A capacity crowd filled the South Georgia Technical College (SGTC) Betty Pope Conference Room in the John M. Pope Center recently for a “First Generation Gathering” to honor, encourage, and celebrate the first-generation college students attending SGTC.
“Thank you for attending South Georgia Technical College,” said SGTC President Dr. John Watford when he welcomed the capacity crowd of first-generation students & employees at the ‘SGTC First-Generation Gathering.’ We are changing lives at South Georgia Technical College and you have made a great decision to further your education and we believe that it will have a life-changing influence on you for the rest of your life.”
Dr. Watford gave examples of individuals who were the first individuals in their families to enroll in college and how that decision had not only impacted that individual but also others in their families and for generations to follow. Many SGTC employees who attended the event were also “first-generation” college students.
Following the welcome by SGTC President Dr. Watford, Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs Josh Curtin gave an overview of the services that South Georgia Technical College can provide or offer to assist individuals who are the first in their families to attend college.
“Being a first-generation college student is a journey of courage, growth, and transformation. While the path may be challenging, it is also incredibly rewarding. By seeking support and staying determined, you can not only succeed in college but also pave the way for future generations,” said Curtin.
“We hope today reminds you that you belong here, you have people in your corner, and you do not have to navigate this journey alone. Thriving as a first-generation college student means: use campus resources, don’t hesitate to seek help from tutoring centers, financial aid offices, and counseling services. Build a support network, join student organizations, communicate with faculty, ask questions and seek guidance, advisors are here to help. Manage you time. Balance school, work and personal life and prioritize mental health,” added Curtin.
Cecil Kinney, Pastor of Students and Families at Central Baptist Church in Americus, was the main speaker at the event which included refreshments for students, faculty and staff. “I am so very proud of each and every one of you,” said Pastor Kinney. “If you don’t hear anything else today, I hope you hear that I am proud of you for taking the steps that others around you have not taken and for the work that you have put in. I want to encourage you and help you learn how to keep going to take those hard steps and walking a path that has not been walked before by anyone in your family.
“What do I do when life hits hard, money get tight, and responsibilities get heavy,” continued Kinney. “How do I keep taking those steps forward? How do I keep going when all those difficulties in life hit at the same time? What I want to do, is to continue to encourage you to raise the standards in your own life. Have a benchmark for who you want to be as young men and young women and set guardrails to help you stay on that path as you actively walk through life.”
Kinney encouraged students to raise their standards and want to do more and keep going when life gets tough. “Whatever you do, in every aspect of your life, from the greatest to the least, seek to do your best,” said Kinney, who closed with the same sentiment that he began his talk with. “I am very proud of you and encourage you to keep walking this path. You will be glad that you did! This can change your life and the lives of those who come after you.”
After the talk by Pastor Kinney, SGTC Student Support Services Coordinator Jennifer Robinson gave a few remarks and outlined some of the services that the Student Support Office can provide first-generation and other students who are facing challenges.
Following the program, students and SGTC employees were treated to refreshments and presented with small tokens of appreciation for choosing South Georgia Technical College as the place to begin their first college experiences.
SGTC President Dr. John Watford is shown above talking at the “First Generation Gathering.”