Proud first-generation students share their stories, advice

Kikilia Lani and family.

Students who are the first in their families to go to college were well-represented at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa First-Generation Student Celebration on November 8. The event connected nearly 200 students with invaluable campus resources and contacts, and also treated them to free boba, tote bags and giveaways.

The event also provided an opportunity for faculty, staff and students to share their experiences and their journey as first-generation students to inspire others in the community.

Being a positive role model

Kikilia Lani is a first-generation student of Kanaka ʻOīwi, Boricua, Ilocano and Chinese descent. She graduated and earned degrees from Honolulu Community College (AS in early childhood education and teaching) and at UH Mānoa (BA and ME). She is currently a PhD student in education and an instructional and support specialist with the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology. She said poverty and kuleana is what led her to college.

“I didnʻt want to be poor anymore, and I recognized education as a means to socioeconomic mobility,” Lani said. “I felt that excelling in school was one way I could show appreciation to my mom and honor the struggles she went through while raising me, while serving as a positive role model for my younger siblings.”

While it can feel lonely and difficult at times, Lani said she feels privileged to be a first-generation student. “I recognize that each accomplishment contributes to the realization of the dreams of those who came before me. Knowing that those who come after me can focus less on the struggle and more on their dreams…gives me pride and makes me want to keep going…”

She reminds other first-generation students to not be afraid to ask for help, which can lead to meaningful connections, new insights and exciting experiences.

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More on first-generation student resources.