How hard is it to be a first-generation college student?

How do you break the poverty cycle? In the documentary film First Generation, screening Wednesday, Nov. 8, from 6:00-7:35 p.m. in the Hill Library Auditorium, four college students try to answer that question through their pursuit of a college degree. But it’s not easy.

An award-winning documentary narrated by Golden Globe nominee Blair Underwood, First Generation tells the stories of an inner city athlete, a small-town waitress, a Samoan warrior dancer, and the daughter of migrant field workers—all of whom are trying to bring hope to their families and communities.

The affordability of higher ed isn’t the only difficulty for Cecilia, Dontay, Jess and Keresoma. The film reveals other challenges for first-generation college goers including a lack of support, encouragement and role models, as well as a lack of access to information.

There will be a post-screening panel to address some of the topics raised in the documentary. Panelists are Sarah Wright, Assistant Director of TRiO Programs, Academic Programs and Services Assistant Director; Courtney Simpson, Senior Director of TRiO Programs, Academic Programs and Services and Jessica Riddell, founder of the College of Education’s First-Generation Graduate Student Organization. 

Following the program, the Division of Academic & Student Affairs invites you to join them for a reception celebrating First Generation college students. The reception will be held in the Faculty Research Commons, which is located near the Auditorium.

Free and open to the public. Pre-registration is required here.

A trailer of the film is here. This event is part of the Campus History event series.

This post was originally published in NC State University Libraries.