The film was intended to show the struggles of first-generation students and the places they can get help. People need to understand that college is a hard transition for all, but some do struggle with situations that may seem easy to others. The film was to really show how difficult the college transition is for these students. The struggles can begin with not knowing where to start, the financial aid, what classes to take and more. We chose to pick this topic because of the fact that we are all college students, trying to reach the same goals, but to give understanding to the everyday struggles. As people, we should encourage and help others who need it. We chose to include interviews in order to show the perspective of a first-generation college student. It was intended to help people understand and to show the emotion that comes along with it. Reading about a first-generation college student isn’t the same as being able to hear one’s story and emotions about the topic. We did this to appeal to the senses of the audience. There is no better way to gain information on a topic like this, than to just ask one who goes through these struggles. We wanted to include the raw, real perspective from a student of such. As we interviewed the manager for support services, we provided those with facts and help for all students. We are all human and all need help. Offering this help to others was intended to give viewers the option to act on this film. It was also to show students how serious a topic like this is, and that many people do need this help. Hopefully many can benefit from the help that was shown because many do not know about the help that is offered here, specifically at Moraine Valley Community College. As we did more and more research, we noticed that many more students are first-generation students. Many of the people walking around Moraine Valley Community College are first-generation students, actually, about 27% are. Along with struggles in school and about the school, many of these students struggle with emotional problems as well. Constantly feeling lost, confused, embarrassed and more. This holds weight on their shoulders. Some feel as if they don’t belong or that they can’t relate to their peers. That isn’t the case and that is why it was so important for us to provide places they can get help. Moraine offers programs for all students who feel like that. Many programs also pair up with the counseling at Moraine in order to provide the help that is needed for students. Overall, the point of our film was to raise awareness for these students and to show to everyone that it is okay to need help. Always feel free to ask questions, talk to your professors and peers, and to look for any type of help when you need it. That will lead to greater success, and as college students, we all want to help one another succeed.
Burdine, Shanicka. Personal Interview. 25 April 2019.
Chapman University. “First Generation.” First Generation | First Generation Students | Chapman University, www.chapman.edu/students/academic-resources/first-generation/index.aspx.
Crockett, Kori. “Using Social Psychology to Help First-Generation and Low-Income Students through College.” Brookings, Brookings, 26 Oct. 2017, www.brookings.edu/blog/brown-center-chalkboard/2017/10/26/using-social-psychology-to-help-first-generation-and-low-income-students-through-college/.
Institutional Research and Planning Office. Personal Interview. 26 April 2019.
Moreira, Quincas. “Entire.” Youtube Audio Library, Youtube, www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/music.
Rasoul, Sandra. Personal Interview. 25 April 2019.