By TYLER ELLYSON
UNK Communications
KEARNEY – Rebeca Salinas Balderas is a first-generation college student.
That’s a label she’s proud to wear.
“Being first-gen means pursuing those opportunities in higher education that my parents didn’t have,” the University of Nebraska at Kearney junior said. “I know I’ve worked hard to get where I am, and I know my parents have worked hard to help me achieve my goal of going to college. I feel like I’m repaying them in a way and kind of giving back to them.”
Born and raised in the small town of Tilaco in central Mexico, Salinas Balderas and her family came to the United States when she was 10. Her father Paulino works in construction and her mother Guadalupe is employed in dining services.
Salinas Balderas always dreamed of becoming a teacher.
“Growing up, I had really great role models who were teachers,” she explained. “My aunt was a teacher in Mexico and she told me really good stories about it. I also had really good teachers in high school and they told me great things about UNK and the education program here, so I really wanted to come to UNK because of that.”
By staying close to home, the Kearney High School graduate knew she could easily turn to her family if she needed assistance. That support system has grown much larger thanks to her involvement at UNK, where more than 40% of the students are first-generation.
CAMPUS SUPPORT
Salinas Balderas is part of TRIO Student Support Services, a federally funded program that provides academic and personal support, financial guidance and career development opportunities for first-generation and income-qualified students and those with documented disabilities. She also joined Sigma Lambda Gamma and currently serves as the multicultural sorority’s fundraising chair and vice president of academics.
“I really enjoy being in the sorority,” Salinas Balderas said. “I don’t have a sister, so being able to call them my sisters is really meaningful. I know I can always count on them.”
Her campus connections extended even further last fall, when Salinas Balderas got involved with the First-Gen Lopers student organization. She held the title of secretary last academic year before taking over as president this semester.
“I really want to stand up for first-gen students,” Salinas Balderas said. “As an organization, we’re always trying to create a welcoming environment for first-gen students and encourage them to be involved on campus. I know it can be hard coming to college, but our events are an opportunity to relax and connect with other members of the first-gen family.”
Formed in 2021, First-Gen Lopers strengthens the bonds between students, faculty and staff while increasing the sense of first-gen pride on campus. The organization hosts First-Gen Friday Lunches and other social activities throughout the year, with the biggest one occurring this week.
The annual First-Gen Festival features free food, games and giveaways, as well as the presentation of the First-Gen Trailblazer and Friend of First-Gen awards. This year’s event is scheduled for 3 to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Nebraskan Student Union Ponderosa Room.
“The First-Gen Lopers organization plays an important role in supporting students, connecting them to helpful resources from the time they’re being recruited through graduation,” said Aaron Estes, the group’s adviser. “Rebeca ensures that new first-generation students are informed about the organization, helping them build connections and successfully navigate their transition to UNK.”
In addition to his role with that organization, Estes is co-chair of the UNK First Generation Leadership Team and senior director of the Loper Success Hub, a student-focused space on the second floor of the recently renovated Calvin T. Ryan Library. The Success Hub serves as a centralized location for academic resources on campus, offering academic advising, career planning, success coaching, peer mentoring, tutoring and other services.
Salinas Balderas is one of the success coaches, further demonstrating her commitment to supporting fellow Lopers. Estes called her a hardworking servant leader who helps students “find their place at UNK.”
“UNK is a great place for first-generation students for many reasons, but primarily because of the first-generation students themselves,” he said. “They are driven to achieve their goals and committed to supporting each other.”
Eventually, Salinas Balderas wants to expand that impact beyond campus by bringing First-Gen Lopers members to area high schools to meet with students and inspire them to pursue higher education.
IMPACTFUL EDUCATOR
Like Estes, assistant professor Jami Holbein Swanson is impressed by Salinas Balderas’ strong work ethic and dedication to learning and leading at UNK. She called her an asset to the teacher education program.
“Rebeca is an open, honest and kind person who finds great joy in working collaboratively to support learners,” Holbein Swanson said. “She is super smart and funny, which serves her well when working with younger students. She asks challenging questions and considers multiple perspectives when working with students and colleagues. It is an honor and a pleasure to have her in class.”
Salinas Balderas is studying elementary education with an English as a second language endorsement. After graduating from UNK, she plans to remain in Nebraska to start her teaching career.
“I want to show my future students that with hard work you can achieve whatever you want to achieve,” she said.
Holbein Swanson believes she’ll have a lasting impact in the classroom.
“I am hopeful that Rebeca lands in a building with a large Spanish-speaking population where she can build strong relationships with families, encouraging her students to bring the very best version of themselves each and every day,” she said.
