First Generation Student Profiles

Deryck Greene

Hometown: Jacksonville, FL

Major: Discovery (Although, I will probably be declaring a history major soon.)

What has impressed you the most about Stetson students?
Without a doubt, the student involvement on campus in athletics, Greek life, community engagement, and other clubs/organizations on campus has impressed me the most.

What advice did your parents give you when you left for college?
Work hard, enjoy yourself, find something that you love to do, and don’t forget to call home.

What does it mean to you to have a chance to be the first in your family to earn a college degree?
I cannot even begin to adequately describe what it means to me, but to put it simply: I’m thrilled. There are so many people who have made an impact on my life and it’s because of them that I have the chance to capitalize on all of the opportunities I’ve received and earn a college degree which was never a possibility for my parents.

Diane Elderkin

Hometown: Salem, NH

Major: Sociology and Environmental Science

What has impressed you the most about Stetson students?
Stetson students are students who are dedicated to improving themselves as well as the Stetson campus. Students push themselves to do things they once thought they could not do. They are natural leaders.

What advice did your parents give you when you left for college?
Do well the first semester so that you do not have to work up your GPA for the rest of your time at Stetson. 

What does it mean to you to have a chance to be the first in your family to earn a college degree?
Being the first one in my family to obtain a college degree means that I will have the opportunity to experience upward social mobility. My family has not been able to increase the amount of money they make because of their lack of education. However, now that I will obtain my college degree I will be able to experience things my parents were unable to experience.