Why did I become a professor? Why do I create so much accessible educational content? Why do I give everything away for free? Because I’m #FirstGen — and my entire path began with a single, unexpected moment at a gas station in Canada. I was a high school kid with no direction when an engineering student struck up a conversation on a freezing evening. They reached out, traced the Carnot cycle PV diagram in the frost on my windshield, and explained engine efficiency right there in the cold. That simple act — a stranger sharing knowledge freely — changed my life. It lit the spark that set me on the road to becoming an engineer, and eventually a professor. Education transformed my world, and it’s been my north star ever since. You can read more of my story here: michaelpyrcz.com/my-story #WhatStartsHere #FirstGenWeek

This week, we’re celebrating our amazing first-generation students — the trailblazers paving the way as the first in their families to attend college. 🎉 We’re so proud of you and the dreams you’re bringing to life! 💪🎓  #FirstGen #FirstGenWeek

Happy First-Generation College Student Week! 🎓 Being a first-generation college student means being the first in your family to attend college and pursue a bachelor’s degree. #FirstGenWeek #FirstGenerationCollegeStudent

From empowering workshops to inspiring stories, UC Merced is celebrating #FirstGenWeek, honoring those who are first in their families to blaze new trails. 🔗 ucm.edu/8h0f3r

Check it out! #FirstGenWeek

Wofford Firsts held a mixer for first-generation college students at the President's house to celebrate first-gen week. Read more: bit.ly/4hKQbC8 #woffordcollege #firstgenweek #terriers

Happy #FirstGenWeek, Huskies! #DYK that more than half of our undergraduates are among the first generation in their family to attend a four-year college? Follow along this week as we celebrate & share the stories of our first-gen students. ❤️🖤 niu.edu/first-generation

We’re proud to support our First-Gen students by providing resources and guidance to navigate the unique challenges they face to rewrite their story of success💙🔱 #CCSU #WeAreCentral #CentralCT175 #firstgenweek

Celebrating #FirstGenWeek by spotlighting Arly Perez-Morales, a UTC junior breaking barriers in civil engineering! ✨ As a first-gen student, Arly's story of resilience, leadership & community impact inspires us all. Read more of Arly's story here: heyor.ca/nI9HiV💙

Happy First-Generation College Celebration Day 🎉 We're thrilled that you were able to join us in celebrating yourselves and our global first-gen community this week! Post your challenge checklist and let us know how many items were you able to complete. #FirstGenWeek #firstgen

Provost @DrAviMukherjee is proudly celebrating @marshallu first-generation students this week! Your courage, resilience, and determination inspire us all. We are here to support you every step of the way. Keep pushing, keep thriving! 💚 #FirstGenWeek #WeAreMarshall

It's time for our First-Gen Week Bingo! Save this image or take a screenshot and upload your completed card as a post. The first three bingo winners we see under the #AspireInspiresFirstGen tag will be featured on our Instagram Story 🎉 #FirstGenWeek #AspireInspiresFirstGen

We continue our First-Gen Week celebration with another #WhatsNewWednesday! Click through to check out some amazing opportunities and consider applying to a few now -or save them for later in your academic career. Good luck! #FirstGenWeek #FirstGenProud #AspireInspiresFirstGen

What resources have been most helpful to you in your academic journey? #FirstGenWeek #AspireInspiresFirstGen

Unfortunately, we will not be able to move forward with today's Instagram and Facebook livestreams. We apologize for this change, but please feel free to participate in our LinkedIn and Twitter polls today at 12:00 P.M. EST. Thank you for your understanding! #firstgenweek

The clock is ticking ⏰! Applications for Cohort 1 of the 2025 Aspire Leaders Program close on December 4 at 11:59 P.M. EST — that's just around the corner! Jumpstart your leadership journey by applying today: bit.ly/ALP25Application #FirstGenWeek #AspireInspiresFirstGen

Visit our Instagram or Facebook on Tuesday, November 5 at 11:00 A.M. EST to join our livestream. You'll hear professional application tips, learn about our program, and share your experiences with other students. See you there! #FirstGenWeek #AspireInspiresFirstGen #firstgen

First-Gen Week has begun, and we are so happy to celebrate it with you all! Participate in this week's challenge by completing and checking items off the list. Then, feel free to post about your accomplishments using #AspireInspiresFirstGen and tagging our page. #FirstGenWeek

Join us for National First-Gen College Celebration Week as UT institutions roll out a week of inspiring events, student stories and resources to honor the many incredible #firstgen students across our state and campuses. Let's keep championing their success. #firstgenweek

Excited to kick off #FirstGenWeek with a breakfast panel! 🍽️ LDI Director Lacy Dicharry, a first-gen college grad, will lead the discussion on supporting #firstgen students. Let's empower first-gen success together! 💜📚 #LSU #GeauxLead FirstGenWeekLSU #FirstToRoar