First-Gen Student Trent West (GS’28) on Active Military Duty and Supporting Family
Observed annually on November 8, National First-Generation College Celebration Day is a dedicated time to honor students at higher education institutions who have worked diligently to pursue academic excellence.
First-gen students are generally individuals whose parents did not complete a four-year college or university degree. This week, we’re sharing a few first-gen student stories from across Columbia to celebrate their achievements, resilience, and inspiring journeys.
Active duty Marine Trent West (GS’28), a double major in financial economics and political science, shared his perspective with us on what it means to be a first-gen student, and how his academic journey is positively impacting his family back home.
Continue reading below to hear Trent’s advice for other first-gen students and to learn more about how his military and academic experiences are intertwining.
Can you tell us a little about yourself?
My name is Trent West, I'm at the School of General Studies double majoring in financial economics and political science. I am an active duty Marine under the Marine Enlisted to Commissioning Education Program that pays active duty members to attend college.
What does being a first-gen college student mean to you?
Being a first-gen college student is a big step for me and my family. I'm the oldest of seven kids and we are all from Las Vegas, where they still live. Being the first one to attend college is showing my siblings that attending college is possible for us.
What has been one of your proudest moments or most meaningful accomplishments during your time at Columbia?
My proudest moment here at Columbia, is that I was able to buy a house for my mom and siblings in Las Vegas. They have been forced to move many times but now they finally have a secure place for them to live. As a first-gen student, there have been a lot of challenges. When I arrived at orientation week, I didn't know that we had to sign up for our own classes and I wasn't signed up for any classes. Learning how to write academically has been a huge struggle for me as well. I'm not used to expressing my own thoughts and opinions on subjects to be graded. Thankfully I have so many people that help me, specifically my academic advisor Dean Irene Rodriguez, veteran financial aid advisor Tessie Scroggins, and tutors at the Academic Resource Center (ARC) for GS.
"Everything I do is to continue supporting my family back home and to give my siblings opportunities to become successful as well."
How has your family or community influenced your educational journey? What does reaching this milestone mean to you and those who have supported you?
I was supported by many people when applying to Columbia. I had officers in the Marine Corps writing me recommendation letters. Everything I do is to continue supporting my family back home and to give my siblings opportunities to become successful as well. Upon receiving my degree, I will be commissioned back into the Marine Corps as an officer, so it will all come full circle for me. The community that gave me the opportunity to go to college will also welcome me back.
What advice would you give to an incoming first-gen student who is just beginning their college journey?
My advice for new first-gen students is to take advantage of all the resources that are available to you. We have to pay for them either way, so might as well use them! I also recommend learning to follow a schedule and to not try and free hand your calendar. The ARC has a time management advisor who will help create a weekly plan with you.
*This post has been edited for length and clarity.