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BS, Kaplan University; MS, EdD, Walden University
“Often, students need just one person who recognizes their efforts, understands their aspirations and their journey, and the sacrifice that was made for them to gain their education as first-generation college students.”
As an immigrant and first-generation college student, Joset Brown understands the social and emotional support that first-gen students may not be able to receive from their families. “I have experienced the same unique needs and trepidations they are currently facing,” says Brown, assistant professor in the Department of Nursing and coordinator for the Accelerated BSN program.
In her work with her first-generation nursing students, Brown, who specializes in emergency room and trauma nursing, seeks to build relationships, understand their needs, and help them navigate resources to ensure their progression through to graduation.
Since joining the University in 2018, she has served as a mentor for multiple first-gen students. This involves everything from providing advice on work-life-school balance, interview skills, and professional guidance to writing scholarship recommendations, directing students to the right academic support service, talking about how to apply for additional financial resources, or even just being there to listen.
“Often, students need just one person who recognizes their efforts, understands their aspirations and their journey, and the sacrifice that was made for them to gain their education as first-generation college students,” says Brown, who emphasizes the importance of a college degree in providing social mobility for first-gen students and their families.
She urges her first-generation nursing students to take advantage of every resource and opportunity available at WP. “As first-generation college students, I strongly encourage you to advocate for your needs, align yourself with people, including instructors, who share this similar experience and who can serve as an inspiration or a source of support as you continue this transformational experience,” she says. “Fully immerse yourself in the college experience; you belong here!”
