Two El Dorado students participated in a program last week at Arkansas Tech University in Russellville.
The program, First Generation Institute, is focused on students who’s parents did not attend college — also known as first generation students — to explore the academic opportunities at the college as well as experience college life, learn about education options, tour the campus and learn about being involved in campus life.
Ahjaley Miller and Eriyunna Miller attended the two-day program at the end of last week. ATU First Generation Institute participants also came from Batesville, Beebe, Benton, Bentonville, Centerton, Conway, De Queen, Dermott, Eudora, Fort Smith, Havana, Hot Springs, Huntington, Little Rock, Lockesburg, Locust Grove, Lowell, Marion, Monticello, Mount Ida, Nashville, North Little Rock, Ogden, Ozark, Pine Bluff, Rison, Rogers, Russellville, Searcy, Siloam Springs, Star City, Texarkana and Van Buren.
As part of the program, Sen. Breanne Davis (R-Russellville) gave the closing remarks, telling the students about her experience at ATU, joining the Russellville School Board at age 26 and being elected to the Arkansas State Senate at the age of 35.
“We can’t guarantee outcomes for ourselves,” said Davis. “I may get beat in whatever it is…but what I do know, in everything I approach, is that no one will out-work me. When people are discouraging you or saying harsh things to you, they don’t know what you are capable of. People who are doing great things…people who know how to work through adversity, work hard and not give up…they have been pulled back and pulled down in life. They’ve had hard things they’ve had to live through. It shows us our own resilience.
“Not many people can see the lesson or the good through the hard times,” continued Davis. “If you are one of those people that can see that on the other side of it you will be different and better, then you are one of the lucky few.”
Along with speakers such as Davis, students also spent time with 19 ATU students who identify as a first generation student. These ATU students served as facilitators for the high school students during their two-day visit by spending time with them, showing them around the campus and answering questions about college life.
“I hope that your path leads you back to become a student at Arkansas Tech,” Dr. Mary B. Gunter, chief of staff at ATU, told the high school students assembled for the institute. “I’ve been a part of Tech for 21 years now…and why I have stayed at Tech is because of students like you. You bring the same passion that I had when I was that first generation student. We care about you. What I have found, and what I have witnessed, is that we give you great opportunities to be successful.”
Michael Shine may be reached at 870-862-6611 or [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter and like him on Facebook @MichaelAZShine for updates on Union County school news.