While the experience of attending college is common in many families, in others it has never been done before. The road to college is a hard path to follow, especially when it is a path that is unknown. There is a newfound sense of accomplishment a First-Gen student feels when he or she finally walks onto campus. 

On November 8th National First-Generation College Student day was celebrated, and Bushnell University was proud to applaud over 60 First-Gen students. This day emphasizes the great accomplishment first-gen students have made by getting accepted into a University. What does it truly mean to be a First-Generation College Student?

Bushnell University freshman women's basketball player America Jeffreys has the honored distinction of being the first in her family to attend college and recently discussed the opportunity. Jeffreys is majoring in psychology and was asked about her journey to Bushnell. What does it mean to her to be a first-generation college student?

"My parents wanted to provide me with the best education and life they could, even if they did not get to experience that themselves. The sacrifices my family has made and the drive they have instilled in me, are what means the most. Their work to properly prepare me for life after high school, have set me up to reach my college goals and strive in my career after college," said America. 

America grew up on the Kenai Peninsula in Nikiski, Alaska. She is the oldest making it her job to set the best example for her younger brother and sisters. A graduate of Nikiski Middle/High School, a 3A school with approximately 40 students in her graduating class, America played basketball, volleyball, and soccer. She also played basketball for a travel AAU team called the Alaska Stars, however she loved playing high school basketball the most. "My high school basketball teammates consisted of my childhood best friends, nothing was better than playing with them," said America. Her favorite memories of high school basketball were made off the court, going to team camps and spending time with her teammates throughout the summer. 

America chose to come to Bushnell because she felt that it was the best university for her. She already had some family in Oregon, and it was also an opportunity for her to experience living far from home in a new state where she could play college basketball. "I realized Bushnell would be a great fit for me because I could continue to play basketball for a great program in an area that was similar to home," said America. So, she connected with Bushnell Women's head basketball coach, Chad Meadors.

Coach Meadors explained, "I am excited for America as she sets out to accomplish her goals, navigating college is a challenge for everyone, but when you are the first in your family, you must blaze the path not yet traveled. America has the courage and determination necessary to be a successful college graduate, and I cannot wait to see the impact she is going to have on the community of Bushnell and the sense of pride the Jeffreys family will have the day we call America a college graduate."

The recruitment process was difficult for her, because no one in her family had ever applied to college before. The progression of applying, contacting coaches, and visiting different universities was unfamiliar to her and her family. However, her parents worked hard to understand the procedure to help her further her education. "The hardships they have went through to get me here, makes my experience of being a first-generation college student that much more meaningful," America said.

In March of 2020, two days before her senior night game, America had the worst experience that most athletes pray never happens. She tore her anterior cruciate ligament, ending her season. Though this was a traumatic experience, it reinforced her drive and passion to reach her goal of playing basketball in college. "Making the decision to attend Bushnell was such an amazing opportunity for me; I was determined to not let my last basketball game I ever played, end like that," America said.

Just eight months removed from her injury, she is still recovering but continues to work hard each day during physical therapy sessions in order for her to be cleared to compete with her team. The goal is for her to be stronger than ever and play for the Beacons this season. Determination and drive shown through the stages of this injury, are the same determination and drive she displayed when getting accepted into college.

"Being a first-generation college student is really important to me because I get to do something that my parents have always wanted me to do and that they never got the opportunity to achieve. I'm really appreciative for all the sacrifices they have made that have helped pave the way for me to go to college," said America. 

As if being the oldest of four siblings wasn't enough, the Bushnell basketball team has given her sixteen new sisters. Now she has a second family away from home. She is proud and joyful that she has made it to Bushnell, but she is not done yet. The ultimate goal is to graduate and become the first college graduate in her family. 

America plans to work in criminal justice in the future. "My goal is to have a career, that does not feel like a job. I want to love what I am doing and not have to worry about financial issues," described America. America's parents have done so much to help get her to college; she wants to do everything she can to make them proud. "While it hasn't been easy, I have never stopped working to get to where I am today and will not stop until I become a college graduate," said America.