Faces of First-Gen: Professor Jo Reger

Transitioning to college is a challenging experience for any student, but for first-generation students, the journey is often marked by unique obstacles and a steep learning curve. As a first-gen student, Jo Reger, professor of sociology and chair of the Department of Sociology, Anthropology, Social Work, and Criminal Justice, recently shared her insights into the struggles and triumphs of first-gen students, as well as ways to support them on their educational journey.

For Reger, the seeds of perseverance and lifelong learning were planted early. Growing up as one of five children on a large apple orchard and vegetable farm in Ohio, she experienced the demands of hard work firsthand. She spent countless hours in the fields with her family, taking pride in the business they built together. However, she always knew she wanted a different path for her life.

Reger’s parents valued and encouraged continuing education. She recalls frequent trips to the library, a home filled with reading and her parents attending Farm Extension classes to learn new skills. Their commitment to learning made the transition to college easier but not without difficulties.

Like many first-gen students, the biggest hurdles Reger faced were not just academic but cultural. She recalled moments of uncertainty in situations that others took for granted, such as ordering at a restaurant or approaching a professor for help. “I didn’t know how to drop a class or how to ask for help,” she says. “It took me a long time to realize that talking to professors and seeking guidance was not only acceptable, but encouraged.”

This lack of inherited academic knowledge often means first-gen students struggle with tasks like buying textbooks, registering for classes and developing study habits. Recognizing this, Orientation and New Student Programs is now revamping its orientation program to include essential soft skills, such as note-taking and accessing learning platforms, to better prepare students from day one.

A strong support system can make all the difference for first-gen students. Reger emphasizes the importance of mentorship, noting that without her older sister, she might have struggled even more during her college years. However, not every student has a sibling to guide them, which is why formal mentorship programs are crucial.

“Just talk to your professors,” Reger urges. “I’ve had students who were struggling because they had to choose between gas money to get to school and or eating a meal, or who were failing classes because they were homeless. If they had come to me sooner, we could have helped.”

Faculty members, particularly those who were first-gen students themselves, are often willing to support students in ways beyond academics, whether it’s directing them to campus resources or simply offering encouragement.

While grassroots efforts and faculty support are invaluable, Reger believes that universities must also provide financial and structural backing to truly make a difference. One area where Reger champions improvement is textbook accessibility. Many students struggle to afford updated editions, leaving them at a disadvantage. Increasing low-cost and no-cost textbook initiatives could significantly alleviate this burden, according to Reger, who also supports more funding for outreach programs, mentorship opportunities and academic workshops tailored to first-gen experiences.

Despite the challenges, being a first-generation college student is something Reger wants students to be proud of. She wants to shift the narrative from one of struggle to one of resilience and achievement. “Sometimes, first-gen students are seen as deficient, but they have unique skills and strengths that should be celebrated.”

She encourages students to embrace their journey, seek help when needed and take advantage of opportunities to explore their academic interests. “I know people who hate their jobs because they didn’t explore their passions in college out of fear of debt or failure,” Reger says. “It’s important to find a path that truly makes you happy.”

At OU, our goal is to create an environment in which all students, especially first-generation, feel empowered and equipped to explore and succeed.

Orientation and New Student Programs (ONSP) encourages first-year, first-generation students to connect with others via MySail as part of a new First-Generation Group. Specialized monthly programming also will continue in 2025. For more information, contact ONSP at (248) 370-4653 or [email protected].