Elgin Community College’s first generation support group, ASPIRE 1G, hosted their annual 1G week this past Nov. 6-10th. Their events varied from guest speakers who shared their inspiring experiences as first-generation students, workforce knowledge workshops, and social events. The 1G week was sponsored by ECC, and presented by ASPIRE 1G and Student Life.

The 1G week began with the College Student Week Kick-off and Resource Fair. ECC President David Sam was present and gave a speech to show support for first-generation students. Ali Kashani, First Year Programs Coordinator, shared his wisdom in hopes to inspire students as a keynote speaker at the event. Among the activities, included was a cotton candy, popcorn, and nacho station, the resource fair with various ECC departments, such as disability services, financial aid, academic advising, as well as an interactive board where students had their picture taken and wrote one word to describe themselves.

“This was ASPIRE 1G’s fourt First Generation College Student Week. As tradition, we start the week off with our kick off. In my opinion, the Kick-Off was a success. It was amazing to see students take advantage of the resource fair and having fun. Our board had photos of students and with their own positive statements on each photo. We did that to raise the level of positivity in our school environment,” said Andres Garcia, President of ASPIRE 1G.

The Easy as Pie Fundraiser collected faculty and student’s attention as six Student Life Coordinators fought to be saved from being pied. Students were encouraged to donate money to each of their respective jars in order to be saved, as the top three coordinators with the most money would be saved.

“Our Pie in the Face Fundraiser showed how Student Life can come together for a good and fun cause. Without the Student Life coordinators support, we wouldn’t have been able to have one of our most successful fundraisers, raising a total of $207.91,” said Jose Lopez, Treasurer for ASPIRE 1G.

ECC Alumna, former Phi Theta Kappa Leadership Officer, and current Administrative Assistant for the Office of Student Life, Yvette Argueta shared her story of being a first-generation student at the 1G Connect: Leaving A Legacy Social. Her story branched off the theme of leaving a legacy, as she shared she is motivating her fellow siblings and family members to pursue further education. The 1G Connect is a social event in which first-generation students, faculty members, and staff interact over games and refreshments.

ASPIRE 1G took a working approach in their 1G Week Mock Interviews event. The ASPIRE 1G Executive Board shared their do’s and don’ts on interview etiquette. Within’ the event, ASPIRE 1G showed participants on what to include on their resumes, how to properly shake a potential employer’s hand, and how to properly dress for formal and casual interview settings.

“The mock interviews were successful. Bringing them knowledge about how to dress and what to prepare is something that they will need to know in the long run. It was fun communicating with students and I had a pleasure in teaching them some helpful tips.” said Yannet Hernandez, Community Service Officer of ASPIRE 1G.

To end their 1G Week, ASPIRE 1G invited ECC students to participate in Cosmic Bowling at the Streamwood Bowling Center. Pizza, drinks, and a night of bowling connected students with a social environment to recoil on the week’s events.

“Throughout the whole week, it was a pleasure educating people about what being a first generation college student is and the amazing resources the college has to offer. Seeing student’s faces light up when they find out about all the amazing resources they can take advantage of, is fantastic. Everyday was a learning experience, not just for the students, but for us as well,” said Ana Rojas, Event Coordinator of ASPIRE 1G.