JoAnn Lee '25

Major: Biology

What was it like being among the first in your family to go to college? 

Being the first in my family to attend a four-year university has been a blessing and a challenge. I am proud to be able to pave a new path for myself and my family members, but it definitely didn’t come without difficulties along the way. 

What does it mean for you personally to be a part of the FGEN community and, specifically, to be a FGEN student ambassador? 

Being an ambassador has been my way of trying to give back to the community that has helped me grow so much. 

What is your advice to FGEN students at UP who are facing challenges? 

My biggest advice is to ask for help. It may not always feel like it, but it is perfectly fine to admit when you’re struggling and to try and find the resources to mitigate the struggle. I found that when I spoke up, other people also felt similarly. 

Did a mentor play a role in your experience? 

I’ve had many mentors during my time at UP, but my most memorable mentor was Rosie Ith, who was my FGEN mentor when I was a freshman. 

What resources have been significant, meaningful or helpful for you so far during your UP experience? 

A helpful resource on campus has been the career center. With their help, I have created a strong resume, a LinkedIn account, and a handshake account that keeps me in the loop for jobs and internships.