KEARNEY – Angel Cante is pursuing a college degree with more than his own future in mind.
A first-generation student at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, he wants to support his family, challenge stereotypes and inspire other young Hispanic men to follow their ambitions.
“Being a first-generation student means change to me,” he said. “I get to change the way my family views education. I get to break a cycle and pursue something my younger self never thought I could do.”
Cante is among the roughly 4 in 10 UNK students working toward something their parents never achieved – a four-year degree.
A junior studying psychology with a minor in behavioral and mental health, Cante grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma, before moving to Nebraska to live with his aunt and uncle during his senior year of high school.
College wasn’t always part of his plan. He initially considered pursuing a trade, and although he eventually became interested in higher education, he wasn’t sure what to expect.
His aunt and uncle encouraged him to explore his options and guided him through the process. Their support, along with a scholarship from the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation, helped make his college education possible.
“I remember being so happy and confident that I was going to college,” Cante said. “My aunt was very proud and happy as well.”
At UNK, he found another important source of support through the Thompson Scholars Learning Community, a program that provides academic and social resources for scholarship recipients.
Cante credits the program’s staff and fellow students with easing his transition to college, strengthening his academic performance and building his confidence.
“The Thompson Scholars Learning Community is a big part of who I am today,” he said. “I’ve gained so many skills that I will use in my future, lifelong friends, a purpose in college and, most importantly, the best memories.”
Now in his second year as a peer mentor, Cante is providing that same encouragement to other students. He currently mentors seven freshmen, meeting with them regularly, participating in community activities and helping them navigate their first year at UNK. He enjoys watching their confidence grow and celebrating their accomplishments, just as others have done for him.
Along with his mentoring responsibilities, Cante balances classes, undergraduate research and a job while preparing for his future career.
He plans to pursue a doctorate in clinical psychology and eventually open a private practice focused on serving marginalized communities and people who need mental health support.
He also hopes to become a role model for young Hispanic men who may not see themselves represented in the profession.
“I want to show them that we can earn doctorates and have careers like this,” he said. “I want to make a difference in their lives and be someone they can look up to.”
His goals are personal, too. He wants to provide for his family and someday help his mother retire.
As he reflects on his college experience so far, Cante encourages other first-generation students to embrace the challenges and possibilities ahead.
“Don’t be scared,” he said. “I’ve had my hard times in college, but I’ve had many more good times and accomplishments. College is an opportunity to grow and find out who you really are.”
His advice is simple: Get involved, make friends, take advantage of every experience and remember the people who helped make it possible.
“Most importantly, be that change in your family and get that degree!”
