Kansas State University

K-State students attend statewide first-generation student conference at Wichita State University

Submitted by Rebeca Paz

A group of first-generation students from K-State attended the 2016 Ad Astra Conference "Using Your Strengths to Reach the Stars" for first-generation college students Sept. 23-24 at Wichita State University. First-generation students from across the state of Kansas shared their experiences of what it means to be the first in their family to attend college.

This two-day conference included workshops led by different participating campuses that focused on the challenges first-generation students face and the valuable strengths they bring to the university. Other topics included utilizing campus resources, cross-cultural leadership, social justice, finding your passion and others.

Isaiah Solorzano, a K-State First Scholar, represented the university by participating in a student panel.

The students found the conference to be a valuable opportunity and they plan to lead sessions at next year's conference.

Rebeca Paz, First Scholars Program coordinator and associate director for K-State First, traveled with the students to the conference.

The student group included a number of First Scholars sophomores, a Kauffman scholar and former Pilots Program students.