Beginning Friday, Nov. 1, Colgate University’s First@Colgate program hosted an engaging week focused on supporting first-generation college students. This initiative is designed to uplift those who are the first in their families to attend college — students who may face unique challenges in navigating higher education. Among the highlights of the program is First-Generation Week, running from Nov. 1 to Nov. 8, which celebrates and advocates for first-generation students through various activities and events.
First-year Summer Davies is a first-generation college student and Student Government Association (SGA) Director of First-Gen/Low-Income Student Experiences. Davies became a director of the program with the goal of connecting with fellow peers who were navigating the same challenges of being first-generation college students. She adds that her work as a director has led to the creation of programs and events that are shared with the Colgate community.
“As one of the 13 directors of the SGA, we all meet together and work on different initiatives that the senate wants to pass and aim to implement certain events that we want to advocate for,” Davies said.
One of Davies’ key contributions as a director is her role in organizing First-Gen Week, with daily events designed to foster awareness and inclusivity.
“We’ve planned activities every day to promote advocacy, and anyone can join, not just first-gen students,” Davies said. “It’s really cool to promote advocacy and really just have events for people on the campus to get involved in.”
When Davies is not working as a liaison between the SGA and the First@Colgate office, she is a varsity athlete for the Colgate women’s cross country team. Davies has become close with her team and has established a tight-knit group of friends within athletics. However, she believes that her work as a link between SGA and the First@Colgate office has been a particularly important part of her Colgate experience thus far.
As a first-generation student herself, Davies did not have much support regarding the college process. She believes that establishing programs through First@Colgate can lead to more education on the college application process for future generations.
“There was no one to really help me through the applications of the college process. My high school had very few resources,” Davies said. “It was a lot of having to figure things out independently, but ultimately, I relied on my work ethic and was able to succeed by putting my mind to it.”
Davies added that she chose Colgate for its strong environmental science program and its beautiful campus. However, her academic interests have since shifted, and Davies now plans to major in biochemistry and environmental biology.
“It’s interesting how my path has changed since arriving here,” Davies shared. “I’ve found new passions that I didn’t expect.”
