Queens University Celebrates First-Generation Student Success

Today is National First-Generation College Celebration day. Led by the Council for Opportunity in Education and the NASPA Center for First-Generation Student Success, November 8 was identified as the date for the annual celebration to honor the anniversary of the signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965. The day recognizes the success of first-generation college students, faculty, staff and alumni. Queens University of Charlotte joins the national celebration by highlighting and honoring two first-generation Royals and their contributions to the Queens community.

“My advice to first-generation students is to give yourself a lot of grace and to remember that we are never going to be perfect and do not need to be. It is okay to need and ask for help.”

-Lyndsey Burrell ’24, Creative Writing and Professional Writing and Rhetoric Major

Originally from California, Burrell moved to Charlotte in 2013 to further her education at Central Piedmont Community College. After working full-time in Charlotte for a few years, she had the opportunity to fulfill her long held dream of attending Queens in 2018. She is a member of the inaugural Lowe’s cohort as part of the Charlotte Talent Initiative where she receives hands-on professional development from Queens faculty and leaders at Lowe’s.

“Don’t be afraid to ask questions and speak with the faculty, staff, and other students at Queens because they are excellent resources for first-generation students. Get involved in activities and events; this will make navigating college life much simpler for you.”

-Elodie Deneassembaye ’23, Human Service Studies and French Major

Deneassembaye chose Queens because of the opportunity to build strong, close networks with faculty while exploring a large city. A native of Cameroon, she has quickly found a home as a member of the Queens community. She is president of the First-Generation Student Club on campus.