercise science. A native of Collierville, Tennessee. She said her experiences as a first-generation student have taught her the importance of seeking support and guidance.

Bishop chose to pursue a college degree to experience an opportunity unique to her family.

“I wanted to do it just because nobody else in my family had,” she said.

Wanting to stay in Tennessee while moving far enough from home to grow independently, Bishop decided UTC was the right fit for her.

When she first arrived on campus, she said she struggled adjusting to college life. Unsure how to navigate campus, manage coursework and build new connections, Bishop realized how difficult it was to manage it all on her own.

“I was very sunken in on myself trying to figure it out all on my own,” Bishop said, “which of course made it harder.”

Her perspective began to change when she started working as a peer academic coach with the Center for Academic Support and Advisement. Through that role, she connected with Academic Coaching Program Coordinator Teresa Harrison, who helped guide her through challenges she had previously tried to manage alone.

Bishop also became involved with Student Success Programs as a first-generation mentor, giving her the opportunity to help incoming students find resources and support.

Looking back, she said she wishes she had participated in the First-Generation Student Summit when she first arrived at UTC.

“It’s a big thing that first-generation students struggle with, thinking they need to do it all by themselves,” Bishop said. “As soon as you get that help, you can get so much further and feel so much better about who you are.”

After graduation, Bishop hopes to remain at UTC and work in a student support position, helping other students navigate the college experience.

While each first-generation student experience is different, the journey does not end at graduation. Several UTC faculty and staff members who were once first-generation students now use their experiences to support and guide students to success.

2024 UTC alum Heidi Maradiaga, who graduated with a degree in political science and a minor in Spanish, works as A Moc’s First Year coordinator in Academic Affairs. She said her experience as a first-generation college student helped shape her path into higher education.

Maradiaga first arrived on campus in 2019 from Lavergne, Tennessee, with no prior visits to UTC and little idea of what to expect. She said navigating college independently brought challenges, especially with financial aid, time management and understanding the resources available to students.

“I filled out the FAFSA and asked my dad for his phone,” Maradiaga said. “Then I filled out his side of the FAFSA.”

As a student, Maradiaga served as a first-generation mentor, first-year experience mentor and a tour guide. Through these experiences, she built connections across campus and learned about opportunities in higher education.

After graduating, Maradiaga worked as an admissions counselor before moving into her current role. She said her own experience navigating college has made her more resolute to help students find the support they need.

“I think it’s made me more determined,” Maradiaga said. “If you’re not first gen, you wouldn’t really know the level of determination it takes.”

She said she hopes students understand that asking for help is part of the college experience and that they do not have to figure everything out alone.

“Support and knowing your resources help you understand that there are people who can help if you need it,” Maradiaga said. “It’s OK to ask for help.”

For Juan Aponte, support as a first-generation student at UTC helped shape his career. Now as an academic advisor for campus, he uses his experience to help students navigate college life.

Aponte moved to Tennessee from Puerto Rico at 16 and attended Watertown (Tennessee) High School. After a teacher recommended UTC during his senior year, he applied without visiting campus.

“I pretty immediately felt like, ‘Hey, this is a place that I can make home,” Aponte said.

As he began college life, learning to navigate daily responsibilities and finding resources became his strongest priority. Getting involved with UTC’s first-generation student programs helped him find a community where he could ask questions.

Through Student Support Services, Aponte found mentors, friendships and professional opportunities. He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and public service in 2023 and a master’s in public administration in 2025, crediting the first-generation community as a cornerstone of his college experience.

During his master’s program, he worked in the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs.

“I’m here because of the programs that were there and because of all the resources that they poured into me,” Aponte said. “I’m really grateful.”

Today, those experiences have shaped his approach to advising, encouraging students to use the resources UTC offers. As an academic advisor, he gives students guidance on academic progress, classes and registration.

Aponte said he wants students to feel comfortable asking questions and understand that learning to navigate college is part of the process.

“It’s my job to teach you and inform you of these things,” Aponte said. “Coming from a nonjudgmental place and being open with students is really big for me.”

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