University of Colorado Medical School: Resources and Support for First-Generation Students
For first-generation students, those who are the first in their immediate families to earn a bachelor's degree, the path to and through medical school can present unique challenges. These students, often underrepresented in higher education, may face pressures related to family expectations, financial constraints, and a lack of familiarity with the academic landscape. Recognizing these challenges, the University of Colorado (CU) and other institutions are developing resources and programs to support first-generation students in their pursuit of medical careers.
Understanding the First-Generation Student Experience
First-generation college students are the first in their immediate family to earn a bachelor’s degree. The AAMC estimates that 12.4% of 2021-2022 matriculants to MD-granting medical schools are first-generation college students, up from 10.8% in 2018-2019. Success in this life-changing accomplishment takes perseverance, courage and unwavering momentum. It also takes support.
Many first-generation students share similar backgrounds. For example, Karina Diaz, whose parents immigrated from Mexico, recognized the value of education as a pathway to opportunity. William Mundo, now a fourth-year student at the University of Colorado School of Medicine in Aurora, saw education as a way to honor his parents' hard work. Chavez, the daughter of Mexican immigrants, viewed college as a "ticket to a life unlike one lived by anyone she knew."
However, navigating the complexities of higher education can be daunting. Chavez, a CU Boulder student, received a scholarship that bought her a laptop but still faced challenges with basic computer skills. This highlights the need for comprehensive support systems that address both academic and practical needs.
Overcoming Obstacles and Thriving in Medical School
First-generation medical students often face a unique set of obstacles:
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- Lack of Familiarity with the System: As Patrick Hooke noted, "If your parents didn’t go to college, you don’t know what to expect." The application process, academic expectations, and professional norms can be unfamiliar and confusing.
- Financial Pressures: Many first-generation students come from low-income backgrounds and may need to balance their studies with work or family responsibilities.
- Imposter Syndrome: Students may feel like they don't belong or are not as capable as their peers, as Chavez described: "It's like there are these two worlds, and I don't fit into either… It can be like imposter syndrome."
- Family Expectations: Students may experience pressure to stay close to home, contribute financially to their families, or pursue more practical career paths.
Despite these challenges, many first-generation students thrive in medical school, driven by a desire to give back to their communities and make a difference in the lives of others. William Mundo hopes to study emergency medicine, inspired by his family's reliance on emergency room care due to lack of access to affordable healthcare. Karina Diaz plans to specialize in pediatrics. Zackary Brown was inspired by watching his mother raise him and his two brothers while holding down two jobs.
University of Colorado Resources for First-Generation Students
The University of Colorado recognizes the unique needs of first-generation students and offers a variety of resources to support their success:
- Precollegiate Development Program: The university’s Precollegiate Development Program, which started in 1983, works with first-generation students throughout Colorado, beginning in the seventh grade. The program provides academic support and counseling from middle school through high school, and brings students to CU’s campus for five weeks during the summer between their junior and senior years.
- First-Generation-Serving Institution Designation: At the end of 2024, CU Boulder was designated a First-Generation-Serving Institution by the state higher-education department, joining the ranks of schools like Metropolitan State University of Denver and Colorado Mesa University, which serve a majority of first-generation students.
- Mentorship Programs: Mentors play a vital role in guiding first-generation students through medical school. As Regina Richards, director of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion at the University of Southern Florida, stated, mentors help students develop their "professional selves.” At the University of Colorado Hospital, Professor of Anesthesiology Anthony Oliva, MD, PhD, serves as a mentor, answering questions of individual students.
- Financial Aid and Scholarships: Financial assistance is crucial for first-generation students. The University of Colorado offers scholarships and financial aid programs to help students cover the cost of tuition and living expenses. Helen Nguyen accompanied Chavez to her financial aid appointment, brokering understanding between the student and employee.
- Support Services: The university provides a range of support services, including academic advising, tutoring, counseling, and career services. Helen Nguyen showed Chavez how to use her new laptop.
- Community Building: The University of Colorado fosters a sense of community among first-generation students through student organizations, events, and programs.
Additional Resources at CU Denver
CU Denver offers a wide range of resources to support all students, with specific relevance for first-generation students:
- American Indian Student Services (AISS): Welcomes students of all American Indian and Alaska Native heritages, providing a supportive community and resources.
- Black Student Services Program: Offers a uniquely-designed network of support services to assist students in all phases of their educational career.
- Undocumented Student Services Program: Supports DREAMer and mixed status students, advocating for an equitable educational environment.
- Office of Disability Resources and Services (DRS): Committed to providing equal opportunities and fostering the personal growth and development of students with disabilities.
- English as a Second Language (ESL) Academy: Offers high-quality, year-round ESL instruction specifically designed for university preparation.
- LGBTQ Student Resource Center: A tri-institutional office serving the students, faculty and staff of Metropolitan State University of Denver, Community College of Denver and University of Colorado at Denver.
- Career Center: Offers a full array of services that prepare students for their transition from college to career, including help in choosing a major and deciding on career options.
- Experiential Learning Center (ELC): Serves students, faculty, and employers as a resource for experiential learning opportunities.
- Office of Undergraduate Research & Creative Activities (URCA): Connects students to research opportunities.
- Office of Global Education / Study Abroad: Provides academically and professionally relevant international experiences, with financial aid and scholarship opportunities.
- Office of International Affairs (OIA): Provides administrative support and services that contribute to the strategic international goals of the university.
- International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS): Serves international students and scholars, ensuring university-wide compliance with federal regulations.
- International College Beijing (ICB): Students earn a bachelor of arts degree from CU Denver with a major in either economics or communication at the China Agricultural University campus in Beijing.
- Office of Student Life: Integrates the academic, residential, and co-curricular spheres of student’s lives, enhancing the overall educational experience.
- The Sentry: CU Denver’s premier source of campus and community news.
- Student Organizations: CU Denver houses over 100+ student organizations whose focus range from academics to culture, faith/spirituality, community service, professional development, and everything in between.
- Leadership Programs: CU Denver provides leadership education programs and workshops through the Office of Student Life and Campus Community, and Peer Advocate Leaders (PAL).
- CU Denver Community Engagement: Strives to be a connection point for students to engage with civic leaders, nonprofit agencies, and opportunities for community service.
- CU Denver TRIO Student Support Services (TRIO SSS): Helps first-generation, low-income students and students with disabilities reach their full potential and achieve academic success.
- Lynx Food Pantry: Helps students find more resources to fight food insecurity and lack of nutritious food.
- CU Denver Student and Community Counseling Center (SCCC): Provides strength-based culturally responsive mental health services.
- Phoenix Center at Auraria (PCA): Provides free and confidential resources and assistance to survivors of interpersonal violence.
- Dean of Students Office: Supports the CU Denver community by advocating for students, addressing concerns, and promoting wellness and accountability.
- CU Pre-Health Scholars Program (CUPS): Serves grades 6th through 12th and exposes scholars to high-impact events, research, STEAM, and healthcare careers.
The Importance of Mentorship
Mentorship programs can be particularly beneficial for first-generation students. These programs connect students with experienced faculty, staff, or alumni who can provide guidance, support, and encouragement. Professor of Anesthesiology Anthony Oliva, MD, PhD, at the University of Colorado Hospital, dedicates his time to answering questions from individual students, offering valuable insights and advice.
Mentors can help students navigate the complexities of medical school, providing insights into academic expectations, professional development, and career planning. They can also offer a listening ear and a supportive presence during challenging times.
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Study Abroad Opportunities
Study abroad programs offer transformative experiences for students, broadening their perspectives and enhancing their cross-cultural skills. CU Denver's study abroad programs have seen a notable shift towards inclusivity, with increased participation from first-generation college students. From 2017 to 2023, CU Denver's Study Abroad programs welcomed 621 first-generation students into a world of global education.
Nicole Herrin, a first-generation college student and CU Denver alum, embarked on a transformative study abroad program that reshaped her academic trajectory. Inspired by her experiences abroad, she transitioned from medicine to international studies and is now a global education program manager.
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