Empower & Thrive Initiative Students at Michigan Ross Share Their Journeys for National First-Generation College Celebration Day

First-generation college students are valued members of the Ross School of Business community, contributing fresh perspectives and experiences that strengthen the shared learning environment. In the 2024-25 academic year, 12-15% of Michigan Ross undergraduate students identified as first-generation. 

To support and elevate this community, Ross developed the Empower & Thrive Initiative, which helps first-generation undergraduate students navigate college, build confidence, and access the tools and experiences they need to succeed in their college and career journeys.

In celebration of their ambitions and achievements, we asked five Empower & Thrive students to share what it means to be first-gen at Ross. 

Marvin Tetteh

Program/Year: BBA ’26
Post-graduation career interest: Product management 

Why are you proud to be first-gen?
I’m proud to be first-generation because while it can be daunting to be the first to do something in your family, it also means I have the freedom to chart my own path. I’m not bound by anyone else’s legacy — I get to build my own. It’s not always easy; there are moments when I’m unsure which decision is right or where to turn for guidance. But that uncertainty comes with the territory and ultimately fuels my growth. Being first-generation means resilience, self-discovery, and paving the way for those who will come after me. It’s about turning challenges into milestones and taking pride in writing a story that’s uniquely my own.

How has being a part of the Empower & Thrive Initiative impacted your time at Michigan Ross? 
The Empower & Thrive Initiative has shown me that I’m not alone. It reminded me that my perspective is unique and valued, and it taught me what it truly means to be part of a larger community that uplifts and supports one another. By learning from first-generation faculty, I’ve heard real-life testimonials about post-graduate experiences through the lens of being first-generation, and those stories have fundamentally changed how I view my future professional journey.

What has helped you feel supported in your educational journey and at Michigan Ross as a first-gen student?
Relying on faculty and staff has helped me feel deeply supported whenever I’ve faced stress related to college or life in general. It truly makes a difference to have a team of people who not only support you through your endeavors but also make an effort to stay connected and up to date with what’s happening in your life.

Do you have any advice for incoming first-gen students?
My advice would be to embrace the “detours” along your journey. You may start unsure of where you’re headed and eventually find a direction that feels right, and if that path works, that’s great. But if it doesn’t and you find yourself at a crossroads, take the time to reflect on what you learned from the experience. Carry those lessons with you into your next detour, because in life, they’re inevitable and often where the most meaningful growth happens.

Simon Goitom

Program/Year: BBA ’28
Post-graduation career interest: Consulting

Why are you proud to be first-gen?
I think all first-gen students should be proud of themselves because of the qualities that come with the journey. Getting to college takes a lot of hard work, resilience, and self-belief, all traits I’m proud to carry with me for life.

How has being a part of the Empower & Thrive Initiative impacted your time at Michigan Ross? 
ETI was one of the first places where I felt a true sense of community and inclusion at the University of Michigan. Being surrounded by other first-gen students — especially upperclassmen who have achieved things I aspire to — has shown me that my goals are attainable. It’s pushed me to keep grinding and stay focused on what’s possible.

What has helped you feel supported in your educational journey and at Michigan Ross as a first-gen student?    
The first-gen community at Ross and my family have been my biggest sources of support. I’ve received great advice and encouragement from upperclassmen through ETI, and my family has been my anchor throughout the entire process. Their constant support keeps me grounded and motivated. 

Do you have any advice for incoming first-gen students?
Jump in and take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. It’s normal to feel nervous, but don’t let that stop you from taking chances. You’re smart, talented, and hardworking enough to make it here. There’s no reason to believe you don’t belong here or that you lack what it takes. Also, if you’re a BBA first-gen student, definitely join ETI! It’s an amazing and supportive community.

Victoria Guerrero

Program/Year: BBA/Spanish ’28
Post-graduation career interest: Consumer packaged goods marketing

Why are you proud to be first-gen?
I’m proud to be first-gen because not only does it represent my own perseverance, but also my family’s sacrifices to get where I am. Being one of the first in my family to have the privilege of pursuing higher education is something that I don’t take lightly, and despite being challenging, it has been such a rewarding experience. I’m here not only for myself but also for my family, who gave up so much for me to be here, where they couldn’t. Being first-gen meant finding my own path, even when it felt impossible, and I hope my journey can show other first-generation students that their goals are just as within reach as anyone else’s. 

How has being a part of the Empower & Thrive Initiative impacted your time at Michigan Ross? 
Being part of ETI has been incredible in helping me feel like I truly belong at Ross. As a mentee, I always knew I had a community I could lean on when I felt overwhelmed or unsure — a group that genuinely cared about my growth both as a student and as a person. Now, as a mentor for new first-gen students, it’s been so rewarding to be that same source of support for them, and to share the resources I wish I’d had. I love celebrating their successes, big or small, and seeing them grow more confident as they continue their journeys here.

What has helped you feel supported in your educational journey and at Michigan Ross as a first-gen student?
Finding communities with people who share my values and passions has been one of the most significant ways I’ve felt supported and confident at Ross. Whether through my clubs or the Empower & Thrive Initiative, I’m so grateful for the mentors and peers around me who I can talk to about facing similar challenges, and who I know genuinely want the best for me. When it comes to the resources that Ross offers, the Career Development Office and CAPS are great for navigating professional development, as well as mental health resources, which are just as important.

Do you have any advice for incoming first-gen students?
Don’t be afraid to fail. There are very few constants in life, but failure is one of them. It helps us grow and gets us where we’re meant to be. There were so many times I didn’t apply to something or go after an opportunity because I was afraid I wouldn’t make it. But I’ve learned that incredible things can happen when you take that first step, even if you don’t feel ready or qualified enough. I truly believe that rejection is redirection, and no matter what happens, you’ll end up in a place where you love what you do and know you belong.

Alexander Apetroaei

Program/Year: BBA ’27
Post-graduation career interest: Consulting

Why are you proud to be first-gen?
I am proud to be a first-gen student because of my family's sacrifices and determination to get me to this point in my life. My parents immigrated to this country later in their lives to give their children opportunities they never had. Barely knowing the language and without a support system, they came to the United States and slowly built a new life from the ground up so that we could have a chance at success. Thinking about the effort they put in for me and my siblings makes me proud to be first-gen. It’s a badge of honor that represents their hard work and my commitment not to let it go to waste.

How has being a part of the Empower & Thrive Initiative impacted your time at Michigan Ross?
Being part of ETI has impacted my time at Ross in many meaningful ways. As a mentor, it’s incredibly rewarding to connect with my mentees, listen to their challenges, and help them navigate college life as first-generation students. Many of the struggles they face are ones I’ve gone through myself, which allows me to relate on a deeper level and offer genuine guidance. These conversations remind me that we are not alone on this journey. There is a strong community of first-gen students who understand and support one another.

What has helped you feel supported in your educational journey and at Michigan Ross as a first-gen student?
One thing that I think is underrated is the first-gen dinners at Ross. The dinner I went to when the faculty were sharing their career stories as first-gen students themselves really put things into perspective for me. It showed me that all the hard work being put in right now will pay off. But also simply seeing how strong that community is and the reminder that I am not the only one out there. That can easily be forgotten as the semester kicks up, but it helps me recenter myself a bit.

Do you have any advice for incoming first-gen students?
Seek out help early. It might sound obvious, but take advantage of office hours and the many resources available before you’re in crisis mode. Professors will help you when you’re stressed the day before an exam, but they’re also there the rest of the semester. Reaching out early, asking questions, and building those connections ahead of time will make a huge difference. When crunch time comes, you’ll feel more prepared and less overwhelmed.

Maya Lindsley

Program/Year: BBA ’27
Post-graduation career interest: Entrepreneurship and venture capital

Why are you proud to be first-gen?
I feel incredibly proud to be first-gen because I get to represent my family and their dedication to my success in spaces they never had access to. My parents have worked so hard and have always invested in my academic and professional growth, which makes me feel honored to now carry their love and care into experiences they didn't get to have themselves. Everything I accomplish is directly connected to their investment in me and their unwavering faith in my potential. Being first-gen has also shown me how much power I have to change my life and the environment around me. It's given me confidence in taking control of my journey and creating the change I want to see in the world.

I'm also proud that I get to bring my family's values into higher education. For example, health and wellness have always been a huge emphasis in my home. My mom has always told me that health comes above work, even when I struggle to find balance and do not always follow that advice. However, this value that has been instilled in me has inspired me to recognize where wellness was lacking at Ross and motivated me to join and start organizations centered on improving student mental health and overall well-being. I love that I can represent my family's values in spaces like this.

How has being a part of the Empower & Thrive Initiative impacted your time at Michigan Ross?
Being part of the Empower & Thrive Initiative has had such a significant impact on my time at Ross. Before ETI was founded, I hadn't fully realized how important being first-gen was to my identity until I heard more about how other students view their first-gen experience and our similarities. Joining ETI and hearing other students' stories made me feel so supported and seen, especially since it is truly a space where I feel students at Ross are genuinely vulnerable, which is incredibly refreshing. This openness has helped me develop more confidence in my ability to succeed because everyone is willing to share their stories and experiences to help each other grow.

It has also been really special getting to watch ETI grow and seeing the care and excitement that our director, Katie, and now so many first-gen students have for this program, and for each other's success. Watching her passion inspire and invigorate so many others has shown me how much impact one person can create when they genuinely care.

Because ETI is still so new, it's really empowering and exciting to be involved in shaping it. It has made me excited to see everyone's visions come to life alongside the collective ideas of all the first-gen students who have been a part of this process. Being part of ETI has helped me realize we can initiate change and create positive impact at any point in our careers or in any environment we're in. Witnessing ETI's growth firsthand and seeing the changes it's already making, like creating this community of people who are centered on helping one another, has shown me the importance of truly caring about the organizations and roles you are a part of and how much impact can be created when multiple people genuinely care.

What has helped you feel supported in your educational journey and at Michigan Ross as a first-gen student?
One of the things that helped, especially earlier in my Michigan Ross journey, was the Academic Success Center at Ross. I was a part of the Ross Summer Connection program, which is a part of ASC, and it helped connect me with other students. As I have progressed in my educational journey, I have relied more and more on finding people who want to help one another so we can help each other learn and study together. It has also been helping me find people to talk about things like balancing recruiting and academics, among other things, that have made me feel less alone and more supported in my academic journeys while also balancing academic priorities with my other priorities. Being able to have people to ask questions and get advice from has been so incredibly helpful. The Career Development Office has also been incredibly helpful in navigating the recruiting process to find a job and understand the landscape to ensure I am on a good track with my career and professional pursuits.

Do you have any advice for incoming first-gen students?
I think it is so important to stay true to your values and to bring the unique background that you have to add light to the situations and conversations around you. I encourage anyone to get involved with opportunities that are aligned with their values and interests. When you're authentic about what you care about, people see that, and it translates well when it comes to applying to jobs and building your career because it's genuine and aligned with who you truly are, which helps you make an even larger impact with the work that you are doing, while also building your skillset.

I also urge you to be vulnerable because it is such a powerful tool in seeking help and connection. There are so many people around you here who genuinely want to see you succeed and are invested in your journey, so when you bring up your struggles or curiosities, they can begin helping you, and you can find people who truly care. I have found specific professors that I really resonate with and who have cared so much about me and my success — not just here on campus, but in my career and my life overall. There are so many people, places, and organizations that you can explore and develop genuine relationships with through vulnerability and authenticity.