First Generation Students Unite

This article and video "First Generation Students Unite" was posted this morning by The New York Times. I found it interesting and timely given our discussion last week of The Hope in the Unseen and the readings for today. 

In the video, students tell their stories as first generation college students today with a focus on the first ever Inter-Ivy First Generation Student Network Conference that was held at Brown in February.  I found that many of their stories connected well with the readings for this week, especially in regards to academic preparation, transition and adjustment to college, parent education, financial challenges, and student support services.  Their stories put a face to the data and readings.  The author shares research that characterizes first-generation students as fitting into one of two group: the “privileged poor” or the “doubly disadvantaged.” The students talk about the assumptions they challenge daily, and how their experience resembles a parallel universe. As educators, how can we help our first generation students feel a stronger sense of belonging instead of exclusion on our campuses?

What are your reactions?

(Here's the direct URL if the link above doesn't work: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/12/education/edlife/first-generation-students-unite.html?emc=edit_tnt_20150408&nlid=69861899&tntemail0=y&_r=0)