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Hello! My name is Brian Lum, and I’m a senior studying Information Systems at THE Ohio State University. Ever since I could remember, I was determined to become the first in my family to go to college. There is so much power in being educated, but as a society, we don’t recognize the privilege of our access. I grew up in a small town right outside Toledo, OH starting my educational career at Head Start, a federally funded school readiness program for eligible children, prenatal to age 5 based on family income.
When it was time for me to apply to college, I genuinely had no clue how and a lack of guidance from faculty at my high school, despite asking several times. Being a first-generation college student came with such a unique set of challenges and without the vital familial experience, I felt so lost but managed to find my way to the Fisher College of Business and a program called Fisher FIRST.
Focusing on Inclusion and Readiness for a Successful Transition or "Fisher FIRST" is a year-long program that serves to strengthen Fisher's culture of belonging for its students in their first year by providing enhanced programming for Fisher students who can benefit from intentional holistic support during their transition, including those who are first generation to attend college and underrepresented student populations. From starting off as a mentee, to then becoming a mentor myself, I eventually reached my goal of becoming the Peer Advisor of the program, where I have been able to now teach the Fisher FIRST Seminar for the past two years.
The Fisher College of Business has been so special with their intentional support and dedication toward uplifting first-gen students and if it wasn’t for this program, I genuinely would not be standing here today. Words are not enough to express my gratitude to everyone who has supported and invested into my journey. I owe everything to what Fisher FIRST has provided me from invaluable mentorship and a community of individuals who have shared experiences to aiding me in easing financial burdens. I am so passionate about giving back to this community, so this fundraiser is so close to my heart. Together let’s change the narrative of being a first-generation college student and continue breaking barriers, all while setting a powerful example for future generations.
