Celebrating First-Generation Student: Amador Landaverde

If you are a first-generation college student, you should know that you are not alone. Augusta University is recognizing some of our first-gen students during first-generation awareness week from November 2-6.

Amador Landaverde, a senior kinesiology student, talks about his experience as a first-generation student. He is from Harlem, GA. He planned to attend Augusta University since high school.

He has been a member of the fraternity Delta Chi for three years and serves in a leadership role that oversees new members. “Joining this fraternity helped me realize that grades were important. Being around this group helped push me to be better. I think fraternities have a stigma that they are just here to act up and have fun, but it is a credible organization. All of us are working towards the same goal which is graduating.”

In his spare time he likes to draw as a hobby. Fun fact, he is one of few left handed people in his family. He is a middle child and has a younger sister and an older brother. Amador will be the first one to complete a four year degree. “In high school I didn’t understand how important education is. I try and harp this on my sister.”

Amador’s dad is from Mexico and met his mom in Augusta. “My family is not financially savvy. My mom is unable to work and parents didn’t know as much about applying to college. When applying to college, I didn’t know anything about FASFA or about loans.” He is thankful for his family and the work ethic they taught him. “My dad taught me a lot about work ethic. We really don’t have it as easy as other people I surround myself with. Kids can be mean and can tease you. Knowing this plays a part in how I socialize and interact with others. I learned early how to work with people or groups to feel more relevant.”