Haley Frechette

Proud to be a first-generation college student in Vermont

‘We had grown up seeing the limitations that exist for people without college degrees. We were inspired to do what our families had not had the opportunity to do. And we were helped along the way by countless teachers and faculty who cheered us on along the way.’

In all the chaos of the election, it would be easy to lose track of the fact that Nov. 8 was National First-Generation Student Day. This day was meant to highlight and celebrate those who are the first in their family to attend college.

I am proud to be one of those Vermonters. And I feel compelled to express my deep appreciation of my fellow first-generation students as well as gratitude to the institution that made my dreams of higher education possible.

If any Vermont students reading this are trying to decide if and where they will go to college, I hope they might feel inspired by my experience.

I also hope that those with the power to fund the Vermont State Colleges System will take note of the importance of our state colleges to first-generation families.

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