First-generation students lead the way in research and leadership at Mizzou

[Link]From left: Kathleen Hudson, Johnathan Martinez and Madi Arends.

Nov. 8, 2024

At the University of Missouri, first-generation students are pioneering new paths and seizing transformative opportunities. Meet three Tigers who represent the resilience, ambition and spirit that first-generation students bring to campus, proving that with the right support, they can transform their own lives and the lives of those around them.

Kathleen Hudson

For Kathleen Hudson, National First-Generation College Celebration Week at Mizzou unlocked a world of new possibilities.

Organized by Mizzou's Office of First-Generation Initiatives, the week's events introduce students to campus resources, study abroad programs and, most importantly for Hudson, research opportunities. Though initially unfamiliar with research, Hudson discovered the McNair Scholars Program, which prepares eligible juniors and seniors for doctoral study through hands-on research experiences.

Hudson - a sophomore studying linguistics and international relations - applied to the program with support from Selena Meints, the first-generation initiatives coordinator, who wrote her a letter of recommendation. Soon, Hudson was accepted as a McNair Scholar, and this paid opportunity helped her get involved in undergraduate research.

Under the guidance of her mentor, Michael Marlo, Hudson now works on a project stemming from his recent trip to Kenya, helping him transcribe and document an endangered language. This mentorship has fueled her ambition to pursue a PhD in linguistics, with potential plans to incorporate research on international relations.

Hudson continues to find support through the first-gen office, feeling more comfortable than ever in seeking guidance. With a newfound confidence, she knows she can always find the help she needs.

Johnathan Martinez

For first-generation student Johnathan Martinez, opportunity came knocking when Mizzou offered him a generous scholarship, making college affordable and within reach. Alongside his scholarship cohort, Martinez received mentorship from the Center for Academic Success and Excellence (CASE), which helped him navigate college successfully. Now, he's set to graduate debt-free.

A senior majoring in history, agriculture and public policy, with minors in engineering, sustainability and American constitutional democracy, Martinez plans to pursue a career in environmental law. Raised near the industrial district of Kansas City, he wants to advocate for a greener and safer future through law and policy. At Mizzou, he is president of the Interfraternity Council (IFC) at Mizzou and represented his fraternity, Phi Theta Kappa, in the Top 10 Homecoming Royalty court this year.

Beyond CASE, Martinez also found support through TRiO Student Support Services and has advocated for greater resources for first-generation students, including the Office of First-Generation Initiatives, which was established in 2023 under Meints' leadership.

Reflecting on his Mizzou experience, Martinez says the supportive community made him feel truly at home.

"I never felt any different than anybody else," he said. "I want future first-generation students to know Mizzou is a place of what you make it."

In recognition of his achievements, Martinez received the 2024 First-Generation Involvement Award from the Center for Student Involvement. This honor goes to a graduating senior who is the first in their family to earn a bachelor's degree and has demonstrated exceptional service, involvement and personal growth within the university community.

Madi Arends

As Madi Arends approaches graduation, she's already preparing for the next chapter: graduate school.

Originally from Belleville, Illinois, just a short drive from the Missouri state line, Arends came to Mizzou with a passion for psychology, inspired by a family loss to advocate for mental health.

Once on campus, she discovered an array of opportunities. In her second semester, she joined Professor Timothy Trull's research team as an assistant, which sparked her interest in developmental psychology. Eager to expand her experience, she networked with professors and sought additional research roles.

Linda Blockus, director of the Office of Undergraduate Research, encouraged Arends to connect with the Office of First-Generation Initiatives, which opened doors to even more possibilities. Inspired by these experiences, Arends became determined to help other first-generation students navigate college life and access opportunities she wished she had known about earlier.

"It's pushed me to really want to help other students who are first generation and teach them things I wish I knew coming into college," Arends said.

Arends participated in a panel hosted by the Office of First-Generation Initiatives and the Wellness Resource Center, where she shared her journey as a first-generation student. She hopes to continue supporting undergraduates by speaking at future panels and mentoring students on navigating academic environments.

Though her time at Mizzou will soon come to a close, her academic journey is far from over. Arends is focused on attending graduate school, with hopes of furthering her research and eventually becoming a professor.

Read more from Student Success

MU College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources | MU College of Arts & Science

Twitter Tweet