First Generation Celebration and Networking

The First Generation Celebration and Networking Event was hosted by Student Life on October 31st, 2024, to celebrate the achievements of First Generation students at ANU. The event was attended by students, staff, and alumni who were among the first generation in their families to attend university, alongside peers excited to celebrate and connect with this community.

The afternoon provided students and alumni with an opportunity to connect and reflect on yet another positive year at the Australian National University! The keynote address, delivered by Rizwan Khan, provided valuable insight into the unique experiences and challenges faced by First Generation students.

First Generation achievements are not only a testament to individual resilience but also to the broader diversity of experiences that contribute to the richness of academic discourse at ANU. This event was designed to recognise the diverse perspectives that First Generation students bring to the academic community and underscore the importance of these students in enriching our university environment.

Keynote speaker Rizwan Khan discussed the difficulty in recognising oneself as a First Generation student, recalling his own experience of coming to understand the term and its significance only after considerable reflection: “Three years ago, if anyone would ask me, I would not know what First Generation is or what it really means”. Rizwan reflected on the intellectual and personal growth inherent in the higher education journey, but also acknowledged the complexities involved. He noted that for First Generation students, such as himself, the process of starting, surviving, and thriving at university is often compounded by the limited availability of familial guidance. As Rizwan explained, “Not only do you not know what you don’t know, those around you—who would generally have some understanding of new academic experiences—also have little knowledge of what you are facing”. This, he suggested, encapsulates the “First Generation Experience”.

The event also featured a range of activities around the theme of networking, a skill that is hard to master for anyone, but can be especially difficult for a First Generation student who must build this network from the ground up. The activities included designing business cards, taking professional headshots, reflecting on personal values, and a speed networking session. In the networking especially, there was great opportunities to foster a supportive and interconnected community of First Generation students, staff, and alumni at ANU.

When asked for networking advice, attendees suggested: “Start making friends in your field”, “Attend more ANU events”, and “Ask for jobs, you will get advice. Ask for advice, you will get jobs”.

Rizwan emphasised the strengths First Generation students develop in navigating higher education and how this personal development lends itself to building a stronger and better university as a whole. Rizwan concluded by noting: “The strengths that brought you to the Australian National University will carry you forward, enabling you to overcome future barriers and achieve significant successes”.

As the ANU First Generation Network continues to grow, we would love to share periodic newsletter updates to keep you connected with information and opportunities to connect with other First Generation students, staff, and alumni, as well as the broader equity community at ANU. Use this link to sign up for our First Generation and Equity Newsletter coming in 2025 - https://forms.office.com/r/BPDeUiD4mK

Congratulations to all First Generation students for your wonderful achievements in 2024 – we are excited to see your ongoing success in your studies and beyond!