Topeka, Kan. – Washburn University is continuing its tradition of recognizing a student and their family as the “First-generation Family of the Year” this afternoon. Rafael Cardenas-Torres, a Washburn University senior business major, will be receiving the honor. In addition, Savannah Rodriguez, D’Mya Valdivia and Abby Trautman and their families will be recognized as finalists.
It has been a long-standing tradition for Washburn to recognize families that have shown dedication to, support of and enthusiasm for the university over the years.
“Our first-generation students and their families often demonstrate such passion for Washburn,” said Dr. Eric Grospitch, vice president of student life for Washburn University. “The university added recognition specifically for first-generation families last spring and is continuing the annual tradition this year.”
Washburn considers a student first generation if none of their parents or their legal guardians completed a bachelor’s degree (regardless if siblings or other relatives have earned degrees). The university has multiple programs in place specifically to integrate first-generation students and their families into Washburn University and the college experience, and has been recognized nationally for their work on behalf of first-generation students.
“First-generation students often become ambassadors for higher education for their entire family, as well as help us better understand the challenges others still face in achieving their degrees,” Grospitch said. “The ‘First-generation Family of the Year’ program is designed to acknowledge all the work these students and their families have done to support both their student and Washburn University.”
Rafael Cardenas-Torres
Rafael Cardenas-Torres, who is from Topeka, has already earned his associate of liberal arts degree in 2019 and anticipates graduating this spring with a bachelor of business administration. He is majoring in finance and marketing.
“Washburn University has been a life-changing experience for my family but especially me,” Cardenas-Torres said. “Before Washburn, I was very reserved, kept things to myself, and I would try not to change my routine or I would be afraid of trying new things, new challenges.”
He said that when he earned his associate degree that his family called all of his relatives and threw a party for him.
“They saw that I was heading in the right direction and knew that once I get my bachelor’s degree, there will be bigger opportunities at my current job as a bank teller or in a future career,” he said. “I am proud to be the first member of my family to go to college.
“I’m proud of is the connections that I have made while in college because of my involvement,” he said. “I have been a peer educator for three years and I have been placed in a classroom for 3 semesters and working with other students and professors have been an amazing experience. I still talk to some of the students that I was peer educating in my first year of peer educating.”
Finalists:
D’Mya Valdivia
D’Mya Valdivia, also from Topeka, has completed an associate degree in human services and is currently completing a bachelor’s degree in communications and sociology with a minor in anthropology. She anticipates graduating later this spring.
“Attending Washburn has also taught me about responsibility and being proud of who I am. Every day brings a different experience,” she said. “Interacting and working with prospective and incoming students makes me feel good through knowing I am a positive resource on campus for students. I remember attending Washburn orientation and how I was nervous and scared. I use and share those experiences with students I now work with.”
Valdivia has also been active on campus throughout her time at Washburn.
“While at Washburn, my leadership skills have improved and helped me speak up for myself and those around me,” she said. “I am currently involved as a Student Ambassador, Peer Educator, Lin-C Bonner Scholar, Student Orientation Counselor, Mortar Board, NONOSO, CAS Dean’s Student Advisory Board and the Secretary for Washburn’s Black Student Union. I was also a Bod Pod leader for a group of Peer Educators. Last year, I completed my Leadership WTE (Washburn Transformational Experience.) My project was focused on creating an open and safe environment for students so we could build relationships with one another before situations happen instead of after. My goal is to complete all four WTE’s before I graduate.”
Savannah Rodriguez
Rodriguez is from Topeka and said that “my experience at Washburn has helped shape me as an individual because it has given me an opportunity that my parents never had.”
Rodriguez noted that some of the faculty she met at Washburn have become “her biggest cheerleaders.” One -- Graciela Beruman, first generation student specialist from Washburn’s Center for Student Success, even became the advisor for a new organization – We Are First – whose members are the first in their family to attend college. Rodriguez is the current president of that organization.
“I am most proud that I have been able to hold an almost full-time job while in school,” she said. “I am proud that my grades are better than they were in high school and I am most proud to be the president of a student organization that helps first generation students just like myself.”
Abby Trautman
Abby Trautman came to Washburn from Raymore, Mo. and is completing her bachelor of science degree in biology. She anticipates graduating in the spring of 2022.
“My experience at Washburn University has been more than I could have ever hoped for. It has helped me realize that it is possible to become the person I have always wanted to be. I am constantly growing and learning new things about myself,” she said. “Being surrounded by so many people from different backgrounds and cultures has allowed me the opportunity to learn about people in our community. I am constantly influenced by those that are a part of the Washburn community whether they are a student, alumni, faculty or staff. My time here on campus has made me appreciate the love and support my family gives me.”
Trautman said that she is most proud of the fact that she did not let being a first-generation college student hold her back.
“Despite the obstacles of transitioning from high school to college with having little knowledge of what college was like, I embraced the experience and am so proud of what I have accomplished during my time at Washburn. Rather than letting being a first-generation college student define me in a negative light,” she said. “I decided instead to be proud of my background and where I came from. I got involved on campus in Greek Life, Washburn Student Government Association, admissions, residential living and so much more. I made friends and connections on campus that will last a lifetime. I have figured out what I want my future career to be and work hard every day to make sure that I follow my dreams
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