My name is Taylor Scites. I am a sophomore
Multidisciplinary Studies student here at
WVU. I have three minors in women and
gender studies, strategic social media
and public relations. I grew up in
southern West Virginia in a town called
West Hamlin. It is located in Lincoln
County, which is near Boone, Kanawha and
Cabell. I grew up in a working poor
family. I honestly didn't know that we
were poor when I was growing up because
we were always taken care of. It was not
known to us that we couldn't afford most
things that other people could. My goal is
not to scare you, but it's to inform
you that sometimes as first-generation
students, we have things that seem like
it's too much to bear,
like trying to pay for our schooling,
trying to find the right dorm or
apartment and that even goes along with
trying to find the right roommate.
You get a sense of pride about having the
first one to go. It's unbelievable that
you have a kid that is capable of being
put through college that can keep up with the work
It's just a
blessing when you meet people you say "I've got a student at WVU." You kind of puff up a little bit.
So, being first gen
to me is somewhat of an honor and I know
it's really odd to hear because most
people see it as a sign of being
different but it's it's practically
saying that you had all these
obstacles up against you and you have
overcome them. You have shown that you
are stronger than it. It is nothing to be embarrassed about or ashamed of.
You are here to get an education. You
are here to do better for yourself and
for your family.
