The University of New Mexico College of Nursing is observing First-Gen Week this November, aligning with a national effort to recognize the 56th anniversary of the Higher Education Act. The act introduced the term “first-generation,” which has since been associated with helping many low and middle-income students become the first in their families to attend college.
At UNM College of Nursing, a significant number of students, staff, and faculty share the experience of being first-generation college attendees.
Vivian Bencomo, who is working toward her second bachelor’s degree in nursing after previously earning a criminology degree from UNM in 2024, described her journey: “Being a first-generation student means paving a path that no one in my family has walked before,” Bencomo said. “As the daughter of parents who came from Mexico and worked hard to give me every opportunity to succeed, I carry their sacrifices and dreams with me in everything I do.” She added, “Becoming a nurse is more than just a career goal, it’s a way to honor their dedication, resilience, and the values they instilled in me.”
Sarah Al Jabouri is enrolled in the Accelerated BSN Program. Inspired by her mother who immigrated from Iraq and raised her as a single parent, Al Jabouri said: “To me, being a first-generation student means carrying the strength, resilience, and dreams of my mother and turning them into opportunity. She taught me that education is a gift, not just for ourselves, but for the people we can help because of it.” She continued: “Being a first-generation student is not only about being the first to go to college. It is about breaking barriers while carrying forward the values that raised me.”
Dean Rosario Medina shared her perspective as both an educator and former first-generation student: “I was born in the Bronx to two Puerto Rican parents who entered New York seeking a different opportunity,” Medina said. “Although my dad could not guide me on how to do it, his words – ‘no matter what, get an education!’ – provided me with the resolve to persevere in school.” After graduating high school with both a diploma and LPN certification at age 17, she left home for college. Medina reflected: “Being a first-generation college graduate served to validate my parents’ sacrifices and help me guide others who came from similar backgrounds to pursue their education. As I look back now, I realize how many I have influenced to become a nurse, and I feel fulfilled in serving others.”
Faculty member April Tafoya also spoke about her experience: “When it came time for me to step into learning about college admissions, the same barriers lingered,” Tafoya said. “We were still poor, and my parents didn’t know how to navigate the college system. I filled out my own college applications, applied for my own student loans and followed the examples of friends whose families had the knowledge mine didn’t.” Despite facing challenges balancing schoolwork with motherhood—sometimes stepping away temporarily—Tafoya earned four nursing degrees over time. She stated: “Every degree became a symbol of resilience, independence and the belief that no setback is permanent,” she said. “To me, being a first-generation college student is not just a personal accomplishment; it’s a family legacy of perseverance, courage and transformation. It’s proof that no matter where you start you can build a future that lifts others higher.”
Marlena Bermel serves as Marketing & Outreach Manager at UNM College of Nursing after graduating from UNM with both BBA and MBA degrees. Reflecting on her journey as someone whose parents were nurses but did not attend four-year universities themselves she said: “Their unwavering support is what got me through that first incredibly challenging year when I often wanted to give up,” Bermel said. "I even watched a close friend drop out during second semester but my parents kept pushing me forward." To prospective students she advised: "To anyone considering becoming a first-generation student I say go for it! It’s not easy but it’s absolutely worth it If I can do it you can too!"
