First-Generation Graduate

- by Matthew Smircich '02

In this blog, we will focus on a first-generation graduate, Jessica Escobar-Eck '02, why she chose KU, her experiences during her time at KU and how KU helped with her career.

Tell us why you selected Kutztown.

Kutztown has a great reputation, and a lot of people from my hometown ended up going due to that and it's affordability. It was a great education and didn't leave me in a mountain of debt. Also, Kutztown was close enough to home that I could visit whenever I wanted yet far enough away that I could live on campus.

What was your major, and what do you do for work now?

I was a Psychology Major focusing on Clinical/Counseling; I currently work as a Relationship Manager for the United Way of Greater Lehigh Valley; I coordinate workplace campaigns at all different companies in the Lehigh Valley, allowing their employees an opportunity to give back to their community.

Tell us about some of the activities you were involved with at Kutztown.

I was involved in the jazz group, Afterhours. I worked on campus as both a Desk Receptionist and Community Advisor and I was a part of CONNECTIONS as a group facilitator. I spent a summer working as a Tutor Counselor for the UPward Bound program.

Why was it important to you to be a first-generation college graduate?

It's helped to pave the way for my younger sister, cousins and future children. It was really important to my parents that I went to college and got a good job to be independent one day and never need to rely on someone else to take care of me.

What advice do you have for current first-generation students?

Find a mentor that can help you through some of the processes that your parents or families may not be aware of. Ask a ton of questions and work with your advisor. It can feel like a lot of pressure but keep reminding yourself that this is in your own best interest.