Welcome to the students with first-generation affinity community page!

Navigating college and career readiness can be overwhelming when you are a first-generation college student.  This web page will provide advice, resources, and networking opportunities tailored to your needs to help you gain the most from your college experience and feel more confident and prepared after graduation. 

Who is first-gen?

Depending on who you’re asking, the definition of first-gen students can be a bit different.  Here at the Fleishman Center, we are keeping it simple.

  • Students whose parents/guardians did not complete a 4-year degree 

This web page is designed to be open to all Binghamton University students, faculty and staff regardless of race, color, national origin, or sex, and is consistent with all current governing federal and state nondiscrimination law.

Managing Money Anxiety While Job Searching

Money anxiety is a beast. In this episode, I talk through 5 steps you can implement to manage money anxiety while in your job search. I share my experience growing up low-income and continuing to earn a low salary even …

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Making the Most of Mentorship: 10 Tips From Slack’s Youny Kuang

As the daughter of Chinese immigrants to California and the eldest of three children, Youny was the guiding light for her siblings as they prepared to go to college. In a way, her siblings were her first mentees.

“My parents …

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5 Ways to Discover Your Passions as an Exploring Student

Are you a Binghamton University student who isn’t sure what your major or future plans are? It’s normal to enter college without having a firm idea of your interests. It’s never too late to change your mind about what you …

By Ashley Dua
Ashley Dua
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Taking Leaps and Growing With Confidence — From a Contractor to a First-Generation VP

In the past 13 years, Zoya Khan has only changed companies once — leaving a full-time position to join Prudential as a contractor.

What made her take this leap of faith? Well, for one, Khan knew what she wanted and was …

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Sidebar

Alumni Connections

Meet Oyinkansola
  • Elmont, New York
  • Human Capital Operations Senior Analyst Neuberger Berman
Meet Jeannie
  • Boston, Massachusetts
  • Mammalian Engineer Between Jobs
Meet Flynn
  • Farmingdale, New York
  • Research Technician Cold Spring Harbor Laboratories
Meet Arianna
  • New York, New York
  • Director - Business Analyst Morgan Stanley
Meet Carlos
  • New York, New York
  • Global Talent Strategy Leader Ernst & Young
Meet Dan
  • Syracuse, New York
  • Medical Surgical Registered Nurse St Joseph health hospital
Meet Mary
  • New York, New York
  • Research Assistant New York University (Gallatin School)
Meet Magda
  • New York, New York
  • Associate Director, Digital Investment OMD
Meet Frankie
Meet Yesenia
  • Kingston, Ontario
  • Privacy & AI Attorney Self-Employed (Of Counsel w/various firms)
Meet Jessica
  • Waldwick, New Jersey
  • Sr. Analyst Jaguar Land Rover North América
Meet Eduardo

Featured Resources

Established by Cathleen Ellsworth ’86 in honor of her relationship with Sheila Doyle, Executive Director of the Binghamton University Foundation, …

An award winning podcast and the first and #1 show in the world for first-generation scholars and professionals.

This guide provides first-generation college students with the resources they need to have a successful start of their college journeys.

Mentoring Network for first-generation faculty, staff and students at Binghamton University

Workshop series with Visions Federal Credit Union to help improve student financial literacy and financial wellness.

The application for this fund is at the bottom of this page. Please read all fund information carefully before applying. …

Get In Touch

Phone
607-777-2400
Address

University Union 133

Office Hours

Monday 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Thursday 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Friday 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Learn more about career consulting appointments here!