Many people who go to college are first-generation students. Miami University celebrates the achievements of first-generation college students — those who are paving their own path even when their parents didn’t complete a four-year degree. We celebrate their resilience and accomplishments, and today, we’re sharing two stories from Miami University students about how they’ve grown over their years here.
Let’s start with Travis Bell, a junior Psychology major with a minor in Anthropology, who shared a bit about his journey and how he found his way at Miami.
Travis’s Path
When asked how he found Miami and why he chose his major, Travis said he applied to several schools in high school but ultimately chose Miami because of the support and scholarships he received. He was also happy that Miami wasn’t too far from home. It was close enough to stay connected, but far enough to give him some independence. He credits both his high school counselor and his family for helping him navigate the college application process.
“Fortunately, I had my uncle, he was very helpful to me, with applying and figuring out other important things,” he added.
Originally, Travis came to Miami as a Biomedical Engineering major. But, by his sophomore year, he realized it wasn’t the right fit. After switching to Psychology, he found himself really enjoying his classes and connecting with others in the field, including through organizations for Black Psychology students like The Association of Black Psychologists (ABPsi).
Photo on the right provided by Travis Bell
First Impressions and Growth
I always like asking students what their first impressions of Miami were. For Travis, even though he didn’t get to take a campus tour beforehand, he said he immediately loved how the campus looked on his first day of classes. He didn’t find it overwhelming. In fact, he liked that Miami felt like its own big “bubble.” It made him feel connected and part of something bigger.
Travis also mentioned how much Miami has helped him grow in his communication skills, maturity, and independence.
“When it came to having a professional conversation, like sitting down or talking to somebody that I don’t really know, it was definitely hard for me. Since I’ve been here doing it more with advisors and professors, my communication has gotten better. In high school, you’re just doing it for the grades, but once you get here, it’s different — you don’t have to go to class, but you want to, because you want to be successful.”
He then shared that being a role model for his younger siblings means a lot to him. Through his internship and involvement in programs like Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) and ABPsi, he’s found both community and confidence in his academic journey.
As for advice to future students, especially those who are first-generation, he said it best:
“You deserve to be here just as much as anyone else. Be comfortable being yourself, and you’ll be successful.”
Talairja’s First Impression
Talairja Brittman, a senior Psychology major with a minor in Art Therapy, said that she found Miami in a casual, unexpected moment.
“So I was kind of just looking around, checking my emails and everything during my junior and senior year of high school, and I saw that Miami popped up for one of the emails. So, I clicked on the link and I was immediately fascinated by the campus because I thought that it looked beautiful,” she said.
Before college, Talairja mentioned her father had attended art school, and her mother attended some schooling as well, but she didn’t know what it would be like to be at a four-year institution. She said that going to college fairs and talking to her high school counselors really helped with everything, along with her parents’ support.
“I’ve always wanted to learn more about how humans behave and how the brain works, so I decided to go for psychology.”
Additionally, Miami helped her to feel more confident in her independence after studying abroad for one semester in Luxembourg.
“It was like a whole new environment for me to figure out, and my support systems were very far away from me, so I kind of had to deal with that whole adjustment. But I am proud of myself for figuring out different cultural norms,” she said.
Photo on the left provided by Talairja Brittman.
Advice for First-Generation Students and Favorite Campus Spot
When I asked her what advice she’d give to other first-generation students, she said:
“Try new things, be open-minded, and ask for help when you need it. It’s OK if you don’t know everything — there are a lot of people at Miami who are here to help and guide you through the college process, whether it’s figuring out expenses, your major, or anything else.”
Some of her favorite memories at Miami included spending time Uptown with friends — getting ice cream, eating dinner at local restaurants, and stopping by her favorite bakery, Tous les Jours café. She said she’s just been soaking up every moment in her college experience.
If you’re a first-generation student, we celebrate you. Be proud of how far you’ve come and remember that your journey is your own. You deserve to be here just as much as anyone else. Keep asking questions, trying new things, and trusting that you’ll find your way.
