Being a first-generation college student can be intimidating. Unlike many of your colleagues, your family and loved ones cannot provide you with a road map of the college experience. As the first in your family to embark on the journey toward higher education, you have the unique challenge of charting a new course in unfamiliar territory.
Still, being a first-generation student isn’t just a challenge — it’s also an exciting opportunity. First-generation students forge a new path for their families, proudly advancing their education, securing their future, and bringing their voices to new fields and industries.
As the first of his family to pursue higher education, Timothy Prince felt this excitement back when he began his UB journey in 2018.
From Brooklyn to Bridgeport
Growing up in the Flatbush neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York City, Timothy attended a charter school that primarily served students from underrepresented backgrounds. Consequently, teachers made a concentrated effort to encourage and challenge students to pursue higher education. Timothy was especially motivated to meet this challenge. It was his dream to be the first in his family to attend college.
Part of Timothy’s ambition was inspired by his aunt, who served her community as a social worker. Watching her improve the lives of others and enact positive social change inspired Timothy to do the same. He wanted to help lead, motivate, and empower diverse communities by advocating for inclusion and equity at the grassroots level.
It was at a college fair that Timothy learned about University of Bridgeport. As a largely minority-serving institute, UB’s dedication to diversity aligned with his vision and goals. Aside from being home to an inclusive culture, accessible financial aid services made UB the perfect choice.
“I came to University of Bridgeport with a mission to be the first college graduate in my family. No matter the challenges that I have faced over these past four years, I will always thank UB for giving me the best college experience that I could’ve asked for.”
Making a Difference at UB
When Timothy began studying at University of Bridgeport, he was enrolled as a sociology major. Initially, he thought this would be the most secure path to a career as a social worker. But during his first semester, other students and professors began encouraging Timothy to change his major to Human Services and Psychology. Whereas a degree in sociology would have helped Timothy study big-picture social changes, a Human Services and Psychology degree would allow him to work closely with individuals and communities.
Timothy took their advice. After the first few months of school, he officially declared as a Human Services and Psychology major. His studies only served to increase his passion for social change. In his major courses, Timothy began developing an in-depth understanding of how people think and what influences human behavior. He also began taking counseling courses, where he learned strategies for establishing trustful relationships with new people.
Getting Involved on Campus
There was no better place for Timothy to fine-tune his counseling skills than the UB campus itself. He became actively involved with the Student Programming Board and Center for Student Involvement, where he served as a leader and advocate for other UB students. Although he made countless peer connections, Timothy took special pride in being able to help new and transfer students acclimate to university life. Timothy also became involved with other organizations across the UB Campus, such as the Gender Sexuality Awareness Club and United We Step. With his positive mentality, work ethic, and commitment to helping others, he advanced to leadership positions in both organizations.
During his time working with the Student Programming Board, Timothy also helped pioneer what is now a UB tradition — the GSA Drag Brunch! Timothy was inspired to bring this cultural experience to UB after noticing that similar events were being offered by local restaurants and establishments. Aside from a delicious brunch, this event serves up fierce looks, laughs, and unforgettable college memories. Moreover, the Drag Brunch serves the UB community by offering free and confidential HIV/AIDS testing.
“I joined the Student Programming Board, became President of the Gender Sexuality Awareness Club, Captain of United We Step, a student worker in the Center for Student Involvement, and a member of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council. All my UB student experiences have made me the successful student leader I am today.”
Committing to Inclusion in Higher Education
Although Timothy had long dreamt of promoting diversity and leadership in his community, the exact “how” remained uncertain. That is until Timothy’s colleagues at the Student Programming Board and Student Involvement Center began encouraging him to pursue a career in higher education. Though Timothy had never considered this possibility, it made perfect sense. He found it immensely rewarding to help students lead their best lives, and the capacity for him to create positive social change was clear. By encouraging students from marginalized backgrounds to find their voices, Timothy could help increase representation, visibility, and advancement for diverse communities — advocating for social change at the grassroots level.
Today, Timothy continues doing just that. After his bachelor’s was conferred in December 2022, Timothy began the new year by joining the University of New Haven staff as the Coordinator for Leadership, Diversity & inclusion — working for the Myatt Center for Diversity & Inclusion and the Center for Student Engagement, Leadership & Orientation. In his current role, Timothy serves as a liaison between the two departments — continuing his mission to inspire and promote diverse leadership.
But that’s not all. In the fall, Timothy plans to advance his career in student affairs by pursuing a master’s degree in Higher Education. Having been both a student and coordinator in the world of higher ed, Timothy offers sound advice to future undergraduates. “Get involved, especially if you’re living on campus. If you don’t get involved and just go from class to class, you’ll miss opportunities and feel like you’re still in high school. When you get involved, you meet friends, make connections, and maybe even find future job opportunities.”
UB and You
As a Purple Knight, there are countless ways to get involved on campus, so first-generation students and those from marginalized backgrounds will find plenty of opportunities to get engaged in student life at UB. University of Bridgeport deeply values diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). UB’s DEI Council is dedicated to ensuring that these values are upheld and embraced across campus.
Ready to join the Purple Knight family? Contact us today!