Trailblazing Scholars: Meet First-Generation College Students Thriving at LSU
November 06, 2024
First-generation college students in LSU’s Roger Hadfield Ogden Honors College represent a unique and vital part of the academic community.
These students, who are the first in their families to pursue a college degree, often
bring diverse perspectives and resilient determination to their academic journeys.
The LSU Honors College provides an inclusive and supportive environment where first-generation
students can access resources, mentorship, and academic programs tailored to foster
their success.
The combination of the Honors College’s enhanced academic curriculum and support network allows these students to thrive in ways that might otherwise be challenging without the institutional support and community provided by LSU.
LSU’s Honors College is committed to breaking down barriers for first-generation students by offering scholarships, academic advising, and a network of peers who share similar backgrounds and challenges.
The transition to college can be especially challenging for first-generation students, who may lack guidance on navigating higher education. However, within the Honors College, these students can benefit from smaller class sizes, dedicated faculty, and opportunities for hands-on research that enrich their educational experience.
This supportive environment not only aids in academic success, but also empowers first-generation students to reach their full potential. As they carve their own paths through LSU, these students become role models and trailblazers, embodying the transformative education at Louisiana State University.
Landon Zeringue
Landon Zeringue, a senior majoring in Political Communication from Thibodaux, Louisiana, hopes to use his degree to advocate for public land access. He is committed to environmental preservation with ambitions to work in public service roles such as the Department of the Interior, the National Park Service, or the U.S. Forest Service.
Diana Diaz
Diana Diaz, a sophomore majoring in Mass Communications with a concentration in Political Communications, was born in Jalpa, a small town in the mountains of Zacatecas, Mexico. She plans to pursue a career in immigration law, where she aims to bridge cultural divides and amplify underrepresented voices.
John Michael Sweat
John Michael Sweat, from Broussard, Louisiana, is a senior triple-majoring in Political Science, Psychology, and Sociology, with a Louisiana Service and Leadership minor. Driven by his belief that poverty is the primary factor limiting agency in marginalized communities, his goal is to work on poverty reduction through a career in public service, where he aims to create lasting community impact.
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