PC Firsts Student Organization
PC Firsts is an organization that supports first-generation college students in their pursuit of higher education. PC Firsts builds community, offers social and academic support, and creates a reflective environment for students. The program teaches students how to navigate the college community, balance relationships between home and campus, and create a network of support from peers and faculty.
Mentor/Mentee Relationships
PC Firsts is a yearlong program that supports first-year students in their transition from high school to college. Sew students are paired with an upper-class mentor.
Unlike other peer mentor programs, we engage in “collaborative mentoring” – mentors both individually and collaboratively support first-year students with an emphasis on students of color and international students. Mentors have their own group of mentees as well as are available to answer questions or meet other mentees outside of one’s mentee group. For example, a mentee interested in a particular major may ask any mentor who is from that major to meet and talk more about it. We believe in a shared effort and commitment so that community is cultivated among all the mentors and mentees.
We are committed to intercultural relationships so we match mentees and mentors being mindful of differences and commonalities that would enrich the mentoring experience. Since we have a collective mentoring model, a mentee may meet with any of the mentors for a common connection.
For many first-generation students, finding a department, connecting with someone to talk to about an issue, or finding the necessary resources can be an overwhelming experience. Therefore, in addition to the mentee and the mentor relationship, PC Firsts also facilitates workshops in which students are challenged to learn the skill sets that will be useful in their transition into college and the work field. Our workshops vary from providing information on how to network to giving advice on how to find your way, as well as outlining several campus departments and available resources to our students.
Mentors are often able to answer questions and concerns about:
- Academic issues (course selection, study habits, time management)
- Getting involved on campus (intramurals, clubs and organizations, etc…)
- Career Advice (planning for graduate school, learning about career choices)
- Relationship building with peers, roommates, friends, and others
Testimonials from current and past members:
“PC Firsts has helped me with becoming a leader on campus. It has given me the ability and strength to stand up and be an advocate for myself. It has allowed me to navigate around campus and find the resources that first-gen students usually are not aware of.” – Class of 2022
“As a first-generation student at Providence College, PC Firsts to me means community, love, and an opportunity to discover my own potential while helping others reach for the tools they need to succeed, which are not always easily accessible.” – Class of 2021
“PC Firsts has given me the platform to find my voice as a First Gen on this PWI. As a low-income person of color having a group like PC Firsts, with the support of the deans of students, I have been able to do things that I wouldn’t be able to do, like attend Retreats, discover cities like NYC and Boston and connect to people that look just like me.” – Class of 2020
“PC Firsts is an important program on campus because it helps you see that you are not alone and there are other people who face similar struggles as you.” – Class of 2019
