HIPS Unite: Service Learning Intern Shares First-Gen Experience at One Book One Community Event

As one of the High Impact Practices (HIP) offered at the U of A, common intellectual experiences provide opportunities for students to engage in thoughtful discussions as a broader learning community. One Book One Community recently selected Rising Class: How Three First-Generation College Students Conquered Their First Year by Jennifer Miller as its fall 2024 campus read to highlight these experiences.

This non-fiction book sheds light on stories of students who are the first members of their family to attend college in the United States. Discussions generated from Rising Class have brought about opportunities to hear incredible stories of self-discovery happening on U of A's own campus. 

U of A student Diego Rivera Ponce, who is anticipated to graduate in December of 2025 with a Bachelor of Science in marketing and a minor in business analytics, is one such inspirational example of what can be gained personally and professionally as a student beginning their journey through higher education in a new country.  

Born and raised in Morelia, which is the capital of the central Mexican state of Michoacán, Rivera Ponce describes his time growing up in a close-knit environment with family and friends. During the week, he would spend his days at school and come home to assist his mom with her food business. "It was a nice time because most of our clients became our friends. My grandparents would help us, too. On the weekends I'd hang out with my family at the zoo of Morelia, downtown Cinepolis and other cool places. There is a lot to do in Morelia!" 

After waiting almost two decades since their initial application was submitted for permanent United States residency, his parents finally received their approval notification in 2020. "They thought moving to the U.S. would be the best option for us to get a good education and a better quality of life," Rivera Ponce explains. "The U.S. is a place full of opportunities and a country where we would have the chance to progress and grow." 

Although personal growth and advancement were goals Rivera Ponce and his family hoped to achieve, he wasn't initially certain which path he would take to get there. "When I first came to the United States, going to college wasn't even in my plans!" he says. "I started working at a factory doing manual labor. I wanted to pursue a career, but I was too scared I wouldn't be able to afford college. After a year and a half of working, my parents helped me get enrolled and connected me with an adviser at [Northwest Arkansas Community College]."  

It was at NWACC that Rivera Ponce earned an Associate of Business Administration, an Associate of Liberal Arts and Sciences and an Associate of General Studies.  "I realized I still had a lot of resources that could help me afford my tuition," he says. "At NWACC, I found a strong support system of people and friends that helped me grow academically, like Juanita Olivares, the director of the LIFE (Learning, Improvement, Fun and Empowerment) Program, who helped me connect with resources. It was hard at first, especially because my English wasn't as good as it is now, but I'm happy I faced my fears and decided to enroll in college." 

After his journey through community college, Rivera Ponce felt ready to take advantage of the transfer program NWACC offered and enroll at the U of A. At the U of A, he describes developing a sense of belonging through involvement. "I've been more involved in campus activities than when I first started, and that has helped me connect with more students and faculty who have made me feel welcomed." An active participant with several organizations on campus, Rivera Ponce speaks proudly about being involved with Registered Student Organizations (RSO) and clubs. He describes how these organizations, such as the Multicultural Center and the Mexican American Student Association, have allowed him to network with students who have similar backgrounds to his own.  

In addition to his involvement with on-campus organizations, Rivera Ponce joined the U of A's Service Learning Initiative team as their social media management intern in July 2024. Service Learning, another HIP offered at the U of A, combines academic content with community-based activities. In describing his internship, he says, "It's helped me develop new skills like photography, graphic design and media marketing. I've had the opportunity to contribute new ideas to keep innovating the SLI social media platforms and increase the number of students enrolled in SL classes. I feel so much more confident, experienced and creative after just a couple of months in my internship." Members of the Service Learning Initiative, including Rivera Ponce, recently attended the One Book One Community author event. 

 When asked to share his advice for first-generation college students, Rivera Ponce spoke from experience. "I know it's easier said than done, but don't be shy about meeting new people. Get involved on campus, and don't limit yourself to just attending your regular classes. Take advantage of the resources available to you as a student—there are so many! For example, on HogSync, you can find countless events happening, so check it out and attend the events that interest you most to connect with others. Finally, make sure you surround yourself with people who support your academic and professional growth. This could be your family, friends or faculty." 

If you are a first-generation college student and would like to share your experiences and advice on the Service Learning Initiative's social media, email Rivera Ponce at internsl@uark.edu. Check out his contributions to the Service Learning Initiative social media by following on Instagram, Facebook, X and LinkedIn! Watch for an opportunity to win a copy of Rising Class as well as a Service Learning swag bag and $25 Amazon gift card!