Part 2- First Generation College Student: Glenn Sylvan
- Nigel Palmer
- Feb 8, 2017
- 2 min read
Growing up in the 7th Ward of New Orleans wasn't the easiest. With someone being killed down the street and drug deals happening next door, it was difficult to find positive influences. But Glenn Sylvan had higher hopes for himself, his family, and his community.
Sylvan is a first generation college student who carved out a path for himself that didn't include the street lifestyle that he grew up around. Sylvan bounced around from house to house throughout most of high school. He often dreamed of college, but coming from a low income family he knew his goal was more of a dream than a reality.
Low-income “first generation” students have a harder time getting into college, according to college counselors .But being the poster child for grit and determination, Sylvan was focused on not letting this stereotype deteriorate his confidence.
Sylvan maintained a B average throughout high school, but was never able to distinguish himself apart from his peers. However, this all changed the summer of his junior year in high school when he landed an opportunity to intern at iBeria Bank. He walked in the door and outperformed the other interns, which led to a contract to work at iBeria upon graduation from high school. The only stipulation was that he would have to get a business management degree at a four-year university. And to make this deal even more appealing, iBeria agreed to pay for his undergraduate education. Sylvan is now a junior at the University of New Orleans, expected to graduate May 2018. "Glenn is a very hard working young man. He balances school well with working in a professional setting," said Vicki Petitfils, executive assistant at iBeria Bank.
Similar to Isiah Carr, Sylvan is also a part of the KIPP Through College (KTC) family.
In aspects to the KTC survey, the counselors have mapped out ways to keep current students focused on graduating. "By serving as a resource and an adviser, KTC encourages them to do things that we know that they are capable of," said Terrence Denkins, a KTC counselor.
Balancing bills, maintaining an above average GPA, and being a father, Glenn is capable of doing more than the average student.
“Looking at my family makes me want to do better,” Sylvan said. “I know the struggle my mama went through just to support me and my siblings, so having the opportunity to go to college for free is a huge blessing for what I have planned with my life.”
There are also first generation students that attend colleges and universities upon graduation, but begin to become overwhelmed with barriers that coming to an unfamiliar place brings. There are academic, social and cultural, and internal self-doubt problems that these students must face.
In Part 3, we will be introduced to Nicholas Palmer, a first generation college student that had a road bump in his story.
Comments