First-Generation Warriors

A university leader’s experience as a first-gen college student

When Dawn Meza Soufleris arrived at college in the 1980s, she was on her own. As a first-generation student, Dawn couldn’t really turn to her parents for advice, and her university didn’t provide any personalized academic advising.

Despite the hurdles, Dawn charted a successful path through academia, earning her bachelor’s degree, moving on to a master’s degree and a doctorate, and ultimately landing her current role as Vice President for Student Development and Campus Life at Montclair State University.

In this essay, Dawn reflects on her journey as a “first-generation warrior” and how things have changed—and stayed the same—for other students like her.