NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – For Samson Cook, stepping onto the campus of Tennessee State University was far more than an individual milestone, it was the culmination of a journey defined by resilience.
Cook, a senior political science major from Jacksonville, Florida, grew up navigating severe family instability while caring for his ill mother. “Being a first-generation college student means a lot to me because I know what it took to get here,” Cook said. “Growing up with my mother’s illness, we moved around a lot and faced uncertainty about where we would live and how we would make it through. Those experiences shaped me. They taught me hard work, compassion, and empathy. “
At TSU, Cook found an environment ready to hone that passion into purpose. “TSU has nurtured my growth by surrounding me with mentors and opportunities that have transformed my interest in public service into meaningful civic leadership. Every challenge I have faced here has strengthened my commitment to opening doors for the students and communities who will come after me,” he said.
Cook’s story is emblematic of the first-generation experience at TSU, where nearly 40% of first-time freshmen are trailblazers forging a new family path. For Ciara Smith-Garrett, a senior graphic design major from Cincinnati, TSU provided the ideal creative sanctuary.
“Coming to Tennessee State as a first-generation student has challenged me in many ways,” Smith-Garrett said. “TSU has encouraged me to step outside of my comfort zone, nurtured my creativity, and challenged me to grow both academically and personally. Being a part of the You First Project’s Art Exhibition for two years gave me the opportunity to showcase my work, while also helping me build a college legacy that reflects my passion and growth. “
That legacy building received a major boost recently. The You First Project at TSU has been awarded a grant for its 2026 First-Generation College Celebration initiative, provided by the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) and FirstGen Forward, with generous support from TIAA.
“First-generation college students bring unique perspectives and resilience to our campuses,” noted COE President Kimberly Jones. “This grant empowers institutions like Tennessee State University to continue providing the necessary resources and support for these students to thrive.”
Dr. Erik Schmeller, interim provost and vice president of Academic Affairs, emphasized the broader impact on the campus community: “Many first-generation students have chosen TSU as their home away from home. This celebration is the momentum we need to bring together a broad coalition of allies and advocates, united in our commitment to celebrating our young scholars and strengthening their academic and life success stories.”
Through The You First Project, TSU’s support goes well beyond the festivities, embedding student support into ongoing academic coaching. “At TSU, we see our first-generation students as trailblazers and legacy builders,” said Dr. Sessi Aboh, director of The You First Project. “To have a legacy, you must have a first-generation person first. They are blazing the trail and paving the way for themselves and for the generations that come after them.”
Aboh highlighted TSU’s collaborative coaching philosophy: “We don’t tell them what to do. We have conversations with them, and sometimes we discover together. That’s the beauty of academic coaching, you co-discover with the student what they want to do, and then you co-design a plan so they can achieve the goals they have.”
This year, TSU’s First-Generation College Celebration expands into a four-day series of events from Nov. 4 – 7, leading up to the National First-Generation College Celebration Day on Nov. 8.
“We designed this year’s celebration to build broad awareness of first-generation students and their lived experiences while spotlighting the strengths, talents, and richness they contribute to our campus community,” Aboh said. “It’s important that the campus is aware of their presence, aware of their experiences, and aware that they are very important to us.”
About Tennessee State University
Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public land-grant university offering 41 bachelor’s degrees, 15 graduate certificates, 27 master’s degrees, and nine doctoral degrees. TSU’s campus spans 500 acres. The university is committed to academic excellence, providing students with a quality education in a nurturing and innovative environment that prepares them as alumni to be global leaders. Visit tnstate.edu for more details.
