Breaking barriers, building futures: First-gen students thrive learning online

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The path to a degree can be especially challenging for students who are the first in their families to go to college.

Without the benefit of their family’s guidance, first-generation college students often navigate the complexities of higher education on their own. The pressure to succeed may be compounded by financial constraints, work and caregiving responsibilities, and the emotional weight of breaking new ground.

For many, the idea of college may feel out of reach before the journey even begins.

Each year, colleges and universities across the country, including Penn State, recognize the unique challenges and achievements of first-generation students. At the University, Penn State World Campus helps to make the dream of a college degree more accessible for first-generation students in Pennsylvania and beyond.

Through its fully online degree programs, Penn State World Campus offers students the flexibility to pursue their education without uprooting their lives. And through its First-Generation Student Affinity Group, World Campus is building a community of support, connection and leadership.

In recognition of National First-Generation College Celebration Week, Nov. 3-7, Penn State World Campus is sharing the stories of three students whose experiences reflect the resilience, purpose and impact of first-generation learners.

“The success stories of our first-generation college students remind us that what truly matters is expanding access to higher education and breaking down the barriers that stand in the way,” said Karen Pollack, interim vice provost for Online Education at Penn State. “What they accomplish — often while carrying responsibilities and pressures that others don’t see — is extraordinary. Their drive, their belief in education, and their willingness to step into the unknown is admirable."

Erin Robertson: Returning to school and unlocking her potential

Erin Robertson, of Bellwood, Pennsylvania, returned to college nearly 20 years after two unfinished attempts. Now thriving as an online learner studying psychology through Penn State World Campus, she’s making progress toward her goal of eventually earning a doctorate to help trauma survivors.

“Being a first-generation college student means rewriting the story I thought was already written,” Robertson said. “It’s about breaking cycles, creating opportunities, and proving to myself and to my family that dreams don’t expire.”

She said she spent years feeling stuck at work, unsure how to unleash the potential she knew she had. Her husband encouraged her to go back to school, and discovering she could earn a Penn State degree online was a turning point.

“For years, I felt like my potential was locked behind a door I didn’t have the key for,” she said. “Eventually, I realized that key was education.”

Robertson is thriving academically and as a student leader. She serves as president of Active Minds, a student organization that advocates for mental health, and is active in several others, including the First-Generation Student Affinity Group.

Most importantly, she said, her experience has helped her find her voice.

“Being first-gen isn’t just a label, it’s a badge of honor,” Robertson said. “It means turning doubt into determination and fear into fuel. And it means paving the way for others to follow, because if I can do this, so can they.”

Rosalinda Hernandez: Leading with purpose and pride

Rosalinda Hernandez, a human development and family studies major from Fairfax, Virginia, is set to graduate this fall. As a full-time student who also works full time, she said her experience with online learning through Penn State World Campus has been “nothing but amazing.”

Hernandez wears her first-generation identity with pride. Her journey is about more than earning a degree — it’s about setting an example for her younger siblings and her Spanish-speaking community.

“I’ve learned not to be afraid of changing generational patterns and pursuing my dreams, no matter how challenging or uncertain the path may seem,” Hernandez said. “I take pride in being the first in my family to strive for something greater than myself.”

She once doubted whether college was possible, but her motivation to prove she was capable — and to open doors for others — kept her going. She found support through the First-Generation Student Affinity Group and her academic adviser, Cheryl Miller.

“I take such pride in being part of Penn State,” Hernandez said. “And I’m proud to serve as the student co-chair lead for the First-Gen Affinity Group.”

After graduation, she hopes to become a director for an applied behavior analysis therapy organization or pursue a career in human resources. She’s also considering a master’s degree — but first, she plans to celebrate her win.

“I used to think college wasn’t for someone like me,” Hernandez said. “Now I know that being first-gen doesn’t mean you’re alone — it means you’re leading the way.”

Stephanie Michaels: Turning pain into purpose

Stephanie Michaels, a psychology major from Phillipsburg, New Jersey, is a mother of three, a small-business owner, and survivor of domestic abuse. As a first-generation college student, she’s pursuing her degree through Penn State World Campus while building a trauma-informed daycare and running a women’s boutique.

Her path to college was shaped by financial strain, motherhood, and the emotional toll of surviving abuse. But her children became her motivation to keep going.

“I didn’t grow up surrounded by college graduates, so every class and assignment represents courage and change,” Michaels said. “It means showing my children that it’s never too late to chase your dreams, and that education can transform pain into purpose.”

She chose World Campus for its flexibility and strong sense of community. Now thriving academically with a 3.9 GPA and dean’s ist honors, Michaels is active in student organizations like Active Minds and the World Campus Psychology Club.

“As a mom and first-generation student, I needed a place that understood real life, and Penn State truly does,” she said. “It’s allowed me to grow, learn, and move closer to my dream of becoming a psychologist.”

After graduation, Michaels plans to become a licensed psychologist specializing in trauma and child development. Her long-term vision is to open a wellness center that blends therapy, early education and family support — making healing and empowerment accessible to all.

“My long-term dream is to use my Penn State education to make healing, compassion and empowerment accessible to families everywhere,” Michaels said.

A Penn State education online

Penn State World Campus has been offering a Penn State education online for more than 25 years.

With support from the Penn State World Campus Chaiken Center for Student Success and a vibrant student community, first-generation students are finding the tools they need to succeed.

Learn how online learning works by visiting the Penn State World Campus website.

These first-generation students’ stories are part of the series “This is Success: Online learners show what’s possible,” which explores Penn State World Campus students’ successes during all parts of their academic journeys.