First and Focused - College of Saint Benedict & Saint John's University
First and Focused - College of Saint Benedict & Saint John's University
First and Focused - College of Saint Benedict & Saint John's University
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<strong>First</strong> Gen<br />
The goal <strong>of</strong> the <strong>First</strong> Gen program is to<br />
increase the number <strong>of</strong> first-generation<br />
college students at <strong>Saint</strong> John’s as well<br />
as to increase the <strong>University</strong>’s socioeconomic,<br />
cultural <strong>and</strong> racial diversity.<br />
When fully funded, the <strong>First</strong> Gen<br />
program will meet 100% <strong>of</strong> a student’s<br />
financial need through scholarships <strong>and</strong><br />
grants. In addition to the typical financial<br />
omar Abdullahi ’13<br />
Biochemistry major from St. Paul, Minn.<br />
On life in Kenya: We left Somalia to escape the civil war<br />
when I was 2, <strong>and</strong> lived in a camp in Kenya for a long time.<br />
Then my brother moved to the United States <strong>and</strong> was able to<br />
assist the family to move to Nairobi. It’s very difficult to get<br />
a college education in Kenya unless you’re wealthy. We came<br />
to St. Paul when I was 15.<br />
On education: For me, to get an education is not only<br />
about making money or getting rich, but more like bringing<br />
a light into the family. For example, if I make it to a career in<br />
medicine, I can actually help people who are in need. My older<br />
brother, who came to the U.S. earlier, encouraged me. He<br />
didn’t have a chance to go to college, <strong>and</strong> he would talk to me,<br />
telling me I could make a better life with an education.<br />
On first generation: You are more on your own <strong>and</strong> are self<br />
motivated. My motivation has to come from inside, not from<br />
having a father who sent me here. You have a need to succeed. Your<br />
parents didn’t have a chance to go to school, so you feel like you<br />
should fulfill that dream by yourself.<br />
award <strong>and</strong> work award, students will<br />
receive an additional scholarship to<br />
eliminate loans <strong>and</strong> the usual funding<br />
gap between financial assistance <strong>and</strong><br />
educational costs.<br />
As generous as the scholarship are,<br />
they don’t pay for everything. Families<br />
are expected to cover student travel<br />
<strong>and</strong> personal expenses.