Dany DeGrave, FirstGen
@inpersonplus.com
I remove barriers so FirstGens can thrive. https://linktr.ee/inpersonplus #firstgen
My "First in Your Family" wife grew up in poverty, had to recreate her overwhelmed, single mom (of seven kids) tax returns to apply for financial aid. Today she holds three Masters Degrees in three unrelated but intertwined fields. A testimony to resilience and perseverance.
December 19, 2025 at 3:19 AM
“I thought a psychology degree made you a psychologist. No one told me it takes a PhD.”
Lisette also opens up about the burnout she experienced working as one of the only bilingual psychologists.
#FirstGen #CelebrateFirstGen #FirstGenProud #Psychology #PhD #imposter #mentalhealth #Latina
Lisette also opens up about the burnout she experienced working as one of the only bilingual psychologists.
#FirstGen #CelebrateFirstGen #FirstGenProud #Psychology #PhD #imposter #mentalhealth #Latina
🎙️ This week on The First Gen Lounge, Dr. Lisette Sanchez shares her FirstGen journey from university to private practice—and the confidence it takes to be the first.
🎧 open.spotify.com/episode/1Im6...
#F#FirstGenP#PsychologistP#PhDM#MentalHealth
🎧 open.spotify.com/episode/1Im6...
#F#FirstGenP#PsychologistP#PhDM#MentalHealth
December 19, 2025 at 3:15 AM
“I thought a psychology degree made you a psychologist. No one told me it takes a PhD.”
Lisette also opens up about the burnout she experienced working as one of the only bilingual psychologists.
#FirstGen #CelebrateFirstGen #FirstGenProud #Psychology #PhD #imposter #mentalhealth #Latina
Lisette also opens up about the burnout she experienced working as one of the only bilingual psychologists.
#FirstGen #CelebrateFirstGen #FirstGenProud #Psychology #PhD #imposter #mentalhealth #Latina
SHPE is the Society for Hispanic Professional Engineers. The event gives opportunities to upcoming STEM talent to connect with companies for internships and jobs. 👏👏👏 #STEM #FirstGen #engineer
SHPE 2025 Philadelphia was full of energy, connection, and powerful FirstGen stories!We loved meeting so many of you, hearing your journeys, and capturing these moments of pride together.
#SHPE2025 #FirstGenProud #InPersonPlus #STEMCommunity #CareerGrowth #FirstGen #engineer
#SHPE2025 #FirstGenProud #InPersonPlus #STEMCommunity #CareerGrowth #FirstGen #engineer
December 6, 2025 at 2:36 PM
🎙️ On The FirstGen Lounge, Sean Watley shares what it’s like to navigate college without insider tips, failing an open-note test, missing office hours, and finding purpose through AmeriCorps.
🎧 open.spotify.com/episode/6JH4...
#F#FirstGenC#CommunityServiceA#AmeriCorps
🎧 open.spotify.com/episode/6JH4...
#F#FirstGenC#CommunityServiceA#AmeriCorps
December 6, 2025 at 2:06 PM
Another honest FirstGen story, not shying away from the hard truths and the paths to a better future, built one step at a time. 👍
#firstgen #firstgenproud #celebratefirstgen
#firstgen #firstgenproud #celebratefirstgen
🎙️ On The FirstGen Lounge, Dora Mendez shares what it’s like to navigate college without a roadmap—no Greek life, no networking tips, just grit. From paralegal to HR exec, her pivots prove resilience is power.
🎧 open.spotify.com/episode/3QJO...
#F#FirstGenH#HRConsultingC#CollegeProfessor
🎧 open.spotify.com/episode/3QJO...
#F#FirstGenH#HRConsultingC#CollegeProfessor
December 1, 2025 at 1:07 AM
Another honest FirstGen story, not shying away from the hard truths and the paths to a better future, built one step at a time. 👍
#firstgen #firstgenproud #celebratefirstgen
#firstgen #firstgenproud #celebratefirstgen
Reposted by Dany DeGrave, FirstGen
SHPE 2025 Philadelphia was full of energy, connection, and powerful FirstGen stories! We loved meeting so many of you, hearing your journeys, and capturing these moments of pride together.
#SHPE2025 #FirstGenProud #InPersonPlus #STEMCommunity #CareerGrowth #FirstGen #engineer
#SHPE2025 #FirstGenProud #InPersonPlus #STEMCommunity #CareerGrowth #FirstGen #engineer
November 28, 2025 at 3:18 AM
SHPE 2025 Philadelphia was full of energy, connection, and powerful FirstGen stories! We loved meeting so many of you, hearing your journeys, and capturing these moments of pride together.
#SHPE2025 #FirstGenProud #InPersonPlus #STEMCommunity #CareerGrowth #FirstGen #engineer
#SHPE2025 #FirstGenProud #InPersonPlus #STEMCommunity #CareerGrowth #FirstGen #engineer
Listen to an incredible story of resilience, from a very hard youth to graduate of the prestigious FBI National Academy. #firstgen #firstgenproud #celebratefirstgen #law #justice
🎙️ This week on The First Gen Lounge, we’re joined by Peggy Belles— a retired lieutenant, wellness entrepreneur, and author—who shares what it’s like to pursue law and leadership without knowing where to start or who to ask.
🎧 open.spotify.com/episode/3kMd...
#F#FirstGenC#ConsultingL#Law
🎧 open.spotify.com/episode/3kMd...
#F#FirstGenC#ConsultingL#Law
November 17, 2025 at 5:28 AM
Listen to an incredible story of resilience, from a very hard youth to graduate of the prestigious FBI National Academy. #firstgen #firstgenproud #celebratefirstgen #law #justice
As a first gen student who self funded her PhD whilst working, it's moments like these that hit home how far I've come. I'm reading a chapter for a reading group on paid time. I'm not fitting it in on the commute to my day job. I'm reading it as my job. Wow! #AcademicSky #FirstGen #LittleThings
November 17, 2025 at 5:22 AM
“Each step was paved w/ their hard work.” 👍 @tmarkm.bsky.social #firstgen
2day is #NationalFirstGenDay, honoring journeys of those who are 1st to pursue #highered.
As a #firstgen college/high school graduate, I carry w/ me the hopes of my family. Each step was paved w/ their hard work.
Ur path may be challenging, but ur determination is inspiring. Keep going!
As a #firstgen college/high school graduate, I carry w/ me the hopes of my family. Each step was paved w/ their hard work.
Ur path may be challenging, but ur determination is inspiring. Keep going!
November 9, 2025 at 1:48 AM
“Each step was paved w/ their hard work.” 👍 @tmarkm.bsky.social #firstgen
🎉 Happy National FirstGen Day! 🎉
Today we celebrate the resilience, determination, and achievements of first-generation students everywhere. Your journey inspires us all. Keep ringing that bell for success 💪
#CelebrateFirstGen #FirstGen #FirstGenProud
Today we celebrate the resilience, determination, and achievements of first-generation students everywhere. Your journey inspires us all. Keep ringing that bell for success 💪
#CelebrateFirstGen #FirstGen #FirstGenProud
November 9, 2025 at 1:41 AM
“Throughout college, I continued to work at the Superstore. In between customers, I’d read philosophy. I remember the whiplash of moving from Wittgenstein’s Tractatus in one moment to refunding protein bars the next.” #firstgen #celebratefirstgen #phd #academia @firstgenphilos.bsky.social
NEW POST!
"On Feeling Awkward and Finding Your People"
By Arianna Falbo
firstgenphilosophers.squarespace.com/contribution...
#firstgenphilosophers
"On Feeling Awkward and Finding Your People"
By Arianna Falbo
firstgenphilosophers.squarespace.com/contribution...
#firstgenphilosophers
October 26, 2025 at 3:57 PM
“Throughout college, I continued to work at the Superstore. In between customers, I’d read philosophy. I remember the whiplash of moving from Wittgenstein’s Tractatus in one moment to refunding protein bars the next.” #firstgen #celebratefirstgen #phd #academia @firstgenphilos.bsky.social
Great advice to #firstgen from @unlawfulentries.bsky.social Think longer term. Prep your future.
#firstgencollegestudents #celebratefirstgen
#firstgencollegestudents #celebratefirstgen
October 22, 2025 at 12:28 AM
Great advice to #firstgen from @unlawfulentries.bsky.social Think longer term. Prep your future.
#firstgencollegestudents #celebratefirstgen
#firstgencollegestudents #celebratefirstgen
But despite not knowing initially, she did figure it out! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Thanks to @thefirstgenlounge.bsky.social for sharing these #firstgen lived experiences with us. #celebratefirstgen #edu #firstgenprofessional
Thanks to @thefirstgenlounge.bsky.social for sharing these #firstgen lived experiences with us. #celebratefirstgen #edu #firstgenprofessional
🎙️ This week on The FirstGen Lounge, Abby MacDonald talks with Yessica, a career counselor who missed out on campus opportunities simply because no one told her they were there.
🎧 open.spotify.com/episode/1uDH...
#F#FirstGenC#CareerCounselorH#HigherEd
🎧 open.spotify.com/episode/1uDH...
#F#FirstGenC#CareerCounselorH#HigherEd
October 21, 2025 at 1:01 PM
But despite not knowing initially, she did figure it out! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Thanks to @thefirstgenlounge.bsky.social for sharing these #firstgen lived experiences with us. #celebratefirstgen #edu #firstgenprofessional
Thanks to @thefirstgenlounge.bsky.social for sharing these #firstgen lived experiences with us. #celebratefirstgen #edu #firstgenprofessional
smart! @jdtramantano.bsky.social
Transparent sticky notes are my jam. Highly underrated. A lot of high school students still have paper textbooks they can’t write in! Clear sticky notes allow students to be active readers and annotate without inking up the book! #studyskills #literacy #reading
October 6, 2025 at 4:07 AM
smart! @jdtramantano.bsky.social
So true for many FirstGens.
“You only need one person to believe in you”
says Abaigh MacDonald in this podcast from The FirstGen Lounge. #celebrateFirstGens #WomeninSTEM #FirstGen #FirstGensuccess #STEM
“You only need one person to believe in you”
says Abaigh MacDonald in this podcast from The FirstGen Lounge. #celebrateFirstGens #WomeninSTEM #FirstGen #FirstGensuccess #STEM
🎙️ This week on The FirstGen Lounge, our host Abaigh becomes the interviewee and shares her story!
🎧 open.spotify.com/episode/5M5u...
#F#FirstGenW#WomenInSTEMU#UCIRvineP#Podcasting#T#TheFirstGenLounge� #U#UCIRvine
September 30, 2025 at 3:07 AM
So true for many FirstGens.
“You only need one person to believe in you”
says Abaigh MacDonald in this podcast from The FirstGen Lounge. #celebrateFirstGens #WomeninSTEM #FirstGen #FirstGensuccess #STEM
“You only need one person to believe in you”
says Abaigh MacDonald in this podcast from The FirstGen Lounge. #celebrateFirstGens #WomeninSTEM #FirstGen #FirstGensuccess #STEM
We’re sharing a series of snapshots to celebrate all the incredible people we met at NASPA - Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education! Whether you're a FirstGen student, professional, or advocate, thank you for stopping by 💛
#FirstGen #CelebrateFirstGen #InPersonPlus #NASPA #SSHE25
#FirstGen #CelebrateFirstGen #InPersonPlus #NASPA #SSHE25
September 24, 2025 at 1:21 AM
And today law professor in NYC 👏👏👏 @reneenicoleallen.bsky.social #firstgen #celebratefirstgen #firstgenprofessional
Me at @UFLaw orientation 13 years ago. A #firstgen law student in my first suit a bit nervous but mostly excited about the challenges ahead. #FlashbackFriday
September 22, 2025 at 1:51 AM
And today law professor in NYC 👏👏👏 @reneenicoleallen.bsky.social #firstgen #celebratefirstgen #firstgenprofessional
“Not knowing” is a constant in a FirstGen’s life. But they manage to address it and still become very successful, like Lorena.
#celebratefirstgen #firstgen #engineer
#celebratefirstgen #firstgen #engineer
🎙️ Lorena Martinez didn’t know what chemical engineering really was when she chose it, but she turned uncertainty into impact.
🎧 open.spotify.com/episode/6xA3...
#F#FirstGenU#UCIC#ChemicalEngineering
🎧 open.spotify.com/episode/6xA3...
#F#FirstGenU#UCIC#ChemicalEngineering
September 20, 2025 at 7:15 PM
“Not knowing” is a constant in a FirstGen’s life. But they manage to address it and still become very successful, like Lorena.
#celebratefirstgen #firstgen #engineer
#celebratefirstgen #firstgen #engineer
My first Bluesky post... 🎉
The 'First Generation Students UK: Mental Health Matters' website is now live - so proud and grateful to everyone who has contributed so far 🥰
www.firstgenerationstudentsuk.com
#firstgen #firstinfamily #FGS #studentmentalhealth
The 'First Generation Students UK: Mental Health Matters' website is now live - so proud and grateful to everyone who has contributed so far 🥰
www.firstgenerationstudentsuk.com
#firstgen #firstinfamily #FGS #studentmentalhealth
September 11, 2025 at 3:01 AM
It’s a moment that hits home for many FirstGen creatives—the realization that while others grow up with insider knowledge, you’re learning the industry from scratch.
Jordan Allen shares his journey.
#FirstGen #FirstGenSuccess #CelebrateFirstGen
Jordan Allen shares his journey.
#FirstGen #FirstGenSuccess #CelebrateFirstGen
🎙️ This week on The FirstGen Lounge, Jordan Allen, a southern soul artist, share how he learned the music industry from scratch and built a brand rooted in faith, family, and retro soul.
🎧 open.spotify.com/episode/2oZI...
#F#FirstGenS#SingerSongerwriterS#SoulArtist
🎧 open.spotify.com/episode/2oZI...
#F#FirstGenS#SingerSongerwriterS#SoulArtist
September 11, 2025 at 2:54 AM
It’s a moment that hits home for many FirstGen creatives—the realization that while others grow up with insider knowledge, you’re learning the industry from scratch.
Jordan Allen shares his journey.
#FirstGen #FirstGenSuccess #CelebrateFirstGen
Jordan Allen shares his journey.
#FirstGen #FirstGenSuccess #CelebrateFirstGen
That’s the FirstGen mindset: we will figure it out!
#firstgen #firstgensuccess #celebratefirstgen #academia #latina #stem
#firstgen #firstgensuccess #celebratefirstgen #academia #latina #stem
🎙️ This week on The FirstGen Lounge: She didn’t know what internships were or how to network—but she figured it out anyway. Anna Mercado shares what no one tells FirstGen students.
🎧https://open.spotify.com/episode/1xM3TZw3BbN4mJNiqnSmC2?si=lJRHbamYQc6rXkmwMGTpig
#FirstGenSuccess #LatinaInSTEM
🎧https://open.spotify.com/episode/1xM3TZw3BbN4mJNiqnSmC2?si=lJRHbamYQc6rXkmwMGTpig
#FirstGenSuccess #LatinaInSTEM
August 30, 2025 at 8:07 PM
That’s the FirstGen mindset: we will figure it out!
#firstgen #firstgensuccess #celebratefirstgen #academia #latina #stem
#firstgen #firstgensuccess #celebratefirstgen #academia #latina #stem
Wishing all FirstGens success in taking this new step in life 👏👏👏 You can do it!
#firstgen #firstgencollegestudent #celebratefirstgen
#firstgen #firstgencollegestudent #celebratefirstgen
The day before classes. Got to visit with our #Trailblazer #FirstGen students. Lots of great advice. #MissouriSandT
August 25, 2025 at 12:08 AM
Wishing all FirstGens success in taking this new step in life 👏👏👏 You can do it!
#firstgen #firstgencollegestudent #celebratefirstgen
#firstgen #firstgencollegestudent #celebratefirstgen
"Those of us that pursue our doctorate, it's not that we're smarter than anyone else, it's that we keep going. We fall down, we get back up, and we sacrifice."
So well said. Worth a listen of the whole episode.
#firstgen #PhD #firstgensuccess
So well said. Worth a listen of the whole episode.
#firstgen #PhD #firstgensuccess
🎙️Resilience. Kindness. Persistence. This week on The FirstGen Lounge, hear how Lori Marie went from almost giving up on college to mentoring the next generation.
🎧 open.spotify.com/episode/4mLV...
#FirstGen #MSUDenver
🎧 open.spotify.com/episode/4mLV...
#FirstGen #MSUDenver
August 19, 2025 at 10:45 PM
"Those of us that pursue our doctorate, it's not that we're smarter than anyone else, it's that we keep going. We fall down, we get back up, and we sacrifice."
So well said. Worth a listen of the whole episode.
#firstgen #PhD #firstgensuccess
So well said. Worth a listen of the whole episode.
#firstgen #PhD #firstgensuccess
hello all #firstgen and #firstgenacademic folk! here's a fun story of how clueless i was: when i went to college, all i knew was that to do cool bio research, you had to get a phd. and that required lots of school. so i thought i was clever (you'll see in a minute why i wasn't).
August 19, 2025 at 2:25 AM
Yup, that’s a very common thing to happen to FirstGens. Not knowing you are a FirstGen. And hence missing out on opportunities like scholarships for FirstGens.
Listen to the full episode!
#firstgen #scholarships #firstgencollegestudent
Listen to the full episode!
#firstgen #scholarships #firstgencollegestudent
🎙️ This week on The First Ten Lounge: Mya Jones didn’t know she was FirstGen—until a flyer in the mail changed everything.
🎧https://open.spotify.com/episode/3DWRC6RyyQGzLJoxFLLjwf?si=YmjI_BRbRSq-1p5RzGHu9A
#FirstGen #CollegeJourney
🎧https://open.spotify.com/episode/3DWRC6RyyQGzLJoxFLLjwf?si=YmjI_BRbRSq-1p5RzGHu9A
#FirstGen #CollegeJourney
August 10, 2025 at 12:49 PM
Yup, that’s a very common thing to happen to FirstGens. Not knowing you are a FirstGen. And hence missing out on opportunities like scholarships for FirstGens.
Listen to the full episode!
#firstgen #scholarships #firstgencollegestudent
Listen to the full episode!
#firstgen #scholarships #firstgencollegestudent