To celebrate National First Generation College Celebration Day, Florida Gulf Coast University hosted a celebration for first-generation students, staff and faculty. First generation college students are the first in their family to attend college.

Vanessa Lopes-Simon, the president of FGCU's First Generation Organization, says first-gen students have a unique set of challenges that need to be acknowledged, but also celebrated.

"First-gen means a whole bunch of things. Not only does it mean facing a more challenges because you are new to this unfamiliar environment of of college and entering the workforce," Lopez-Simon said. "But it also means inspired, driven, motivated. A need to build each other up in community."

Campus offices and organizations like TRIO Student Support Services and

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