SSU First Gen program helps students find their own way
Lead Summary
By
Shawnee State University Press Release-
Shawnee State University senior Josie Tackett found success as a part of the I Am First Gen program on campus.
Majoring in social sciences, Tackett has declared minors in social work, psychology and history.
“SSU was the only university that accepted me, and I was the first one in my family to get accepted into college,” she said. “I was so excited and overjoyed.”
A native of Lucasville, Tackett is involved with several clubs and activities on campus, including volunteering for Weekend of Welcome, serving as a Student Alumni Ambassadors, representing the women’s swimming team on the Student Athlete Athletic Advisory Board and assisting with the Student Programming Board. She is also an active member of the Sociology, Psychology, Chemistry, Rotaract, Circle K International, Pre-Med and Tri-Beta clubs on campus.
Prior to her first semester on campus, Tackett participated in a former Bridge to Success program, where she attended six weeks of classes to help raise her ACT scores to enter into college-ready courses.
“The classes taught us how to work and study hard,” she said.
Discovering SSU during her freshman year, Tackett received assistance from the Office of Accessibility Services and the I Am First Gen program, allowing her to make connections and see how others wanted her to succeed not only on campus, but beyond as well.
“This allowed me to see that I belonged at Shawnee, and to set an example for my siblings,” Tackett said, whose sister and brother now also attend SSU.
Finding support through I Am First Gen, Tackett encourages other first-generation college students to look into the program and find their path to success. The program offers mentorship opportunities with faculty, staff and alumni – many of whom are also first-generation – to receive guidance and form a connection on campus that students feel comfortable discussing their concerns and questions with.
“I am honored to be a Shawnee Bear,” said Tackett. “SSU takes on first-generation students and students who have low ACT/SAT scores and allows them to succeed.”
To learn more about opportunities for first-generation college students at Shawnee State University, visit www.shawnee.edu/firstgen.
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Majoring in social sciences, Tackett has declared minors in social work, psychology and history.
“SSU was the only university that accepted me, and I was the first one in my family to get accepted into college,” she said. “I was so excited and overjoyed.”
A native of Lucasville, Tackett is involved with several clubs and activities on campus, including volunteering for Weekend of Welcome, serving as a Student Alumni Ambassadors, representing the women’s swimming team on the Student Athlete Athletic Advisory Board and assisting with the Student Programming Board. She is also an active member of the Sociology, Psychology, Chemistry, Rotaract, Circle K International, Pre-Med and Tri-Beta clubs on campus.
Prior to her first semester on campus, Tackett participated in a former Bridge to Success program, where she attended six weeks of classes to help raise her ACT scores to enter into college-ready courses.
“The classes taught us how to work and study hard,” she said.
Discovering SSU during her freshman year, Tackett received assistance from the Office of Accessibility Services and the I Am First Gen program, allowing her to make connections and see how others wanted her to succeed not only on campus, but beyond as well.
“This allowed me to see that I belonged at Shawnee, and to set an example for my siblings,” Tackett said, whose sister and brother now also attend SSU.
Finding support through I Am First Gen, Tackett encourages other first-generation college students to look into the program and find their path to success. The program offers mentorship opportunities with faculty, staff and alumni – many of whom are also first-generation – to receive guidance and form a connection on campus that students feel comfortable discussing their concerns and questions with.
“I am honored to be a Shawnee Bear,” said Tackett. “SSU takes on first-generation students and students who have low ACT/SAT scores and allows them to succeed.”
To learn more about opportunities for first-generation college students at Shawnee State University, visit www.shawnee.edu/firstgen.
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