Advice for First-Generation Students: Roberto Aragon

Augusta University is celebrating National First-Generation College students. We had the opportunity to hear from several staff and faculty members, including Roberto Aragon.

Roberto was an academic advisor for Augusta University from 2016 to May 2020. He currently is the coordinator for student involvement in the Student Life and Engagement department. He is a first generation student himself. His parents migrated to the United States of America before he was born. His sister was the first one to go to college in the family. He started college a year after his sister. “We did not have the resources to figure out what to do with life. There were no guidance counselors to guide us through the application process, how to apply for loans and FASFA, or how to determine a major.”

He is currently getting a masters at Georgia Southern in higher education. He will be the first person in his family to get a master’s degree. After his masters he would like to pursue a Ph.D. “I recognize the value of education and love being a part of Augusta University. We put students first, are a leader in the health care filed, and offer social awareness on campus.”

To any first-generation students, Roberto reminds them to not get discouraged. “My parents couldn’t really relate to what I was doing, but you can definitely persevere. Take advantage of your campus resources, seek out professors and get to know them. Find one or two organization to get involved with on campus that relate to your major, but don’t drop your academics.”

In his advising role he had the opportunity to work with first-generation students and is still an advocate for students and is a resource to help point students in the right direction! Roberto also helps with the planning of Values Week, which is a great way for students to get involved. Learn more here.