First-generation students and faculty mentors connect through Generation One Network
By Heejae Kim ’28
March 3, 2026
Students at Brandeis who are the first members of their families to go to college deal with unique challenges; they must understand the unspoken expectations and pathways of college life while trying to build a professional network that can help them after graduation.
The Generation One Network at Brandeis is designed to help them navigate those experiences. Created to make spaces for connection, amplify first-gen voices, and connect them to resources across campus, Gen One is dedicated to fostering a sense of belonging and support.
Sometimes, that’s as simple as meeting and networking over lunch. The Shared Plates, Shared Paths event recently brought together first-generation students and university faculty from various disciplines at the Faculty Club to have a free-flowing dialogue that extended beyond the classroom.
Professors Maria Miara, Emilie Diouf, Sarah Mayorga, and Philippe Wells shared their personal and professional journeys, and talked with students about learning to balance work and life, building meaningful connections on and off campus, and exploring opportunities as young professionals. They also stressed the importance of connecting with alumni, and going to professors’ office hours.
Tenzin Menstang ’25, a graduate assistant who works with the Gen One Advisory Board, said becoming involved with the network when she was an undergraduate had a positive impact on her academic and personal growth at Brandeis.
“As a first-generation college student, I really appreciated the community it provided and began attending events to connect with others who were like me,” she said. “Now I have the opportunity to give back and help foster a welcoming, supportive environment where first-generation students feel seen and empowered.”
Gen One is led by a student leadership board, and along with staff administrators it creates special events and experiences for first-gen students at Brandeis.
Each year, the network hosts a wide range of events to support and engage its members, including community dinners, faculty and alumni events, resource fairs, study breaks, and social gatherings. These events help students connect, learn about campus resources (like financial aid and career support), and build meaningful relationships. The network also connects students to relevant external resources and opportunities through a newsletter and outreach programs. Just this past fall, Gen One hosted 10 events, and this session of “Shared Plates, Shared Paths” was the third event put on by Gen One so far this spring.
Students interested in getting involved with Gen One events should follow the group on Instagram (@brandeis_gen1), and can join its Campus Groups page to receive the newsletter. Another Shared Plates, Shared Paths event will be held from 12 - 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 17, and the Gen One Resource Fair and Knowledge Swap will be held from 12 - 2 p.m. Thursday, March 26, at the Usdan International Lounge.
