October 3, 2025 • 27 mins
Navigating College and Career as a First-Generation Student: Sarah Smyth’s Journey
In this episode of the First Gen 101 Podcast, we dive deep with Sarah Smyth, a certified social worker and program director for Trio Student Support Services at St. Peter's University. Sarah shares her inspiring journey from being a first-generation college student to becoming a business owner. She emphasizes the importance of social capital, mentorship, and finding one's purpose in academic and professional settings. Sarah also offers valuable insights into the financial, personal, and academic challenges faced by first-generation students and highlights the crucial role of community colleges and institutional support programs. Tune in to learn about the power of storytelling, building genuine connections, and navigating the complexities of college life and beyond.
Learn more about E. Smyth& Co. Consulting by contacting: esmythconsulting@gmail.com.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Sarah Smyth (She/Her) (00:00):
I was very much involved during my
(00:02):
undergraduate career.
When I was going to school, Iwas also myself working two
jobs.
I also had to do my clinicalinternship.
I was working at an office onaging, so working with older
adults.
I was working with young adultsand I wasn't getting paid for
it, but I was building theconnection that I needed through
the way.
So a lot of what opened thedoors for me is leaning on my
(00:25):
social capital and thementorship.
I know sometimes students maynot see the bigger picture, but
really investing in thosegenuine connections and just
being eager to learn, right?
Not necessarily looking atsomebody and saying, Hey, I need
a job, but really looking atsomeone and saying, how did you
get here?
(00:45):
Starting those careerconversations.
So throughout my undergrad andeven grad was just making sure
that I was putting myself in theposition to be around
individuals.
That one had alignment to fifth.
To purpose, right?
So much of what they're doing issomething that I find meaning
in, but also developing therelationships that I needed.
(01:07):
Why is it important for firstgeneration students to find
their purpose and their why?
Yeah, absolutely.
So something that I do, I'm acertified social worker, so I
really look at the whole person.
I wanna make sure thatindividuals feel empowered,
their voices are heard, butultimately are doing things that
they enjoy, right?
And feeling fulfilled.
And so when we talk aboutfinding your purpose, especially
(01:29):
working with first gen studentsand college students in general.
If you're looking to explore amajor or a career that really
lights you up, it's reallyimportant to make sure your
passion, your wellbeing isenergized and that you know what
drains you.
And so if you're working inthings or you're doing things
(01:50):
that do not fulfill you.
Holistically or mind, body andsoul, and you don't feel passion
there, you're going to feeloverwhelmed in your day to day.
You're not going to, you'regonna feel stagnant.
Miguel Sanchez (02:04):
Hello everyone.
Welcome to another episode ofthe First Gen one-on-one podcast
where first generation graduatesshare their stories and career
tips.
Today we have Sarah Smythe.
Thank you for joining us today.
Sarah Smyth (She/Her) (02:17):
you so much for having Thank you so
much for having me.
One of the benefits of doingthis podcast is that we get to
share the power for stories ofpeople like you who are first
generation graduates, but youare also helping first
generation students.
So first of all, I just wannathank you for that.
Recently I read a post on yourLinkedIn dimension exploring the
(02:39):
power of purpose and discoveringyour why, and the conversation
was in context of you workingwith other students as they
begin their college journey.
So can you tell us why is itimportant for first generation
students to find their purposeand their why?
Yeah, absolutely.
So something that I do, I'm acertified social worker, so I
(03:00):
really look at the whole person.
I wanna make sure thatindividuals feel empowered,
their voices are heard, butWhere their voices are heard,
are doing things that theyenjoy, doing things that they
enjoy, right?
You fulfill.
And finding your purpose, apurpose, first gen working with
first gen students and to ifyou're looking to working that
(03:21):
really or career that reallylike you up.
important It's really importantto make sure your passion, your
wellbeing, and energized, andthat you know what drain.
if so in if you're working inthings or you're doing things
that not you, um, holisticallyor towards mind, and you don't
(03:41):
feel passion there you're goingto you're going to in feel
overwhelmed in your day to day.
You're not gonna.
stagnant.
gonna and again, you're um, Andagain, you're not gonna feel
fulfilled.
So what I usually do is one, wereally delve into Iki guy, which
is a Japanese concept andreally, just understanding self,
and wellbeing and what do youlove to do?
(04:02):
What does the community need?
What do you wanna get paid for?
And really just tapping intoself and intersecting there on
those there on those differentavenues Folks way.
decision.
can make a sound decision.
And whatever you choose todaymay not be what you choose
tomorrow because things evolve.
The connections that we needevolve.
But ultimately you wanna makesure that you know what your
(04:25):
purpose is and it's whatever youdo is an alignment to that.
One of the
Miguel Sanchez (04:30):
things that I've noticed about students going off
to college is they have a vagueidea of what they want to do.
It seems a lot of firstgeneration, students, they're
thinking about college, they'rethinking about having a job, but
it doesn't seem clear that theyunderstand why, one, they should
go to college.
And then number two, what is itthat energizes them.
(04:52):
To be able to pull through thefour years of college.
Before we get into your story,'cause I really wanna hear about
what really energizes you.
Tell me tell me about your workat St.
Peter's University.
So.
Sarah Smyth (She/Her) (05:05):
working in higher education for a plus
years now, both at a two andfour year institution.
In my current role now at St.
Peter's University, I'm thedirector for Trio Student
Support Services, which is afederal funded program that
supports low income firstgeneration college students and
even students with documenteddisability to persevere.
(05:26):
Throughout their undergradjourney and even beyond.
And through that, it's throughthe holistic support, looking at
the student academically,personally, career as well as
financial literacy, which isreally important for our
students.
But I come from a first genprogram actually the Educational
Opportunity Fund program, whichis in New Jersey, which is a
sister program.
(05:47):
And I went through that cominginto college as a traditional
student and seeing thementorship, seeing the doors and
the gateways that it opened upfor me.
I knew that's what I wanted todo.
And I wouldn't be here speakingto you and much of my work if it
wasn't through the support andguidance I received from that.
And much of what fuels me todayis.
(06:08):
Put Pouring back into those thatpoured into me To making sure
that there's equitable studentsuccess, for our students.
and making sure thatinstitutions are modeling
support programs.
because we see the Return oninvestment.
We see the We see see thepersistence and the graduation
rates out of these programs.
(06:29):
And a lot has to do with thewraparound services.
that not only looks at thestudent as a number, but looks
at the student as a human being.
And that's what I do.
I put into practice andimplement initiatives that.
support that.
And I've just been, at all, Iwould say throughout my whole
experience, because whenstudents come into my office
(06:50):
just to say hi, or they tell methat they got an internship or
they say, thank you for that buscard that you provided me.
I was able to get home and pickup my sister.
It's the little things like thatreally make my day.
And I just I'm so grateful to beworking with these groups of
students and at St.
Peter's University.
Miguel Sanchez (07:10):
until I started the podcast, I didn't know much
about the programs that are outthere helping first generation
students, especially the TRIOprogram.
What were some of thecircumstances?
What sort of impressed upon you?
I am a first generation student.
There's certain things that Idunno, do you have a, an example
of that would really, uh, pointto that?
(07:32):
Yeah.
Sarah Smyth (She/He (07:32):
absolutely.
So just to give some backgroundon just who I am as an
individual I'm a firstgeneration college graduate
professional, and now businessowner.
But I was raised by mygrandfather, my grandmother,
along with a single mother.
We were a middle class family,been in New Jersey my whole
life.
My grandparents didn't havenothing more than a high school
diploma.
My mother worked.
(07:52):
Two jobs really making endsmeet.
And although we were middleclass I am grateful and
something that was alwaysinstilled me, instilled in me
through my family is the moreyou know, the better off you
are.
And it didn't necessarily meanthe more you know
Intellectually, but the more youare exposed, the more people
you're around, the better offyou are.
And I didn't know if college wasin the Books for me.
(08:15):
it was my senior year, we werelooking at the warmer weather.
Everybody's getting theiracceptance letters for college
and I didn't apply yet.
I was just trying to figure itout and my guidance counselor
pulled me aside and said, Hey,Hudson County Community College
is coming.
I want you to apply.
I received an acceptance and atthe time And this huge ti stigma
(08:36):
when Folks were going tocommunity colleges, right.
One, you're Not well Equippedacademically.
You don't have the financialmeans, which I didn't
necessarily have the financialmeans to Go into a four year
public institution in NewJersey, let alone outta state.
And so I then was accepted andthat's when I was pre-qualified
(08:57):
for the EOF program.
There was a pre-college summerprogram going on and I was
getting ready to go to Jamaicawith my grandparents, and my
mom, first time flying, first.
Big gift ever big ticket item.
And I had to tell them, I needto come back a little earlier
because I'm gonna start thiscollege program.
And it was that moment on thatreally allowed me to realize
(09:18):
wow, I am the first in my familyto go to college and I'm making
this happen.
But also the mentorship that Ireceived throughout the process
was just like reinstiling, thatyou are capable.
You can do this and we are gonnasupport you.
And something that I instillwithin my students, being part
of Trio, EOF or other programs,is we're always an extension of
(09:40):
family.
And although I had the stabilityat home on making sure I had a
roof over my head, it was warmand I had food, but they didn't
understand what the collegeprocess was.
And so that stability for me wasat college because that allowed
me to have an outlook of thepossibilities career wise.
(10:01):
That allowed me to know thedifferent resources that I'm
eligible for stepping outside ofmy traditional model that I had
at home.
And that's just how I started torecognize what first Gen was.
I don't think it was talkedabout as much.
until now as time progresses andthese initiatives come about, we
(10:23):
talk about first gen moreproudly.
But it was something that Ithink in the beginning I was a
little ashamed about becauseit's you're first gen You didn't
come from much.
But At the end of the day, Itradition I conditioned myself
to realize no, you came from somuch.
You have great, you haveperseverance.
You seen your family, Put inhours of hard work to make it
(10:46):
where they are today.
And now I need to put in thework to pave the way for
generations to come.
That's the way that, Life rolleditself out for me.
I knew I wanted to help people.
I became a social worker goingto school at Rutgers, and I
said, my niche is college.
My niche is these incoming highschool students or these middle
(11:09):
age these young adults becausethey're such at a crucial
developmental stage in figuringout their career and their
passions.
and I wanted to be part of thatprocess.
Miguel Sanchez (11:19):
A couple things you mentioned that, that stuck
to me.
One is this idea of family andone of the things that I've been
learning and one of the lessonsreally the big lessons over the
last almost year now, is thatthe first generation experience
is true across backgrounds,socioeconomic statuses.
(11:42):
Ethnicities, et cetera.
So it is this really globalexperience.
And another thing that youmentioned that really caught my
attention.
Is the importance of communitycolleges.
I went to a community collegeand now it's been, I don't even
remember 15 years later.
I'm very grateful because I wasable to have people around me
(12:06):
who were very much like me, butalso faculty and staff who were
able to understand my situationthat helped me.
But one thing that's not reallytalked about, I feel as it
should be.
Is financial aid and the cost ofgoing to college, going to a
community college is much lessexpensive than going to a
(12:27):
private school.
It really helps you in the longrun.
Any thoughts on that about thecost of colleges, in terms of
the college, in terms of thecommunity colleges and the role
they play?
Sarah Smyth (She/Her) (12:38):
so
Miguel Sanchez (12:39):
Yeah,
Sarah Smyth (She/Her) (12:39):
to
Miguel Sanchez (12:39):
so
Sarah Smyth (She/Her) (12:40):
college
Miguel Sanchez (12:40):
went
Sarah Smyth (She/Her) (12:40):
to a community college.
It was, It was, um, I didn'thave to pay anything, and I
actually got a Fund check tohelp sustain my my tuition or my
other educational expenses.
But I do agree.
I think, Now we're moving out ofthe stigma of what community
college is, and what it reallycould provide and the
partnerships that a lot ofcommunity colleges are
(13:01):
developing amongst otherinstitutions Dual enrollment
programs four plus one programstransfer processes, which is
amazing.
I know for me, When I went tothe community college, I applied
to Rutgers and at the top at thetime they had run to the top.
So whatever.
I received from financial aid,Pell, and tag.
And there was a balance run tothe top.
(13:21):
match that because of my GPA anddifferent things in that sort.
So I think.
now even for students that arevery much uncertain and they're
just figuring things out, maybea community college is a great
option for them because it,allows them to tap into these
different disciplines at a verylow cost rate, maybe not paying
anything at all.
And there's a lot ofpartnerships that a lot of these
(13:43):
community college do have withfour year institutions that
maybe their a game, right?
Maybe their end goal, of wherethey wanna go.
I know for me that's what thatwas.
And I have to say, a lot of fouryear institutions now are
becoming aware of thecompetitiveness of community
college and how they're,advancing.
And now four year institutionsare looking at integrating
(14:05):
associate programs and differentthings in that sort.
I know at St.
Peter's University, we have anassociate program and that's
growing, especially for highschool students in our dual
enrollment.
I'm seeing this more on that.
A lot of high school studentsnowadays are.
becoming more exposed to thecollege experience.
Right as early as theirsophomore, junior, senior year
(14:26):
of college, high school.
And I didn't necessarily havethat advantage.
So seeing that some of thesestudents are coming in with 15,
20, 30 credits before evenentering college is just mind
blowing to me.
For them to finish anassociate's degree in a year as
opposed to two years is justbeautiful.
I think times are advancing
Miguel Sanchez (14:47):
advancing,
Sarah Smyth (She/Her) (14:48):
in a way.
Miguel Sanchez (14:49):
what are some of the biggest challenges you're
seeing for first generationstudents?
You think they're still the samethat we saw when we were in
college.
Have you, are you noticinganything that first generation
students should be really payingattention to?
Sarah Smyth (She/Her) (15:01):
Yeah, so I think right now we're still at
the.
of COVID, right.
I think that definitely delayeddelayed, of um, a lot of
intellectual and lot of ourstudents, even those that do
come from first generationbackgrounds.
And a lot of things that I amseeing is.
They are having more hats towear, right?
(15:23):
They're juggling manyresponsibilities and balancing
what that looks and so when youneed to ensure that you can pay
to get to school or you need tomake sure that you can pay your
rent.
Sometimes sitting in the classis not going to, you're not
gonna be fully present.
And so what I'm seeing at leastwithin my students is they're
(15:44):
wearing so many they're andresponsibilities.
And so how do institutions makesure that they have wraparound
services that look at thestudent making sure that we have
financial support, making surethat there is a food pantry,
making sure that there is aclothing drive, making sure
there is Babysitters and mentalhealth counseling because that's
(16:08):
just gonna make it a little bitjust gonna make it a little bit
more easier for students.
said, Um, Because like I said,sometimes their stability is at
the the thing that we canprovide them is those services
that they may not have outside.
And we know that's challengingbecause there's a lot of grants
out there that have restrictionsAnd there's a lot of funding
that, is being threatened ortaken away.
(16:30):
But a lot of what I'm seeing isstudents just need their basic
needs to be taken care ofbecause they're struggling and
they wanna be here.
They have the grit, they havethe perseverance, they want to
break those generational curses.
But it's so hard for thembecause they're being the
(16:51):
environment that they're in isnot providing them with that
stability.
Miguel Sanchez (16:55):
going to college is one challenge in and of
itself.
Yeah.
Then it's getting a job.
How did you, in your experience,how did you build your
professional career?
Was it through mentorships?
did you just apply to places?
How was the transition fromgraduation to the, okay, I'm
going to, into my first job.
Sarah Smyth (She/Her) (17:16):
Yeah.
very much involved during myundergraduate career.
When I was going to school, Iwas also myself working two
jobs.
I also had to do my clinicalinternships.
I was working at an office onaging, so working with older
adults.
I was working with young adults.
And I wasn't getting paid forit, but I was building the
connections that I neededthrough the way.
(17:38):
So a lot of what opened thedoors for me is leaning on my
social capital and thementorships.
And I know sometimes studentsmay not see the bigger picture,
but really investing in those.
Genuine connections.
And just being eager to learn,right?
Not necessarily looking atsomebody and saying, Hey, I need
a job, but really looking atsomeone and saying, how did you
(18:01):
get here?
Starting those careerconversations.
So throughout my undergrad andeven grad I was just making sure
that I was putting myself in theposition to be around
individuals that one hadalignment to, to purpose, right?
So much of what they're doing issomething that.
I find meaning in but alsodeveloping the relationships
(18:21):
that I needed.
So a lot came from mentorship.
A lot came from looking atstudent employment as not only
student employment, but just asAn opportunity of building my
professional resume.
And no job was less than Right.
A title didn't mean anythingbecause a lot of the skills that
I learned were transferable intoany role.
(18:42):
And something that I lean veryheavily on is definitely
storytelling.
And even through my.
Interviews and my connectionsthat I made, I always start with
who I am, where I came frombecause I think it just gives
them a better understanding ofwho you are as a person and why
it is that you wanna do what youwanna do.
(19:03):
Because I don't show up just fora paycheck, Right.
We know we can, move.
A lot of people are moving fromhigher ed to corporate America,
but we're doing this because welove the work that we do, and we
find that passion and values.
So I would say a lot came fromthe mentorship, the social
capital, just buildingrelationships looking for.
Connections that were opening upat the institution and just
(19:26):
taking it one step at a time.
And a lot of these programs atinstitutions there's built in
internships, right?
There's built in partnershipsthat students can take advantage
of.
And although it may invest a lotof time if you put in that time
and energy, it pays off in thelong run.
I have to say.
Miguel Sanchez (19:46):
before I move on to the next question, one thing
that I just wanna mention, andthis is a, and aside, I was
listening to an interview of twopeople in the tech industry, and
they were talking about ai andone of the things that, that
came up in that conversation,the question was more or less,
what are some of the skillsthat.
Students going into collegeshould be developing.
(20:09):
And they mentioned storytellingand it really caught my
attention that you alsomentioned storytelling.
And I think that's a really goodlesson for all of us really, is
to develop that skill ofstorytelling because we don't
know how AI is going to affectnot only college education, but.
Work and jobs later on, but thatidea of storytelling, I think it
(20:33):
just really resonated with meafter listening to that
conversation.
why do you think firstgeneration students might be
struggling with developingmentorship relationships?
Do you think it's just theavailability of mentors that
maybe we should be doing more Ordo you think it's maybe students
that just don't know how toapproach
Sarah Smyth (She/Her) (20:52):
I think that's a good point.
I think it's twofold.
So I think it's students notnecessarily knowing how to
approach where to go, but I alsothink it aligns with us as
professionals.
How do we outreach to thesedifferent organizations or the
groups that we feel passionateabout that we wanna give back
to.
And so when I work with studentsa lot is they're in their heads.
(21:13):
Their CEOs, their directors, um,And they're intimidated.
And I say to them all the time,they were once you.
Right?
And I bet any amount of money, Iknow I'm one.
If I'm in a budget meeting, Iwould prefer not to be in the
budget meeting and speak to astudent like yourself.
That wants to go into the fieldthat I'm working in.
And so a lot of what I do isjust tell students to utilize
(21:37):
their student card becausesomething that you mentioned
earlier.
is, Once they graduate andgetting a job it's challenging.
so utilize what you have now asa student and use that to your
advantage.
So start having.
Using LinkedIn reaching out tofolks that organizations that
you align with you and you wannawork for message different
(21:59):
professionals from thoseorganizations and just say, hi,
my name is so and i'm a studentstudying in this major.
I see that you're doing this.
I'd love 10 to 15 minutes ofyour time just to see, what
brung you into the role thatyou're in today.
What got you here?
And sometimes more often thannot they'll reach back out,
right?
Whether they're responding viatext, via message, email, or
(22:22):
even scheduling a work patrolcall.
And if you get lucky enough,maybe it's in person, right?
In their actual office at theorganization you wanna work for.
So I always start there and.
then.
In terms of Like professionals.
Going back to our alumni, likeour our school that we graduated
from seeing, what opportunitiesthey have to work with undergrad
(22:43):
or grad students just to giveback.
I know for me, I always reachback out to my EOF program and
my graduate program.
To see what it is that they'redoing and how I can just come
and speak to the students, andgive my insight.
I utilize my LinkedIn to reallyshare what it is that I'm doing
and connecting with studentsjust so that others see it's a
(23:05):
safe space and that they everwanna reach out that I'm here.
But I would say it's about both.
I think it's even us asprofessionals, sometimes we
develop imposter syndrome and wefeel like maybe what we're doing
is not good enough.
And we may not be able to guideothers in the right direction.
It's no, you need to remindyourself that you got yourself
here And you have a lot ofskills and knowledge that others
(23:27):
wanna learn.
from.
And although we walk indifferent pathways at some way,
shape or form being first gen,we intersect.
and it's through thatstorytelling and it's through
those genuine connections thatwe develop through the way.
Miguel Sanchez (23:41):
recently you launched your own consulting
business.
So tell us about thisinitiative.
Sarah Smyth (She/He (23:47):
absolutely.
Miguel Sanchez (23:48):
So,
Sarah Smyth (She/Her) (23:49):
my first business.
So I'm a first time businessowner, so it's east my and cos
consulting and really it'sstrengthening systems,
empowering people.
I'm really consulting withcompassion through my social
work background.
And the goal is to make surethat we are providing equitable
access for students.
in Structuring systems thatsupport them holistically.
(24:12):
So me working with differentpartners and helping them
strategically look at what theirgoals are and what may be
missing, and how we can frame itto look at.
students and their needs andblocking those barriers that
come along the way.
But also mentorship professionaldevelopment for advisors.
Something that I really focus onwithin my program, especially
(24:35):
with my advisors, is moving froman a deficit to an asset based
approach.
The cultural wealth model.
All of our students have all ofthese wonderful backgrounds.
Some of them know more than onelanguage.
They have the linguistic, theyknow people within their
hometown and church andbasketball coaches, like how
they have these supports thatthey need to recognize.
(24:58):
and How are we making sure ourapproaches are tailored to that
when we're working with them?
Because we wanna make sure we'rehaving an inclusive and safe
space.
And again, if college issupposed to provide that
stability, we also need to makesure that, Our connections are
genuine.
So I build that into myconsulting along with doing
workshops for college studentson career readiness, academic
(25:22):
preparedness but also eventalking about my journey and
storytelling to empower those Tofuel them to continue their
passion.
Miguel Sanchez (25:31):
you mentioned making connections with people
in your community, whether it'syour church, other clubs, et
cetera.
online education, it's making itin some ways easier, right?
For students to sit from theirhomes and take a class that they
would otherwise have to drive orwalk, whatever the case is to
that place.
(25:51):
But one of the concerns that Ihave is this breaking down the
personal connection that it's soimportant as you're trying to
build genuine relationships, asyou mentioned.
Yeah, and I'll make sure toleave the link to your business
in the show notes so that peoplecan find you and it'll be posted
in our Instagram so people canreach out to you and they can
(26:12):
connect with you how you canhelp them.
As we come to the end, what hasbeen your biggest achievement as
a first generation graduate?
Sarah Smyth (She/Her) (26:21):
that's a good question.
I think for me, one of mybiggest achievements is
Honestly, circling back toeverything we talked about is
being fulfilled and findingsomething that really aligns
with, me and that I can seemyself doing years to come.
Throughout all my educationalexperience, trials and
(26:42):
tribulations it brought me towhere I am today and I feel
good.
I'm helping others.
and I think that's somethingthat is a huge achievement in
and of itself.
Besides the accolades, ofcourse.
Miguel Sanchez (26:56):
And to end, is there anything else that you
would like to add?
Maybe you wanna mention some ofthe ways that people can connect
with you.
They want to consult yourservices.
Sarah Smyth (She/He (27:05):
absolutely.
Right now my email isesmytheconsulting@gmail.com.
I am utilizing my LinkedInprofile.
Right now to connect with folks.
we're building our website out.
Again, first gen business owner.
I'm gonna be my first gen brandambassador.
But it's to come.
But I am on social media all thetime.
(27:25):
Feel free to reach out.
And I look forward to workingwith anybody that comes my way.
But even if for students thatare listening or recent graduat.
I'm always here to be asoundboard, but also a space for
you to share and hopefully I canprovide some guidance to help
you find the light to the end ofthe tunnel.
Miguel Sanchez (27:45):
thank you very much for spending time with us.
For the rest of you, catch thenext episode.
Sarah Smyth (She/Her) (27:49):
you so much.
Miguel Sanchez (27:50):
Thank you.
I was very much involved during my
(00:02):
undergraduate career.
When I was going to school, Iwas also myself working two
jobs.
I also had to do my clinicalinternship.
I was working at an office onaging, so working with older
adults.
I was working with young adultsand I wasn't getting paid for
it, but I was building theconnection that I needed through
the way.
So a lot of what opened thedoors for me is leaning on my
(00:25):
social capital and thementorship.
I know sometimes students maynot see the bigger picture, but
really investing in thosegenuine connections and just
being eager to learn, right?
Not necessarily looking atsomebody and saying, Hey, I need
a job, but really looking atsomeone and saying, how did you
get here?
(00:45):
Starting those careerconversations.
So throughout my undergrad andeven grad was just making sure
that I was putting myself in theposition to be around
individuals.
That one had alignment to fifth.
To purpose, right?
So much of what they're doing issomething that I find meaning
in, but also developing therelationships that I needed.
(01:07):
Why is it important for firstgeneration students to find
their purpose and their why?
Yeah, absolutely.
So something that I do, I'm acertified social worker, so I
really look at the whole person.
I wanna make sure thatindividuals feel empowered,
their voices are heard, butultimately are doing things that
they enjoy, right?
And feeling fulfilled.
And so when we talk aboutfinding your purpose, especially
(01:29):
working with first gen studentsand college students in general.
If you're looking to explore amajor or a career that really
lights you up, it's reallyimportant to make sure your
passion, your wellbeing isenergized and that you know what
drains you.
And so if you're working inthings or you're doing things
(01:50):
that do not fulfill you.
Holistically or mind, body andsoul, and you don't feel passion
there, you're going to feeloverwhelmed in your day to day.
You're not going to, you'regonna feel stagnant.
Miguel Sanchez (02:04):
Hello everyone.
Welcome to another episode ofthe First Gen one-on-one podcast
where first generation graduatesshare their stories and career
tips.
Today we have Sarah Smythe.
Thank you for joining us today.
Sarah Smyth (She/Her) (02:17):
you so much for having Thank you so
much for having me.
One of the benefits of doingthis podcast is that we get to
share the power for stories ofpeople like you who are first
generation graduates, but youare also helping first
generation students.
So first of all, I just wannathank you for that.
Recently I read a post on yourLinkedIn dimension exploring the
(02:39):
power of purpose and discoveringyour why, and the conversation
was in context of you workingwith other students as they
begin their college journey.
So can you tell us why is itimportant for first generation
students to find their purposeand their why?
Yeah, absolutely.
So something that I do, I'm acertified social worker, so I
(03:00):
really look at the whole person.
I wanna make sure thatindividuals feel empowered,
their voices are heard, butWhere their voices are heard,
are doing things that theyenjoy, doing things that they
enjoy, right?
You fulfill.
And finding your purpose, apurpose, first gen working with
first gen students and to ifyou're looking to working that
(03:21):
really or career that reallylike you up.
important It's really importantto make sure your passion, your
wellbeing, and energized, andthat you know what drain.
if so in if you're working inthings or you're doing things
that not you, um, holisticallyor towards mind, and you don't
(03:41):
feel passion there you're goingto you're going to in feel
overwhelmed in your day to day.
You're not gonna.
stagnant.
gonna and again, you're um, Andagain, you're not gonna feel
fulfilled.
So what I usually do is one, wereally delve into Iki guy, which
is a Japanese concept andreally, just understanding self,
and wellbeing and what do youlove to do?
(04:02):
What does the community need?
What do you wanna get paid for?
And really just tapping intoself and intersecting there on
those there on those differentavenues Folks way.
decision.
can make a sound decision.
And whatever you choose todaymay not be what you choose
tomorrow because things evolve.
The connections that we needevolve.
But ultimately you wanna makesure that you know what your
(04:25):
purpose is and it's whatever youdo is an alignment to that.
One of the
Miguel Sanchez (04:30):
things that I've noticed about students going off
to college is they have a vagueidea of what they want to do.
It seems a lot of firstgeneration, students, they're
thinking about college, they'rethinking about having a job, but
it doesn't seem clear that theyunderstand why, one, they should
go to college.
And then number two, what is itthat energizes them.
(04:52):
To be able to pull through thefour years of college.
Before we get into your story,'cause I really wanna hear about
what really energizes you.
Tell me tell me about your workat St.
Peter's University.
So.
Sarah Smyth (She/Her) (05:05):
working in higher education for a plus
years now, both at a two andfour year institution.
In my current role now at St.
Peter's University, I'm thedirector for Trio Student
Support Services, which is afederal funded program that
supports low income firstgeneration college students and
even students with documenteddisability to persevere.
(05:26):
Throughout their undergradjourney and even beyond.
And through that, it's throughthe holistic support, looking at
the student academically,personally, career as well as
financial literacy, which isreally important for our
students.
But I come from a first genprogram actually the Educational
Opportunity Fund program, whichis in New Jersey, which is a
sister program.
(05:47):
And I went through that cominginto college as a traditional
student and seeing thementorship, seeing the doors and
the gateways that it opened upfor me.
I knew that's what I wanted todo.
And I wouldn't be here speakingto you and much of my work if it
wasn't through the support andguidance I received from that.
And much of what fuels me todayis.
(06:08):
Put Pouring back into those thatpoured into me To making sure
that there's equitable studentsuccess, for our students.
and making sure thatinstitutions are modeling
support programs.
because we see the Return oninvestment.
We see the We see see thepersistence and the graduation
rates out of these programs.
(06:29):
And a lot has to do with thewraparound services.
that not only looks at thestudent as a number, but looks
at the student as a human being.
And that's what I do.
I put into practice andimplement initiatives that.
support that.
And I've just been, at all, Iwould say throughout my whole
experience, because whenstudents come into my office
(06:50):
just to say hi, or they tell methat they got an internship or
they say, thank you for that buscard that you provided me.
I was able to get home and pickup my sister.
It's the little things like thatreally make my day.
And I just I'm so grateful to beworking with these groups of
students and at St.
Peter's University.
Miguel Sanchez (07:10):
until I started the podcast, I didn't know much
about the programs that are outthere helping first generation
students, especially the TRIOprogram.
What were some of thecircumstances?
What sort of impressed upon you?
I am a first generation student.
There's certain things that Idunno, do you have a, an example
of that would really, uh, pointto that?
(07:32):
Yeah.
Sarah Smyth (She/He (07:32):
absolutely.
So just to give some backgroundon just who I am as an
individual I'm a firstgeneration college graduate
professional, and now businessowner.
But I was raised by mygrandfather, my grandmother,
along with a single mother.
We were a middle class family,been in New Jersey my whole
life.
My grandparents didn't havenothing more than a high school
diploma.
My mother worked.
(07:52):
Two jobs really making endsmeet.
And although we were middleclass I am grateful and
something that was alwaysinstilled me, instilled in me
through my family is the moreyou know, the better off you
are.
And it didn't necessarily meanthe more you know
Intellectually, but the more youare exposed, the more people
you're around, the better offyou are.
And I didn't know if college wasin the Books for me.
(08:15):
it was my senior year, we werelooking at the warmer weather.
Everybody's getting theiracceptance letters for college
and I didn't apply yet.
I was just trying to figure itout and my guidance counselor
pulled me aside and said, Hey,Hudson County Community College
is coming.
I want you to apply.
I received an acceptance and atthe time And this huge ti stigma
(08:36):
when Folks were going tocommunity colleges, right.
One, you're Not well Equippedacademically.
You don't have the financialmeans, which I didn't
necessarily have the financialmeans to Go into a four year
public institution in NewJersey, let alone outta state.
And so I then was accepted andthat's when I was pre-qualified
(08:57):
for the EOF program.
There was a pre-college summerprogram going on and I was
getting ready to go to Jamaicawith my grandparents, and my
mom, first time flying, first.
Big gift ever big ticket item.
And I had to tell them, I needto come back a little earlier
because I'm gonna start thiscollege program.
And it was that moment on thatreally allowed me to realize
(09:18):
wow, I am the first in my familyto go to college and I'm making
this happen.
But also the mentorship that Ireceived throughout the process
was just like reinstiling, thatyou are capable.
You can do this and we are gonnasupport you.
And something that I instillwithin my students, being part
of Trio, EOF or other programs,is we're always an extension of
(09:40):
family.
And although I had the stabilityat home on making sure I had a
roof over my head, it was warmand I had food, but they didn't
understand what the collegeprocess was.
And so that stability for me wasat college because that allowed
me to have an outlook of thepossibilities career wise.
(10:01):
That allowed me to know thedifferent resources that I'm
eligible for stepping outside ofmy traditional model that I had
at home.
And that's just how I started torecognize what first Gen was.
I don't think it was talkedabout as much.
until now as time progresses andthese initiatives come about, we
(10:23):
talk about first gen moreproudly.
But it was something that Ithink in the beginning I was a
little ashamed about becauseit's you're first gen You didn't
come from much.
But At the end of the day, Itradition I conditioned myself
to realize no, you came from somuch.
You have great, you haveperseverance.
You seen your family, Put inhours of hard work to make it
(10:46):
where they are today.
And now I need to put in thework to pave the way for
generations to come.
That's the way that, Life rolleditself out for me.
I knew I wanted to help people.
I became a social worker goingto school at Rutgers, and I
said, my niche is college.
My niche is these incoming highschool students or these middle
(11:09):
age these young adults becausethey're such at a crucial
developmental stage in figuringout their career and their
passions.
and I wanted to be part of thatprocess.
Miguel Sanchez (11:19):
A couple things you mentioned that, that stuck
to me.
One is this idea of family andone of the things that I've been
learning and one of the lessonsreally the big lessons over the
last almost year now, is thatthe first generation experience
is true across backgrounds,socioeconomic statuses.
(11:42):
Ethnicities, et cetera.
So it is this really globalexperience.
And another thing that youmentioned that really caught my
attention.
Is the importance of communitycolleges.
I went to a community collegeand now it's been, I don't even
remember 15 years later.
I'm very grateful because I wasable to have people around me
(12:06):
who were very much like me, butalso faculty and staff who were
able to understand my situationthat helped me.
But one thing that's not reallytalked about, I feel as it
should be.
Is financial aid and the cost ofgoing to college, going to a
community college is much lessexpensive than going to a
(12:27):
private school.
It really helps you in the longrun.
Any thoughts on that about thecost of colleges, in terms of
the college, in terms of thecommunity colleges and the role
they play?
Sarah Smyth (She/Her) (12:38):
so
Miguel Sanchez (12:39):
Yeah,
Sarah Smyth (She/Her) (12:39):
to
Miguel Sanchez (12:39):
so
Sarah Smyth (She/Her) (12:40):
college
Miguel Sanchez (12:40):
went
Sarah Smyth (She/Her) (12:40):
to a community college.
It was, It was, um, I didn'thave to pay anything, and I
actually got a Fund check tohelp sustain my my tuition or my
other educational expenses.
But I do agree.
I think, Now we're moving out ofthe stigma of what community
college is, and what it reallycould provide and the
partnerships that a lot ofcommunity colleges are
(13:01):
developing amongst otherinstitutions Dual enrollment
programs four plus one programstransfer processes, which is
amazing.
I know for me, When I went tothe community college, I applied
to Rutgers and at the top at thetime they had run to the top.
So whatever.
I received from financial aid,Pell, and tag.
And there was a balance run tothe top.
(13:21):
match that because of my GPA anddifferent things in that sort.
So I think.
now even for students that arevery much uncertain and they're
just figuring things out, maybea community college is a great
option for them because it,allows them to tap into these
different disciplines at a verylow cost rate, maybe not paying
anything at all.
And there's a lot ofpartnerships that a lot of these
(13:43):
community college do have withfour year institutions that
maybe their a game, right?
Maybe their end goal, of wherethey wanna go.
I know for me that's what thatwas.
And I have to say, a lot of fouryear institutions now are
becoming aware of thecompetitiveness of community
college and how they're,advancing.
And now four year institutionsare looking at integrating
(14:05):
associate programs and differentthings in that sort.
I know at St.
Peter's University, we have anassociate program and that's
growing, especially for highschool students in our dual
enrollment.
I'm seeing this more on that.
A lot of high school studentsnowadays are.
becoming more exposed to thecollege experience.
Right as early as theirsophomore, junior, senior year
(14:26):
of college, high school.
And I didn't necessarily havethat advantage.
So seeing that some of thesestudents are coming in with 15,
20, 30 credits before evenentering college is just mind
blowing to me.
For them to finish anassociate's degree in a year as
opposed to two years is justbeautiful.
I think times are advancing
Miguel Sanchez (14:47):
advancing,
Sarah Smyth (She/Her) (14:48):
in a way.
Miguel Sanchez (14:49):
what are some of the biggest challenges you're
seeing for first generationstudents?
You think they're still the samethat we saw when we were in
college.
Have you, are you noticinganything that first generation
students should be really payingattention to?
Sarah Smyth (She/Her) (15:01):
Yeah, so I think right now we're still at
the.
of COVID, right.
I think that definitely delayeddelayed, of um, a lot of
intellectual and lot of ourstudents, even those that do
come from first generationbackgrounds.
And a lot of things that I amseeing is.
They are having more hats towear, right?
(15:23):
They're juggling manyresponsibilities and balancing
what that looks and so when youneed to ensure that you can pay
to get to school or you need tomake sure that you can pay your
rent.
Sometimes sitting in the classis not going to, you're not
gonna be fully present.
And so what I'm seeing at leastwithin my students is they're
(15:44):
wearing so many they're andresponsibilities.
And so how do institutions makesure that they have wraparound
services that look at thestudent making sure that we have
financial support, making surethat there is a food pantry,
making sure that there is aclothing drive, making sure
there is Babysitters and mentalhealth counseling because that's
(16:08):
just gonna make it a little bitjust gonna make it a little bit
more easier for students.
said, Um, Because like I said,sometimes their stability is at
the the thing that we canprovide them is those services
that they may not have outside.
And we know that's challengingbecause there's a lot of grants
out there that have restrictionsAnd there's a lot of funding
that, is being threatened ortaken away.
(16:30):
But a lot of what I'm seeing isstudents just need their basic
needs to be taken care ofbecause they're struggling and
they wanna be here.
They have the grit, they havethe perseverance, they want to
break those generational curses.
But it's so hard for thembecause they're being the
(16:51):
environment that they're in isnot providing them with that
stability.
Miguel Sanchez (16:55):
going to college is one challenge in and of
itself.
Yeah.
Then it's getting a job.
How did you, in your experience,how did you build your
professional career?
Was it through mentorships?
did you just apply to places?
How was the transition fromgraduation to the, okay, I'm
going to, into my first job.
Sarah Smyth (She/Her) (17:16):
Yeah.
very much involved during myundergraduate career.
When I was going to school, Iwas also myself working two
jobs.
I also had to do my clinicalinternships.
I was working at an office onaging, so working with older
adults.
I was working with young adults.
And I wasn't getting paid forit, but I was building the
connections that I neededthrough the way.
(17:38):
So a lot of what opened thedoors for me is leaning on my
social capital and thementorships.
And I know sometimes studentsmay not see the bigger picture,
but really investing in those.
Genuine connections.
And just being eager to learn,right?
Not necessarily looking atsomebody and saying, Hey, I need
a job, but really looking atsomeone and saying, how did you
(18:01):
get here?
Starting those careerconversations.
So throughout my undergrad andeven grad I was just making sure
that I was putting myself in theposition to be around
individuals that one hadalignment to, to purpose, right?
So much of what they're doing issomething that.
I find meaning in but alsodeveloping the relationships
(18:21):
that I needed.
So a lot came from mentorship.
A lot came from looking atstudent employment as not only
student employment, but just asAn opportunity of building my
professional resume.
And no job was less than Right.
A title didn't mean anythingbecause a lot of the skills that
I learned were transferable intoany role.
(18:42):
And something that I lean veryheavily on is definitely
storytelling.
And even through my.
Interviews and my connectionsthat I made, I always start with
who I am, where I came frombecause I think it just gives
them a better understanding ofwho you are as a person and why
it is that you wanna do what youwanna do.
(19:03):
Because I don't show up just fora paycheck, Right.
We know we can, move.
A lot of people are moving fromhigher ed to corporate America,
but we're doing this because welove the work that we do, and we
find that passion and values.
So I would say a lot came fromthe mentorship, the social
capital, just buildingrelationships looking for.
Connections that were opening upat the institution and just
(19:26):
taking it one step at a time.
And a lot of these programs atinstitutions there's built in
internships, right?
There's built in partnershipsthat students can take advantage
of.
And although it may invest a lotof time if you put in that time
and energy, it pays off in thelong run.
I have to say.
Miguel Sanchez (19:46):
before I move on to the next question, one thing
that I just wanna mention, andthis is a, and aside, I was
listening to an interview of twopeople in the tech industry, and
they were talking about ai andone of the things that, that
came up in that conversation,the question was more or less,
what are some of the skillsthat.
Students going into collegeshould be developing.
(20:09):
And they mentioned storytellingand it really caught my
attention that you alsomentioned storytelling.
And I think that's a really goodlesson for all of us really, is
to develop that skill ofstorytelling because we don't
know how AI is going to affectnot only college education, but.
Work and jobs later on, but thatidea of storytelling, I think it
(20:33):
just really resonated with meafter listening to that
conversation.
why do you think firstgeneration students might be
struggling with developingmentorship relationships?
Do you think it's just theavailability of mentors that
maybe we should be doing more Ordo you think it's maybe students
that just don't know how toapproach
Sarah Smyth (She/Her) (20:52):
I think that's a good point.
I think it's twofold.
So I think it's students notnecessarily knowing how to
approach where to go, but I alsothink it aligns with us as
professionals.
How do we outreach to thesedifferent organizations or the
groups that we feel passionateabout that we wanna give back
to.
And so when I work with studentsa lot is they're in their heads.
(21:13):
Their CEOs, their directors, um,And they're intimidated.
And I say to them all the time,they were once you.
Right?
And I bet any amount of money, Iknow I'm one.
If I'm in a budget meeting, Iwould prefer not to be in the
budget meeting and speak to astudent like yourself.
That wants to go into the fieldthat I'm working in.
And so a lot of what I do isjust tell students to utilize
(21:37):
their student card becausesomething that you mentioned
earlier.
is, Once they graduate andgetting a job it's challenging.
so utilize what you have now asa student and use that to your
advantage.
So start having.
Using LinkedIn reaching out tofolks that organizations that
you align with you and you wannawork for message different
(21:59):
professionals from thoseorganizations and just say, hi,
my name is so and i'm a studentstudying in this major.
I see that you're doing this.
I'd love 10 to 15 minutes ofyour time just to see, what
brung you into the role thatyou're in today.
What got you here?
And sometimes more often thannot they'll reach back out,
right?
Whether they're responding viatext, via message, email, or
(22:22):
even scheduling a work patrolcall.
And if you get lucky enough,maybe it's in person, right?
In their actual office at theorganization you wanna work for.
So I always start there and.
then.
In terms of Like professionals.
Going back to our alumni, likeour our school that we graduated
from seeing, what opportunitiesthey have to work with undergrad
(22:43):
or grad students just to giveback.
I know for me, I always reachback out to my EOF program and
my graduate program.
To see what it is that they'redoing and how I can just come
and speak to the students, andgive my insight.
I utilize my LinkedIn to reallyshare what it is that I'm doing
and connecting with studentsjust so that others see it's a
(23:05):
safe space and that they everwanna reach out that I'm here.
But I would say it's about both.
I think it's even us asprofessionals, sometimes we
develop imposter syndrome and wefeel like maybe what we're doing
is not good enough.
And we may not be able to guideothers in the right direction.
It's no, you need to remindyourself that you got yourself
here And you have a lot ofskills and knowledge that others
(23:27):
wanna learn.
from.
And although we walk indifferent pathways at some way,
shape or form being first gen,we intersect.
and it's through thatstorytelling and it's through
those genuine connections thatwe develop through the way.
Miguel Sanchez (23:41):
recently you launched your own consulting
business.
So tell us about thisinitiative.
Sarah Smyth (She/He (23:47):
absolutely.
Miguel Sanchez (23:48):
So,
Sarah Smyth (She/Her) (23:49):
my first business.
So I'm a first time businessowner, so it's east my and cos
consulting and really it'sstrengthening systems,
empowering people.
I'm really consulting withcompassion through my social
work background.
And the goal is to make surethat we are providing equitable
access for students.
in Structuring systems thatsupport them holistically.
(24:12):
So me working with differentpartners and helping them
strategically look at what theirgoals are and what may be
missing, and how we can frame itto look at.
students and their needs andblocking those barriers that
come along the way.
But also mentorship professionaldevelopment for advisors.
Something that I really focus onwithin my program, especially
(24:35):
with my advisors, is moving froman a deficit to an asset based
approach.
The cultural wealth model.
All of our students have all ofthese wonderful backgrounds.
Some of them know more than onelanguage.
They have the linguistic, theyknow people within their
hometown and church andbasketball coaches, like how
they have these supports thatthey need to recognize.
(24:58):
and How are we making sure ourapproaches are tailored to that
when we're working with them?
Because we wanna make sure we'rehaving an inclusive and safe
space.
And again, if college issupposed to provide that
stability, we also need to makesure that, Our connections are
genuine.
So I build that into myconsulting along with doing
workshops for college studentson career readiness, academic
(25:22):
preparedness but also eventalking about my journey and
storytelling to empower those Tofuel them to continue their
passion.
Miguel Sanchez (25:31):
you mentioned making connections with people
in your community, whether it'syour church, other clubs, et
cetera.
online education, it's making itin some ways easier, right?
For students to sit from theirhomes and take a class that they
would otherwise have to drive orwalk, whatever the case is to
that place.
(25:51):
But one of the concerns that Ihave is this breaking down the
personal connection that it's soimportant as you're trying to
build genuine relationships, asyou mentioned.
Yeah, and I'll make sure toleave the link to your business
in the show notes so that peoplecan find you and it'll be posted
in our Instagram so people canreach out to you and they can
(26:12):
connect with you how you canhelp them.
As we come to the end, what hasbeen your biggest achievement as
a first generation graduate?
Sarah Smyth (She/Her) (26:21):
that's a good question.
I think for me, one of mybiggest achievements is
Honestly, circling back toeverything we talked about is
being fulfilled and findingsomething that really aligns
with, me and that I can seemyself doing years to come.
Throughout all my educationalexperience, trials and
(26:42):
tribulations it brought me towhere I am today and I feel
good.
I'm helping others.
and I think that's somethingthat is a huge achievement in
and of itself.
Besides the accolades, ofcourse.
Miguel Sanchez (26:56):
And to end, is there anything else that you
would like to add?
Maybe you wanna mention some ofthe ways that people can connect
with you.
They want to consult yourservices.
Sarah Smyth (She/He (27:05):
absolutely.
Right now my email isesmytheconsulting@gmail.com.
I am utilizing my LinkedInprofile.
Right now to connect with folks.
we're building our website out.
Again, first gen business owner.
I'm gonna be my first gen brandambassador.
But it's to come.
But I am on social media all thetime.
(27:25):
Feel free to reach out.
And I look forward to workingwith anybody that comes my way.
But even if for students thatare listening or recent graduat.
I'm always here to be asoundboard, but also a space for
you to share and hopefully I canprovide some guidance to help
you find the light to the end ofthe tunnel.
Miguel Sanchez (27:45):
thank you very much for spending time with us.
For the rest of you, catch thenext episode.
Sarah Smyth (She/Her) (27:49):
you so much.
Miguel Sanchez (27:50):
Thank you.
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