By Emmanuel S. Freeman

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) — For Samson Cook, stepping onto the campus of Tennessee State University was 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 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.”

At TSU, Cook found mentors and opportunities that helped transform his interest in public service into 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 is among a significant population of first-generation students at TSU, where nearly 40% of first-time freshmen are the first in their families to pursue a college degree.

For Ciara Smith-Garrett, a senior graphic design major from Cincinnati, TSU provided opportunities for both personal and creative growth.

“TSU has encouraged me to step outside of my comfort zone, nurtured my creativity, and challenged me to grow both academically and personally,” Smith-Garrett said.

She said participating in The You First Project’s Art Exhibition for two years allowed her to showcase her work while building a college legacy reflecting her passion and growth.

TSU’s efforts to support first-generation students recently received another boost when The You First Project was awarded a grant for its 2026 First-Generation College Celebration initiative. The grant was provided by the Council for Opportunity in Education and FirstGen Forward, with support from TIAA.

“First-generation college students bring unique perspectives and resilience to our campuses,” COE President Kimberly Jones said. “This grant empowers institutions like Tennessee State University to continue providing the necessary resources and support for these students to thrive.”

Through The You First Project, TSU provides ongoing academic coaching and other support to first-generation students.

“At TSU, we see our first-generation students as trailblazers and legacy builders,” said Dr. Sessi Aboh, director of The You First Project. “They are blazing the trail and paving the way for themselves and for the generations that come after them.”

Aboh said the program emphasizes collaboration with students to help them determine their goals and develop plans for achieving them.

This year, TSU’s First-Generation College Celebration will expand into a four-day series of events Nov. 4-7, leading up to 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.

For more information about The You First Project at TSU, call 615-963-4969 or email saboh@tnstate.edu.