Michelle Gonzalez
Nearly 16 percent of Baylor students are the first person in their family to attend a four-year college. Baylor’s First in Line program serves these students to help them maximize their success on campus. In this Baylor Connections, Michelle Gonzalez, First in Line Program Manager, highlights the ways Baylor walks alongside first-generation students as they navigate the college years, and shares why the program was recognized among the nation’s best.
Transcript
Derek Smith:
Hello, and welcome to Baylor Connections, a conversation series with the people shaping our future. Each week, we go in-depth with Baylor leaders, professors, and more, discussing important topics in higher education, research, and student life. I'm Derek Smith. Today, we are talking about services at Baylor to first generation students. Baylor First In Line supports first generation students as they navigate being the first person in their immediate family to attend a four-year university. Nearly 16% of Baylor students are first generation students, and First In Line connects them with resources and opportunities to help them maximize their academic success.
We're joined today by Michelle Gonzalez. Michelle serves as program manager of First In Line. A 2012 Baylor graduate with a degree in psychology, Gonzalez has served in numerous areas throughout higher education. This summer, Baylor was named one of 14 higher education institutions selected into the inaugural class of First Gen Forward Network Champions. It's a great honor that highlights the great work taking place in First In Line.
Michelle, thanks so much for being with us today.
Michelle Gonzalez:
Thank you. It's nice to be here. I'm really excited to share about our First In Line community.
Derek Smith:
Well, a lot of great things taking place. Obviously, I know you're not just doing it for the honors and accolades, it's for the students. But what did that mean, that honor from First Gen Forward?
Michelle Gonzalez:
Oh, man. This honor, it really is a recognition, I think, of just the hard work that our institution has put in to really support and empower our first generation community. I'm excited, but really grateful just to, again, have that reflection I guess, of what we've been able to accomplish in the past several years.
Derek Smith:
Over our time together, we can delve into some of those things that you're doing that led to that award, but more importantly serves students here at Baylor.
Michelle, help us get to know First In Line a little bit at Baylor. If I'm a first generation student at Baylor, what are some of the ways that I would connect with you and your team?
Michelle Gonzalez:
Yes. Okay, so there's several ways that First In Line students can connect with us. I always like to just let them know that our office serves as a safety net. So just to come to us with any questions they have as they navigate the process of getting into Baylor, but especially as they're here and acclimating to Baylor.
I'm excited about a new initiative with our ambassadors, where they can essentially connect with student leaders and ask them as well. These are students that have done really well. They're trying to pour back into our First In Line community. They can provide an insight and perspective that I can't, because they are currently walking this journey. They can connect with our student leaders. We also have a very robust First In Line Student Society. This is a student-led organization where students can meet fellow First In Line Bears for community, fellowship, and also just engagement and resources.
Then, various events that we'll host throughout the year. The next one we'll be having is actually November 8th for First Generation Celebration Day. Then if there's any workshops, they can join there. Just to make sure to keep an eye on out on the email. I know they get a lot, but do pay attention to the First In Line emails because we really try to provide opportunities for connection, community, and resources.
Then also, just following us on Instagram or Facebook, whatever social media platform they prefer. We're @bufirstinline. And we also have a Teams chat group for all of our 2400 First In Line Bears. This is a really good way to stay connected, because I get a lot of opportunities and resources for our students, specifically looking for our First In Line community. This is where they can find out about what is coming to us for them.
Derek Smith:
That's a number that paints a picture for us, 2400 students. You're about 16% of the Baylor student body. What does it mean to you that we've got such a growing community that are the first generation in their family to attend a four-year college?
Michelle Gonzalez:
Yes. I love sharing that number with our First In Line community because often times, students feel being the first, that they are alone in that journey, but they are not. They're joining a robust community that's very tight-knit, passionate about taking care of each other, and really leaning into celebrating this identity. Because to be the first in your family, that is something to be proud of, that is something to celebrate. But I really want them to know they're not alone in this journey. There's a lot of students that they can connect with and have that similar thread.
But this community, it's a part of the fabric of Baylor. There's always been a First In Line presence throughout Baylor's history. I don't know that it's always been ... There has been an awareness that we see now. But it's exciting, and I like for them to know that, too.
Derek Smith:
Visiting with Michelle Gonzalez of Baylor First In Line. Michelle, you describe some of the ways that students connect. It sounds like it can be formal, it can be informal, it can be programming, it can be resources. What all does that look like?
Michelle Gonzalez:
Yeah. Well, resources, we have several scholarships that they need to be aware of. There are a couple that they can get coming into Baylor. But we've been able to expand our scholarships for current students as well. That includes our FILSA Program, that's a scholarship program that, students if they, coming into Baylor get into this program, they are within FILSA for the four years that they're with us. There's programming and community leadership development. They're able essentially be poured into, and we walk alongside of them very intimately.
We also have the First Abroad Fellows, in partnership with Global Engagement. They oversee this amazing opportunity if students are interested in studying abroad. It's a $3000 scholarship, but they get so much more than that. They get guidance and support in getting their passport, or figuring out which study abroad program works for them. Even talking to loved ones. If we've got parents who are not feeling too comfortable about sending their student abroad, this office, they understand the journey of our first generation students, and they want to be able to support them a little bit more deeply. That way, they're able to take advantage of these opportunities.
Yeah. Our leadership scholarship is exclusive to non-FILSA scholars. This is essentially celebrating our first generation students that are making an impact now. Or if there's a leadership opportunity that's out of reach. They can apply for this scholarship as well. Then we do have our Bear Book scholarship.
We've been able to expand resources in the past four-and-a-half years. When I started, we just had the First Abroad Fellows and our FILSA Program. I think it really is a testament, again, to the need of extending, and our impact and our support for our First In Line community.
Derek Smith:
Michelle, you mentioned this different scholarship and funds available to students. Are there ways people can support those?
Michelle Gonzalez:
Absolutely. We have a Chapman Endowment that they can certainly donate to our success center. But there's definitely ways that they can really support and broaden our impact. We're hoping to be able to increase the number, but also the value of the scholarships that we're providing for our students. Yeah, there's lots of ways to support and engage our First In Line community.
Derek Smith:
I'm imagine people Google Baylor First In Line, they can find the page and contact information if they have questions about that?
Michelle Gonzalez:
Yes, absolutely. Please do.
Derek Smith:
Visiting with Michelle Gonzalez. Michelle, who all is a part of the FIL team? You've mentioned students, you mentioned ambassadors.
Michelle Gonzalez:
Yeah.
Derek Smith:
Of course, we know you. But, who all is a part of this?
Michelle Gonzalez:
Yes. I have a mighty team of 75 student leaders. This really is, again, a testament of the impact we've been trying to make. We have our ambassador roles. Essentially, these are students that are charged with fostering community for the broad first generation community. Any events that we're putting on, these are the students that are helping me. Any time we're representing the First In Line office, whether that's an enrollment event on the front end, or a perspective student, or we're going into the community, these are the students that help represent that community, bringing awareness.
Then we have our peer leaders, which are mentors to our FILSA scholars. They walk alongside of these first-year students in their first year at Baylor. It's a little bit more of an intimate role, in the sense they are just that lifeline and that guidance.
Then we have our First In Line Student Society officers. They are taking charge of what they are covering in their meetings, the ways that they're engaging the community. Whether that's just within Baylor of the broader Waco community. As well as our PR and social media coordinator, that's a student leader. Then I have a student worker that helps me oversee our FILSA program.
We have been able to broaden that impact because of the number of students, but also the dedication and passion they have to these efforts. They speak into the ways in which we have developed in the past four-and-a-half years.
Derek Smith:
That's great. You've been a part of it for five years now?
Michelle Gonzalez:
In December! I'm excited.
Derek Smith:
Wow.
Michelle Gonzalez:
Yes. It's gone very fast. There hasn't been two years that have been the same. Every year, we have been able to evolve our efforts, and tweak our programming and our focus. They speak into that. They let us know what they want, and what they see, and the ways that we can improve in our support and empowerment of this community.
Derek Smith:
Now you're a 2012 Baylor grad from Waco. What led you to this role?
Michelle Gonzalez:
Well, it'll be ... Higher education, I grew up around it. My mom actually worked here before I was even alive. She's 40 years here. I grew up on campus. Honestly, I didn't think I was going to work for Baylor. Before here, I was at Texas State Technical College almost eight years, and I loved what I did. I did essentially the student journey on the staff side. Everything from recruiting, advising, and then career services, and outreach. I loved what I was doing.
But this role, getting to serve this population, I felt compelled. I felt drawn to put my name in the hat because I have a heart for students that have historically been marginalized in some way. That's really why I was happy where I was at, because we had a large percentage of first generation students, but we also had non-traditional students that were changing careers. We had students with high financial need. I just loved serving communities, and really rolling out the red carpet, and making sure they were cared for in the best ways.
I call it divine orchestration, because I didn't have this on my radar. But after everything I had gone through, as far as my career path, I felt uniquely qualified to be able to provide support for our First In Line community. It's been an honor. I'm really excited, again, to be able to provide that holistic support and growth. Because really, when they're connecting with us, that's the overarching goal is how are we empowering them? How are we setting them up for success beyond the classroom? Yeah. It's been a good journey.
Derek Smith:
This is Baylor Connections. We are visiting with Michelle Gonzalez, program manager of First In Line at Baylor. Michelle, you talk about the challenges that they face as a First In Line student, a first generation student. Paint a picture for us, if you would, of some of the things you try to help them navigate. Probably some simple and some complex.
Michelle Gonzalez:
Yeah. Well, students that are the first in their family, they have had to figure out a lot on their own. Just getting to Baylor in itself can be a challenge because they didn't have a parent they could go to to ask about the application process, or FAFSA. That was before all the changes with FAFSA. It can be really challenging to navigate those processes.
Derek Smith:
Even for those of us who work here, it gets confusing. Yeah.
Michelle Gonzalez:
Yes.
Derek Smith:
Yeah.
Michelle Gonzalez:
I try tell them that, "It's not just you." It really is a lot that they're having to figure out on their own. By the time they get here, they're not done. Now they're having to learn how to acclimate to Baylor, how to transition, and how to be successful here. And learn the hidden curriculum of higher education. There are ways that we operate in the higher ed world that isn't necessarily taught. It's just assumed students know. We try to make sure that we're helping them get those skills and that knowledge, learn about the resources, how to lean into that, the importance of connecting with the various departments that can help them.
I always tell them, "If you don't have to figure it out, don't. Let us help you. Use your brain power for the classes, because that's when you're going to have to put in a lot of energy." We try to walk alongside of them, to serve as that support, helping them really, again, get their footing quickly. So that way, they can not just survive, but start to really thrive here.
I think sometimes too, and this isn't just exclusive to first generation students, but I think when you're having to navigate new spaces, there can be doubts. Often times, people may experience imposter syndrome. "They're going to find out I shouldn't be here, I'm not capable, I'm not smart." All of these thoughts that aren't true. I always tell them, "Man, we have a science to bringing in students. We're not going to bring in students that can't do this." But helping them also navigate that narrative, that can be not a healthy place. I like to have those conversations with them very early on. A lot of my conversations at the start of the year are around things like that.
This, again, isn't exclusive to first generation students. I'm not a first generation student. Those were my parents in our family. But I experienced that when I was here at Baylor. I like like there's power to shining light on that, talking to it, giving it a name. That way, they can recognize when it's happening, and then provide a counter-narrative. Yeah. I think that's another challenge that often times, we have to navigate.
They are amazing. They persevere and get through that. Usually, I see them blossom in ways once they get past those initial doubts and fears.
Derek Smith:
Visiting with Michelle Gonzalez. Michelle, I think you may have just described this in part, but I want to ask you specifically. What are some of your favorite moments? The moments that really carry you when things are busy, when it comes to interacting with the students in First In Line.
Michelle Gonzalez:
Yeah. I was reflecting on this. I love watching them push through that initial challenge. That initial time when we're questioning. They're like, "Did I make the right choice? Can I do this?" Helping them and watching them get through that, and then really come out the other side, and really blossom and grow into who they are meant to me. Watching them before more confident, becoming the leaders, making the impact. They don't even realize how much they inspire me. They really are remarkable. But yeah, I think watching that kind of growth is one of my favorite things to happen. I see it all the time.
I love our celebrations. I think so many times, students are so focused on achieving whatever accomplishment, whether it's getting a good grade on that quiz or that test, or getting the degree. But often times, we'll go through this, and it's a check. "Okay, what's the next think I need to do?" I'm like, "No, no, no, no. We need to celebrate this." Because I think that is what pours back into us, to be able to sustain that longterm work that we're putting towards this degree. I love our first generation celebration days. I love our graduation ceremonies. We have First In Line regalia, where students can wear this to commencement and just really honor, again, that journey and that achievement.
But yeah, I think the more intimate thing is just watching them blossom. That's amazing.
Derek Smith:
What does that regalia look like? If we were at a commencement, what would we see?
Michelle Gonzalez:
Yeah! We have, for our FILSA scholars and First In Line student leaders, they got a stole. It says First In Line, it's green with a white border to it. Then everybody gets green and white cords. Again, just to commemorate that journey and being the first in their family. There's been times where students, they may not get to join for the ceremony, but they're picking it up because they want to make sure, when graduation is happening, that they are wearing that.
There's been some beautiful pictures where you'll seem them place it on a grandparent's shoulders, just to honor the journey that their family has gone through to get them to this point.
Derek Smith:
Wow.
Michelle Gonzalez:
Yeah.
Derek Smith:
Well, you've been here five years. I know this work has gone on long before that. But what, you've seen two whole classes come through now. How special is that, to see them start and finish?
Michelle Gonzalez:
It's amazing. It's amazing. The connection that we have within the First In Line community, we have students that are graduating all the time but they still stay connected. I'm able to call them, "Hey, do you want to do a First In Line alumni panel?" They're always ready to support their fellow peers. It's really cool to see them go out into the world. We've got students in med school, we've got students in different Ivy League schools. They're in their field, working. It's pretty cool to see them going out there and making an impact.
But just getting to, again, shepherd them in that journey and watch that growth, it's rewarding. It's rewarding.
Derek Smith:
Yeah, that's amazing.
Michelle Gonzalez:
Yeah.
Derek Smith:
Visiting with Michelle Gonzalez, of Baylor First In Line. Michelle, let's shift gears just a little bit. The work takes place all across campus. I'm curious, what role do Baylor faculty, the professors play? Do you partner with faculty across campus?
Michelle Gonzalez:
Yes, absolutely. We've got some amazing campus partners. They have an important role because essentially, in our different majors and schools across campus, we have small worlds and cultures that the students are having to learn within their field. The faculty, their in a position where they can really cultivate a caring community for their First In Line students. Which is important, because if a student isn't feeling comfortable to go to a staff member or to a faculty member, they may be struggling alone.
I think with our faculty, they do an amazing job of really trying to make sure students know, "Hey, we are here to help. Come to our office hours." We really try to hammer that in when they first join Baylor, because so many times, they don't initially. It's intimidating. Faculty are in a powerful position, in the sense of they are cultivating a caring community, one that's going to help them be empowered. First generation students, they're having to build their network. They're not coming from generations of doctors, or businessmen or women. They're having to cultivate that while they're at Baylor, so it really is crucial that they do that. And that they get comfortable talking to professors.
I think when our faculty are intentional of really extending that extra support, explain things a little bit more in-depth when they first start getting their first-year students in, it goes a long ways. It goes a long ways. But yeah, our faculty are doing some amazing things. I think the first thing is also just being aware of their First In Line community. How are they doing? How are they holding up academically, retention-wise? Are there ways that we can better support them to close those gaps?
But yeah, we've got some different schools, they've created mentorship programs. We have Prehealth, they've created a whole scholarship program where they're having students live together. They're taking a First In Line STL course together. It's been neat to see faculty take ownership of their First In Line community to really, again, make sure that nobody is being left behind in their academic journey.
Derek Smith:
Faculty obviously play a big role. What about parents? Do you work with students' parents much?
Michelle Gonzalez:
Not a whole, whole lot. We get to see them on the front end. The president does a First In Line family reception every family weekend, so I get to engage with them there.
They do hold an important role, though. When I do connect with parents, I always remind them that the best thing they can do is provide an unconditional love and support for that student. Because their student is going to face a moment where they are, again, ready to throw in the towel and they're questioning anything. "Mom, come pick me up. I'm done." This is that moment where the parents have this crucial role where they can say, "No. You can do this. You are capable. You're going to stay." But just to remind them of their why, of their capabilities. Of just how amazing they are and that they can do it.
It really is, I think ultimately, that's what we want from our parents and our loved ones, is just to know that they've got our back, that they're celebrating us, that they're cheering us on. They don't have to know the details of how to be successful at Baylor. But it is helpful if they go encourage their student to go utilize those resources. Even if it's you don't know where to send them, send them to First In Line and we'll get them connected with whatever resources they may be needing. But yeah, I would say that.
Derek Smith:
Michelle, I want to ask you. We mentioned at the top of the show, the honor you received from First Gen Forward, a First Gen Forward Network Champion. Obviously, it's good to be recognized for great work, but take us a little bit further inside. Who is First Gen Forward and what does this honor represent?
Michelle Gonzalez:
Yeah. First Gen Forward is a network model of higher ed institutions. Essentially, we're striving to scale first generation efforts and student success. They're comprised of over 400 institutions-
Derek Smith:
Wow.
Michelle Gonzalez:
Across the nation, representing 49 different states. It really provides opportunity to share evidence-based practices, resources, support, and navigating challenges. Even when we were expanding our FILSA programming from one to four years, I was able to connect with other institutions across the country and learn how they are doing things, and what has been impactful for them. They hold a high standard of institutions that are part of this network because, again, we're trying to take it to the next level. How do we scale these efforts?
But this recognition, it's an honor. It really is affirming of what we've been able to accomplish and the incredible progress that we've made in supporting and empowering our first generation students at Baylor.
Derek Smith:
Well, congratulations on that. That's exciting. It's an elite group already, and then to be honored within that is especially meaningful.
Michelle Gonzalez:
It truly is.
Derek Smith:
Yeah.
Michelle Gonzalez:
Yeah.
Derek Smith:
Well, Michelle, I'm curious. As you think about, you mentioned that First In Line has grown over time, before you were there and since you've been there. Whether it's building on this honor, or just the work you do in general, what are you excited about? What are some areas you see growing as you look ahead?
Michelle Gonzalez:
Oh, yeah. I think I'm excited to continue the work. I want to see us deepen and broaden our impact among all first generation students. I want to continue cultivating collaborations and partnerships with various areas of the institution. That's something I'm really excited about.
I'm really interested in more alumni engagement. I think there's a lot of opportunity there. We've done a few things. There is a big response. I think our alumni hold that same passion to pour into our First In Line students as our First In Line students do with each other, so I want to tap into that.
But really, just how are we going to expand our resources, our programming, and our support more broadly? There's a lot that can be done. It excites me. That's what's fun about this role is how do we continue to evolve?
Derek Smith:
Well, Michelle, thanks so much for taking the time to be with us. We'll have to talk to you again, as you continue to grow.
Michelle Gonzalez:
Thank you so much. It was a joy. A pleasure to be here.
Derek Smith:
Great to have you here. Michelle Gonzalez, program manager of First In Line, our guest today on Baylor Connections. I'm Derek Smith. A reminder, you can hear this and other programs online, baylor.edu/connections, and you can subscribe on iTunes. Thanks for joining us here on Baylor Connections.