First-generation students, faculty, and staff gather for a photo at the PC sign on the Vance Plaza.

Presbyterian College celebrated National First-Gen College Student Day with its third annual pinning ceremony for first-year students.

At the event, Dr. Joleesa Royal, the director of the Presby First+ program, delivered a message of resilience, empowerment, and perseverance to the college’s first-generation students. Royal, a dedicated advocate for first-generation college students, delivered a heartfelt and interactive speech, challenging students to embrace their unique journeys and rise to the challenges they face.

Dr. Joleesa Royal
Director, Presby First+

“Today is indeed a day to celebrate,” she said, applauding students for their hard work and courage in taking on the college experience. “Many probably have counted us out or said that we couldn’t reach this milestone, but we are all here in this space.”

With an audience composed of first-year students, returning students, faculty, and staff, Royal began by asking a question that would anchor her speech: “Are you a doer?” She explained that “DOER” is an acronym she developed years ago to encourage first-generation students to be proactive about achieving their dreams.

The acronym DOER stands for Dream, Overcome, Enhance, and Reach—principles Royal believes are essential for first-generation students to succeed.

“D” is for Dream

Royal emphasized the importance of dreaming big, noting that dreams are the foundation of every achievement.

“Dreams are special, important, revered goals, ambitions, aspirations,” she said, encouraging students to think beyond their current circumstances.

Quoting author and mentor Phineas Kenuta, she said, “A dream is a dominant idea that is ever-present within us and constantly provokes us to greatness.” Royal advised students to write down their dreams and refer to them daily for motivation, adding that the larger their dreams, the more they can accomplish.

“Do not diminish your dreams because of what you see before you,” she said. “Dream as big as you want because the bigger your dreams, the more you can accomplish.”

“O” is for Overcome

Next, Royal spoke about the need to overcome obstacles. She acknowledged that the journey for first-generation college students is often filled with challenges, but she urged students to view obstacles as opportunities for growth.

“The world we live in and the life we live will not always be kind,” she said. “Choice, not circumstances, determines your success,” she added, quoting author Robert Kiyosaki. Royal underscored the importance of perseverance, advising students to keep moving forward even when situations become difficult.

“No matter what’s in front of you trying to stop you, it doesn’t matter who doesn’t believe in you,” she said. “It only matters what you think about yourself and how you choose to move toward your goals.”

“E” is for Enhance

Royal emphasized that students should not try to navigate college alone. She encouraged them to enhance their relationships and self-confidence, pointing to the importance of building connections with others, especially those who understand and support their goals.

“We cannot do college or really anything in life completely alone,” she said. “As first-gen college students, we must connect and create meaningful relationships with those who can help us.”

Royal also spoke about the role of self-confidence, reminding students to believe in their own capabilities.

“Self-confidence comes from within,” she said. “You must know that you can, even if it feels like you can’t.”

She advised students to celebrate small victories as steps toward greater achievements, even if the progress feels minimal at first.

“Celebrate your successes, even if you move from an F to a D on a paper,” she urged. “It’s progress, and it means you’re moving forward.”

“R” is for Reach

Finally, Royal highlighted the importance of reaching beyond one’s comfort zone to achieve personal success.

“As a first-gen student, you must come out of your comfort zone and work through the ‘I am the first to do this’ mentality,” she said.

She called on students to take advantage of the unique opportunities before them, whether by developing new skills, meeting new people, or sharing their stories with others.

“Don’t be afraid to tell your story, because it might help someone else,” Royal said.

She ended her address by issuing a personal charge to the students, urging them to remember each part of the DOER philosophy as they continued their journeys at Presbyterian College and beyond.

“Always be a doer,” she said. “Dream big, overcome every obstacle, enhance your relationships and self-confidence, and reach for your success. Never stop reaching and moving forward toward your goals.”

Dr. Selena Blair
Rogers-Ingram Vice President
Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Dr. Selena Blair, Presbyterian College’s Rogers-Ingram Vice President for Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, also addressed first-generation students with a message of empowerment and reflection. Drawing from her own experiences as a first-gen student, Blair encouraged students to recognize and harness their inner strength.

Quoting from a Marianne Williamson poem, she reminded students, “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.” Blair urged students to embrace this strength, emphasizing that they are meant to “shine” and should not feel compelled to play small to make others feel comfortable.

To illustrate the unique power within first-gen students, Blair also shared an acronym, FIRST GEN, to highlight qualities she believes are essential to their success. “F” for Fortitude called students to recognize their resilience, while “I” for Initiative and Integrity urged them to take proactive steps with honesty. “R” stood for Resilience, a reminder that hardships build character, and “S” represented Selflessness, encouraging students to share their experiences to inspire others.

Blair continued, explaining that “T” is for Trustworthiness, advising students to trust their instincts, and “G” for Go-getter, pushing them to pursue their goals without waiting for permission. Finally, “E” stands for Enough, a reassurance that each student already has the power within to succeed. The last letter, “N,” stands for Nimble, reflecting the adaptability required to navigate both college and life’s challenges.

Blair closed by applauding Dr. Joleesa Royal’s leadership and contributions to first-generation students through the Presby First+ program, encouraging students to celebrate their achievements and continue moving forward with purpose.