By TYLER ELLYSON
UNK Communications
KEARNEY – Sandra Beck wants to make a difference.
The Funk native spent time in the foster care system before she was adopted at age 10. That experience inspired her decision to pursue a career in social work.
“I just want to give back,” she said. “I want to help other foster kids, like the people who helped me.”
Beck took the first step toward that goal by enrolling at the University of Nebraska at Kearney as a first-generation college student. She arrived on campus in mid-August, a moment that brought both immense pride and uncertainty.
“I was a little nervous because I don’t have the help that other people might have,” she said. “My parents never attended a university.”
To prepare for this new chapter in her life, Beck signed up for the First-Gen Trailblazer Academy, a program offered by UNK Tutoring and Academic Support.
In its second year, the weeklong event provides another level of support for first-generation students as they transition to college. The academy is a “practice run” for the fall semester, allowing them to learn more about campus and develop relationships with faculty, staff and peers before classes begin.
“We want to make sure new students feel like they’re connected to campus by the time the semester starts, and we want them to have a go-to person they can turn to whenever they have questions,” said Emily Bahr, interim director of Tutoring and Academic Support.
The Trailblazer Academy is designed to feel like a typical week in college. Participants attend practice classes taught by UNK instructors, eat meals together in the campus dining hall, meet with academic advisers and develop learning strategies that will help them succeed in the future. They’re also introduced to campus resources such as the Financial Aid Office, Calvin T. Ryan Library, Student Health and Counseling and Loper Success Hub, as well as opportunities available through UNK Student Engagement and Campus Recreation.
The program takes students to buildings across campus, so they’re familiar with the layout from Day 1. That was an important aspect for Beck, who never went on a campus tour.
“I thought I knew where everything was, but I did not,” she said with a smile.
Beck also appreciated the emphasis on community and relationship-building. Several social events are planned throughout the week to foster those connections.
“It’s just like a family,” Beck said. “The people here actually care about you. If you’re struggling with something, they’ll be there for you.”
Aaron Estes, senior director of the Loper Success Hub and co-chair of the UNK First Generation Leadership Team, believes that’s the most important message.
“First-generation students are as capable of being successful in academics as any other student,” he said. “Sometimes there are challenges to overcome, but we’re here to support them so these hurdles don’t stand in the way of their personal and professional goals.”
“First-generation students belong here,” Bahr added, “and we’re ready to support them from the very beginning until graduation. We definitely want them to be part of our community.”
A total of 20 students were part of this year’s First-Gen Trailblazer Academy, which concluded last week. Bahr plans to schedule regular meetings and study sessions with the participants throughout the academic year to ensure everything is going smoothly.
“We do the best we can throughout the week to prepare them for the start of the semester, but we know there are questions that will come up that we didn’t prepare them for,” she said. “So we want students to feel comfortable coming back to us anytime there’s something they need.”
A week into the semester, Beck has already returned for assistance. She feels more prepared for the journey ahead knowing there are multiple people in her corner.
“I know I have that support if I need help with anything,” Beck said. “I can always stop by and they’ll be here.”
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