Photo Courtesy of Kyonna Henry
Kyonna works as the Director of Student Life and Engagement at University of South Florida, St. Petersburg campus. There she provides strategic leadership and direction in the following areas: Commuter and Off Campus Housing, Multicultural Affairs, Leadership and Student Organizations, The Crow’s Nest student newspaper, Harborside Activities Board, event response team and the Mascot program, and leads a team of 6.
Imagine arriving at college and being the first person in your family to navigate financial aid, register for classes, meet with an academic advisor, find your community, or figure out what questions you are even supposed to ask.
For many college students, these experiences are part of the journey. For a first-generation college student, they can also represent uncharted territory.
Being the first in your family to attend college is a tremendous accomplishment, but it can also come with unique challenges. First-generation students are often learning how to navigate the college experience while simultaneously creating a roadmap for those who will come after them. Their success is not simply an individual achievement; it can change the trajectory of an entire family.
That is why First-Generation Week at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg is about so much more than celebrating a designation. It is about celebrating the people, stories, resilience, and potential behind the words “first generation.”
those seeking resources to establish themselves during their college experience.
As the Director of Student Life and Engagement, I am proud to lead initiatives and see our campus come together for First-Generation Week 2026, November 4–12, with opportunities designed to celebrate our first-generation students while connecting them to resources, relationships, and experiences that support their success. Of course, all events are open to all and can be found on BullsConnect for event information.
The week begins Wednesday, November 4, with College of Arts and Sciences’ Drop-In Advising from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. on the second floor of Davis Hall. A dedicated email is being sent to CAS first gen students but any CAS major can drop in to see their academic advisor this day. Student Life and Engagement will also host Green Wednesday: First Gen Flex; Pilates Edition at 6 p.m. in Studio A, providing students with an opportunity to prioritize wellness and get Green Wednesday swag while connecting with other first-generation Bulls.
On Thursday, November 5, the Office of Veteran Success will host Service to Scholars from 3–5 p.m. in SLC 1300, recognizing the unique experiences of student veterans and creating space for connection and support.
Friday, November 6, offers two opportunities for students to connect and grow. New Student and Family Engagement and Student Life and Engagement will host First-Gen & Fully Thankful from 9:30 a.m.–11 a.m. in HWH 101 with free food and thankful activities that empower growth. Later that afternoon, the First Gen Success Series: Planning Your Path will take place virtually at 2 p.m., helping students think intentionally about their academic and personal journey. Find the teams link on BullsConnect with the event.
Sunday, November 8, is National First-Generation College Celebration Day and our campus will come together for a Day of Service—a meaningful way to recognize the importance of community, giving back, and using our experiences to positively impact others.
On Monday, November 9, Commuter and Off-Campus Housing will host the First Gen Pit Stop from 12–1 p.m. at the Parking Garage, providing students with Chik Fil A, resources, First Gen Flex materials, and an opportunity to connect. That evening, OneUSF will celebrate the accomplishments of first-generation students through the Tri Alpha Honor Society Induction and Celebration from 6–8 p.m. at CWY Hall in the ROTC Building of the Tampa campus.
The celebration continues on Tuesday, November 10, with the Office of Veteran Success Chef MRE Competition from 12–2 p.m. on the SLC Patio and additional student engagement opportunities, including a Student Government Paint and Sip 2-4pm on the lawn.
To end the week on Thursday, November 12, our Academic Advocates will present Don’t Crash Out: How to Voice Your Needs at USF, a virtual panel from 3–4:30 p.m. focused on helping students understand how to advocate for themselves and access the support they need.
That evening, Bulls will have one more opportunity to celebrate together as USF takes on the Memphis Tigers at Raymond James Stadium and a special First Gen announcement on the jumbotron.
But when the events are over and the banners come down, our commitment to first-generation students must continue.
First-generation student success cannot belong to one office, one program, or one week on the calendar. It belongs to all of us.
Week, hoping to continue his success. “He passed his light to me.” said Henry.
Faculty can help by making office hours welcoming and explaining the unwritten rules of college. Staff can help students identify resources and build connections. Peers can help create a sense of belonging. Families can celebrate the milestones—both big and small. And institutions can continue asking whether our systems are truly accessible to students who may be navigating them for the first time.
At USF St. Petersburg, we want our first-generation Bulls to know that they do not have to figure it all out alone.
To every student who is the first in their family to walk across a college graduation stage, the first to earn a degree, or the first to pursue a dream that once seemed out of reach: Your story matters. Your presence matters. And you belong here.
First-generation students are not simply students who are the “first” in their families. They are trailblazers. And at USF St. Petersburg, we are proud to walk alongside them.
Kyonna Henry
Director of Student Life and Engagement
St. Pete campus First Gen champion.
