We asked PHHP faculty and staff to share their story on being a first generation student at the University of Florida. Here’s what they had to say.
Sophie is a four-time University of Florida graduate, earning her degrees in English, secondary English education, student personnel in higher education, and leadership development. She taught secondary English language arts, as well as university courses focused on professional writing and communication, professional speaking, and global and intercultural communication. Prior to her role in the College of Public Health and Health Professions, she provided leadership for academic advising and student services, including managing the strategic direction of multi-institutional partnership programs providing an equitable pathway for the completion of bachelor’s degrees. Her research interests are focused on the leadership and professional development of marginalized groups within higher education. Her hobbies include being an avid soccer fan, reading and traveling.
Sophie is a clinical assistant professor for educational leadership. She collaborates with PHHP’s academic programs to provide administrative leadership related to advising, student success, compliance, and accreditation. She works closely with faculty and staff to streamline college processes, assist with annual reporting, and work on academic success initiatives.
Tell us about your first-generation college student story.
As my parents did not attend college and were unfamiliar with the higher education system in the United States, I had to rely on myself and a high school counselor and teacher to guide me in my journey to college. I remember hearing from friends about the colleges to which they were applying and not being certain of what next steps I needed to follow for my own college journey. I knew I’d be responsible for paying for college, so I chose to apply to colleges in Florida where I could use my Bright Futures Scholarship. I ended up being accepted to the University of Florida, an experience that helped shape my personal growth and career path. Because of my high school mentor, I knew I wanted to teach, so I pursued a combined degree at UF to become a high school English teacher. Following teaching for several years, I returned to UF twice, as an older non-traditional student, which led me to a career in academic advising and student affairs. My time at UF allowed me to connect with resources and experiences that expanded my knowledge, thinking, and understanding of what was possible. I am grateful for my experiences as a first-generation student, as well as to my parents for supporting my journey.
Are there any specific lessons you learned because of your first-generation status?
As I reflect on my journey as a first-generation student, I can now appreciate the resilience and motivation I learned through my experience. Knowing that I was responsible for my educational decisions and their outcomes, I had to be motivated to learn as much information as I could and position myself for success. Learning to get to college and navigate that space while I was there took resilience, experiencing setbacks and successes along the way, and taught me about myself. I learned time management, financial literacy, and how to build relationships—skills that helped me progress through college and my future career. Looking back, I wish I would have connected more with the resources available in college, something I make sure to encourage when working with current students.
What were some of your favorite moments in your program?
I enjoyed meeting new people in college, some that I am still friends with 20 years later. My combined degree program was cohort-based, which allowed me to move through my teaching program with peers who were all navigating how to be a teacher. I loved my student teaching internship where I got to work in a seventh-grade classroom for a semester and put into practice all the preparation and coursework I was completing in college. It was encouraging to hear my peers’ internship stories and share our successes and challenges in teaching. (Nothing prepares you better than doing and teaching 100 seventh-graders was challenging!) I was also at UF when we won the football and basketball national championships, which was an exciting time to be on campus!
When we learn others’ stories, it expands our knowledge and perspectives…
Sophie Spratley, Ph.D.
How can faculty, staff, and fellow students be champions for first-generation students?
Faculty, staff, and fellow students can be champions for first-generation students by listening and building relationships. When we learn others’ stories, it expands our knowledge and perspectives, which allows us to better understand and support each other’s college experiences. Faculty and staff can share resources that help all students navigate college, including providing adequate information on how students can access these resources. Helping students build relationships through co-curricular programming and connecting with opportunities outside of the classroom helps students build their network.
What advice do you have for someone starting on their first-generation journey?
My biggest advice to students is that you are not on your journey alone. Work to build relationships with your peers, faculty, and staff that will help you feel connected to college. Use your support networks, both personal and on campus, and visit your academic advisor. Your academic advisor can help you set educational and personal goals, connect you with campus resources, and is a consistent relationship you will have throughout your time in college. Enjoy your college experience and advocate for yourself. (If you need a place to start, you can always visit me!)