First Gen Story Lab Film
Category: Film
Author(s): Miguel Maqueda, Filiberto Talavera-Gonzalez, Liliana Lopez
Presenter(s): Miguel Maqueda, Filiberto Talavera-Gonzalez, Liliana Lopez
Mentors(s): Yaneli Munoz, Sandra Castaneda, Amanda Autobee
This short film highlights voices that are not always heard when discussing university student experiences. First generation students come from many different backgrounds, and each carries a unique story. While their journeys are deeply personal, they also share many common experiences as they navigate the unfamiliar world of higher education. Many first-generation students encounter similar doubts, pressures, and adversities when entering college. Their stories often go unnoticed by the broader public, yet they represent resilience, determination, and growth. By sharing these experiences, the film brings attention to what first generation students truly go through and why their journeys deserve recognition. One of the central themes of the film is how daunting college can feel at the beginning. Many first-generation students arrive on campus without a clear understanding of what to expect. Unlike peers who may have family members who attended college, they often do not have someone at home who can explain the systems, expectations, and hidden processes of higher education. As a result, they must learn to navigate these challenges independently while balancing academic, personal, and cultural transitions. This short film follows the experiences of three first-generation students, Filiberto Talavera-Gonzales, Liliana Lopez, and Miguel Maqueda, at Colorado State University. Through personal reflections and storytelling, each student shares moments of uncertainty, perseverance, celebration, and achievement. Their voices highlight both the challenges they faced and the victories that shaped their journeys. While their paths are different, they ultimately come together through a shared sense of community that empowers them to continue moving forward.