Ep. 11 - Advocacy and Resilience: Zach Desjardins' Impact on First-Generation Education

Meet Zach Desjardins, a first-generation student turned holistic academic advisor at the University of Albany. His story, from almost losing his college dreams due to financial aid errors to finding his way through with the Upward Bound program, is the embodiment of resilience, determination, and dedication.

In our engaging conversation, we explore the quintessential role of support systems for first-generation students, and Zach provides an intimate look at how he has leveraged his own experiences to advocate for others. He's not just a voice; he's a mover and shaker, instrumental in developing first-gen programming and establishing a first-gen office at UAlbany. He opens up about family achievement guilt, the power of mentorship, and the importance of having allies in one's journey.

As we delve deeper, Zach shines a light on the often overlooked challenges first-gen students face in balancing their identities with their academic aspirations. He shares valuable insights into how advisors can remind students of their worth and capabilities. We also touch on the power of social capital and the importance of family involvement in these discussions.

This episode with Zach is a treasure trove of knowledge and understanding, whether you're a first-gen student, an educator, or anyone who's curious about the first-gen community. It's more than just a conversation; it's a journey towards empowerment and understanding.