First-Generation MDC Celebration

LEAVES OF WISDOM

Add your voice to the Leaves of Wisdom Tree where participants can add messages of advice and encouragement.

LOCATION:

ROOM 1400, LIBRARY

IN FULL BLOOM

IN FULL BLOOM kickoff event will celebrate the achievements and resilience of our first-generation college students! Enjoy free food and connect with fellow students as we grow together in community and celebration.

• Add your voice to the Leaves of Wisdom Tree where participants can add messages of advice and encouragement.
• Decorate and write a thank-you note to someone who’s guided your journey.
• Discover the library resources and services here to support your success.

LOCATION:

STUDENT LIFE LOBBY, 11:00AM - 12:00PM

THE FIRST VOICE PODCAST LAUNCH

A podcast made by first generation students, showcasing first generation stories in Miami Dade College.

LOCATION:

LISTEN HERE

GROWING TOGETHER

Celebrate first-generation students, growth, community, and connection with our propagation station at the library! Students are invited to adopt plants or pick up seeds and cuttings to take home as a symbol of personal growth. Visit the Seed Decorating Station to customize your own seed envelopes with stamps and stickers.

LOCATION:

ROOM 1400, THE LIBRARY, 10:30AM - 12:00PM

KICKOFF TABLING EVENT

The First Bloom Festival kicks off our First-Generation Celebration by highlighting the hidden gems of Kendall Campus. Students are invited to explore resources, connect with support services, and celebrate their first-gen journey.

LOCATION:

LEARNING COMMONS FOYER (BUILDING D), 10:00AM - 12:00PM

LETTER WRITING WORKSHOP

First-generation students will write and wax seal letters to their future selves and/or to the next cohort of incoming first-generation students.

LOCATION:

LEARNING COMMONS FOYER (BUILDING D), 11:00AM - 1:00PM

FIRST BLOOM FESTIVAL

The First Bloom Festival kicks off our First-Generation Celebration by highlighting the hidden gems of Kendall Campus. Students are invited to explore resources, connect with support services, and celebrate their first-gen journey.

LOCATION:

BUILDING 2 BREEZEWAY, 11:00AM -1:00PM

LIVING LIBRARY

The First-Gen Living Library invites students to “check out” stories from faculty, staff, and peers who share their first-generation experiences, creating space for connection, inspiration, and community.

LOCATION:

LEARNING COMMONS, 11:15AM -12:45PM

FIRST-GEN BOOK DISPLAY

Check out a book from our First-Gen display and keep adding to our digital "Tree of Knowledge."

LOCATION:

ROOM 1201, LEARNING COMMONS

FIRST-GEN KICKOFF CELEBRATION

Join us in honoring the resilience and achievements of first-generation college students! Enjoy coffee while exploring books that support your journey. Add your advice to our digital "Tree of Knowledge," and write a thank-you card to someone who’s helped you along the way. Plus, grab some fun giveaways (while supplies last)!

LOCATION:

ROOM 1201, IN FRONT OF LEARNING COMMONS, 10:30AM

DREAM WALL

Students will be encouraged to write down their dreams and leave them on a white board.

LOCATION:

ROOM 2100

LIBRARY ON THE FLY

Some of the material on display will center on the issues particular to first generation college students.

LOCATION:

LIBRARY ATRIUM, 10AM-12PM

LECTURE AND NOTE SWAP

Dr. Arlen Garcia will speak about some of the challenges experienced by first generation college students and then offer strategies to help them overcome those challenges. Then, students will write a positive note for a peer.

VIRTUAL:

ROOM 2100, SOUTH GALLERY EXHIBIT AREA, 12PM-1PM

PAPER THE LIBRARY

Students will write encouraging messages and leave them all over library.

LOCATION:

ROOM 2100, ALL DAY

GRATITUDE CALENDAR AND GRATITUDE JAR

Students will create their own gratitude calendar. Also, they will write down things that they are grateful for on strips of paper and then put that paper into a large jar. Rationale: Focusing on positive things can help alleviate stress and put negative things into perspective.

LOCATION:

ROOM 2100, ALL DAY

FIRST BLOOM RESOURCE FAIR

Host a resource fair for first-generation students, introducing essential resources—from tutoring and advising to wellness.

LOCATION:

BUILDING 6, BREEZEWAY, 12PM - 1PM

TREE OF INSPIRATION

Invite students, faculty and staff to share stories, notes, or words of inspirations, to, for or about their journeys as First Generation Students.

LOCATION:

ROOM 6011

FIRST-GEN KICKOFF CELEBRATION

We will have two foam board posters for marketing purposes, 25 trinkets to hand out, and 20 3D-printed objects — including stars, mini graduation caps, and lightbulbs — to distribute as giveaways.

VIRTUAL:

LIBRARY, 10AM-11AM

FIRST-GEN PODCAST/INTERVIEW

Interviewing students regarding first-gen life.

VIRTUAL:

THIRD FLOOR - THE PARK, 11AM-12PM

FIRST-GEN IMPROVISED POETRY

The winner will receive a trophy.

VIRTUAL:

MONUMENTAL STAIRS, 10:30AM-11:30AM

VR HEADSET GRADUATION EXPERIENCE

Students will enter a VR experience showcasing a graduation moment.

LOCATION:

ROOM 2137, 11AM-12PM

KICKOFF EVENT

VR activity, giveaways, and library display setup to celebrate first gen students.

LOCATION:

ROOM 1216, 10:00AM - 1:00PM

MDC INSIDER WORKSHOP

Workshop that explores the critical resources and services that first gen students have access to.

LOCATION:

ROOM 1216, 12:00PM - 1:00PM