We are excited to welcome you to GW and look forward to having you on campus! More information about First-Generation programming at GW can be found on the Center for Student Engagement's website.
Tip #1: Go to First Friday Dinners First Friday Dinners are a great place to get to know other first-gen students. These dinners are a where I found my home at GW. Of course, I have lots of friends that are not first-gen, but it is really nice to have a space to go where everyone is experiencing exactly what you are. As a freshman, I think it is especially important to go to these because I have been able to gain a lot of knowledge from upperclassmen. This is truly something that has made my first year at GW so successful.
Tip #2: Find an Adult You Can Trust For me it has been essential to have an adult here at GW I can trust. My parents have not been able to help me very much with the college process, simply because they have never been to college. It was difficult to figure out everything on my own, and then I met the first-gen advisor, Brittany. She has helped me grow so much academically and personally, and I am not sure where I would be without her. She is one of the most amazing people I have met, and GW is extremely lucky to have her! Therefore, I highly encourage finding someone who will act as your mentor.
UP CLOSE
Brittany Abraham, Program Coordinator
Brittany is the program coordinator for special populations. Brittany joined the Center for Student Engagement in August 2017. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in advertising and public relations from Loyola University Chicago and a Master of Education in higher education and student affairs administration from the University of Vermont. In her role as program coordinator, Brittany works closely with first-generation, international, and transfer students to ensure they have the most successful and fulfilling GW experience.
Tip #3: Get Involved On Campus I know everyone tells you to get involved, but it's true. I have made a lot of connections and met a lot of phenomenal people. Attend events that interest you and talk to other students! You never know what will happen, and you may just join one of the most amazing student organizations on campus by accident.
OrgSync is a way to connect to organizations, communicate with other members, and explore the GW community.
Tip #4: Never Be Afraid to Try Anything! There are so many opportunities to try new things at GW. There are a lot of cool places to explore, such as the Smithsonians or the Library of Congress! Even trying out new restaurants is an exciting thing to do with friends! You also get to experience all the little things in D.C. that a general tourist misses out on.
GW Virtual Tour - City Life from The George Washington University on Vimeo. Tip #5: Have fun! College isn’t just about learning; you need to have some fun too. Take a break from studying and going to class all the time. Hang out with friends or go explore the monuments. The world is your oyster!Meet Our Blogger
Emma Elmore
Class of 2021
Business Administration
I am currently a freshman at The George Washington University. I am heavily involved in the first-generation community on campus. I am active in the following student organizations: Residence Hall Association, Pre-Law Student Association, and Japanese-American Student Alliance. I am also a mentor for seventh graders in Wards 6 & 7 through the Honey W. Nashman Center program called "Higher Achievement."
