First Generation – Corine Ackerson-Jones

Tell us about yourself

I am one of seven children born in a very small rural town in Arkansas called, Marvell. Neither of my parents made it past elementary school. I had three older siblings that had some public school but did not graduate from high school. The remaining four of the seven siblings, to include my self all went to college. Two of us have graduate degrees, one of my younger brothers has a bachelors and the other left college to join the Marine Corp.

What was it like being a first generation college student? What barriers did you face and how did you overcome them?

The closest my parents got to a college campus was attending a high school graduation at the local community college. My dad took me and my big sister to Orientation at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, AR. He dropped us and didn’t attend any of the meetings. I was so excited to go to college especially since my sister was there but more so to escape the poverty, I lived in. I spent the summer before my senior year of high school with my sister hiding out in her dormitory room! That was such a great experience, I didn’t want to go home. When I did return home, I realized there was a sort of sophistication needed if you were to be a successful “college student”! I just didn’t have it. I probably would not have returned for my freshman year had it not been for my sister who was then a Junior at the University of Arkansas. There were basic things she told me, but it was a little hard for me to navigate the “alphabet soup”!

What kind of support did you receive from friends and family?

My big sister was a huge support to me. Though I heard a few snickers from some students whose parents sent them allowances and goodie boxes, having her there meant a lot and made it much easier to bear. I felt bad that she had to go it alone but at the same time was relieved I had her to lean on.

What can GS do better in support of first Generation Students?

I believe we need to understand it’s no one department’s responsibility to support first generation students. The African proverb, “it takes a village” is so true in this instance. Each campus partner has to understand and help eliminate the barriers faced by the first generation student. If a student is having difficulty, we should take their experiences or the lack there of into consideration. Most of the time first generation students don’t know what they don’t know! We must be more patient with them and more understanding of their situations.

Give encouraging words to first Generation staff and students who haven’t realized their academic dreams.

My advice to first generation students would be to remember, if you made it here, you can make it here! You have some tools, use them! Take the time to fill your toolbox with any resource available to you. Ask questions of your peers, faculty and staff! “Iron sharpens iron”! This may require you step outside your comfort zone. The university is a safe place to fall but if you don’t reach out you won’t only fall, you will fail. Failing doesn’t make you a failure unless you choose to stay there! You must get up, dust yourself off, care for your wounds and P.U.S.H! Persist Understanding Stuff Happens!

Last updated: 2/10/2022