About First-Gen Voices
First-Gen Voices is a peer-reviewed journal of creative writing, visual and recorded art, and scholarly work from the first-generation college community. Students and/or faculty and staff who identify as “first-generation college,” as well as those who support the first-generation community, are encouraged to submit original creative and critical work for consideration. New issues are published every fall and spring semester. Personal narratives by participants in the First To Go Writers' Workshop are also featured in special issues throughout the year. Browse the complete collection of published work here!
Check out some featured submissions from Volume 7:
"Champion"
Harman Brah (Class of 2017)Though your best might not be the best
You will be so much more than you can guess
So rise my champion from the contest
And remember why your grandma calls you
He who is blessed
"Unfamiliar Familiar Faces"
Camila De Pierola (Scholars Cohort 2017-18)
“In the end I was able to grow. I was able to learn about this whole other world I had never experienced before. I was able to question myself and others. My first year in college definitely consisted of experiences and challenges I did not expect, but I continued my way through it. I jumped into a school I was in love with, and fell even more in love with its positive aspects along with its flaws. I found myself lucky to be a part of two diverse worlds that I loved so much and considered home. Most importantly, I was able to understand that these were different worlds, but it was my job to connect them” (De Pierola, Unfamiliar Familiar Faces).
"Dream State"
Tyra Cecilio (Scholars Cohort 2017-18)
"I smile, I can't help but do it. In the beginning I really doubted how difficult college was going to be, but as I walk back, I begin to reflect on how much I grew as a person. Curve balls, whether good or bad, were thrown at me, but I was able to hit them out of the park. Excitement grew inside me as I realize that I was finally going to get a break! As rain trickles over my umbrella, I blink" (Cecilio, Dream State).