Hanan Jabr '25

Major: Elementary Education

What was it like being among the first in your family to go to college? Tell us about your story and what you think helped you succeed. 

Being one of the first in my family going to college was a very big deal to myself and especially my family. My parents were both born in Eritrea, In Eritrea my parents were not able to complete school because of war which had made them leave and be in a refugee camp in Sudan and so that they could come to America and live a better life for themselves and give my siblings and I a better life here. Knowing all the sacrifices my parents had made for my siblings and I and knowing my parents weren't able to finish their education I always knew I wanted to succeed in school and make them proud. What has helped me succeed is having my family right by my side and also my peers. I knew that even when I didn't believe in myself my family always thought I could do it and that has helped me push myself to succeed even when things get hard, and that has helped me ending up here at University of Portland. 

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

Personally, for me what it means to be a part of the FGEN community is that I always have a community by my side, and I have people by my side that I can relate to and also seek advice from. What it also means to me is that I am never alone wherever I am and that I know I can always rely on my FGEN community. Lastly to be a FGEN student ambassador personally means that I am proud of being FGEN and wherever I am going I am carrying that with me. It also means to me that I may be a leader to others but also means someone who is still learning while also teaching others. 

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

My advice for FGEN students at UP who are facing challenges is don't be afraid to speak up and seek help, although it may be hard for some people to ask for help it will help you in the end. I would also say never be afraid to fail at something because we are all human and make mistakes, by failing we are also learning too. Don't ever be afraid to speak up about your needs and what you might need help in. They're many people around UP who are willing to help students whether that be professors or even your peers. 

Did a mentor play a role in your experience? Why or how? 

Yes, as the youngest sibling out of 3 older siblings I have always looked up to my siblings. My brother is the first in my family to graduate from college. I knew I always wanted to attend college ever since I was little, but I never knew how hard the process would be. When senior year came around and it was college application time my brother was the most helpful person and the most patient with me. He guided me on how to write my essay, and how to communicate with professors. Lastly, he always believed in me and believed I could make it into college even when I had no hope for myself. Without my brother I don't think I could have made it here on my own. 

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

During my UP experience what resources have been very significant and meaningful to me would be the SARC department and writing center. During my first year of college I struggled a lot and was very afraid to ask for help until I had someone recommend me to the SARC office and that's when I finally started receiving help and did not feel so afraid asking for help I have learned many things from time management, how to email professors, how to schedule out my assignments and projects. The SARC department has changed my college experience for the better.