Proud family members sat with
The four-week program gave first-generation college students the opportunity to live in a dorm and get acquainted with campus while also getting a head start on the mathematics course that awaits them in the fall. It also gave them the opportunity to make friends and learn about valuable resources at their disposal.
The program was led by the College of Engineering, and the Women in Engineering and Access and Inclusion programs.
“As first-generation college students, these women have the opportunity to change the entire trajectory of their families,” said Dr. Andrea Ogilvie, assistant dean for student success. “By taking part in this program, they are setting themselves up for a successful freshman year, which can really set the tone for their entire college experience.”
To Kenya Gallardo, mom of incoming student Vanessa Gutierrez, having her daughter attend the ESBP gave her peace of mind.“I think it was good for her,” she said. “Coming out of high school, she didn’t know what to expect. I think it will help her be more ready.”
Gallardo, a Houston resident, said she was also pleased to see how friendly Aggies are.
“I was very happy the first time we came here and everybody was saying ‘howdy!’” she said. “I was worried about her safety, but not at all now.”
Kimberly Sanchez Gonzalez, a freshman from Dallas, Texas, said she appreciated how enthusiastic the College of Engineering staff members were.
“They really want to see us succeed in engineering,” she said. “It was very one-on-one.”
Sanchez Gonzalez said she was apprehensive at first since no one in her family had experienced college before. Now, Sanchez Gonzalez has a new group of friends she’ll be able to lean on when the fall semester begins.
“This program helped me realize there are other girls here in the same situation as me,” she said. “It made me feel more confident in my choice.”Sara Coe, from Cold Spring, Texas, said all of her worries went away on the first day of the program.
“I made a lot of friends and I love these people so much,” she said. “They are such sweet and kind-hearted individuals, and this connection couldn’t have been made without this program.”
Coe will be in the Corps of Cadets band and hopes to one day join the United States Air Force. She also hopes that she is in a position to sponsor a similar program one day that could help other female engineering first-generation college students.
“I met other girls who are also first-generation college students, in the Corps and in engineering,” she said. “We’re all in this together and that’s so uplifting and power-giving.”
The ESBP was sponsored by David Zachry ‘85 and the Zachry Corporation.
“This program would not have been possible without the tremendous support of Zachry Corporation,” said Ogilvie. “We are so grateful that David Zachry and Zachry Corporation believe in the impact women can have on the world, and we’re so excited to see what these 50 women accomplish here at Texas A&M University.”