My name is Tamar Bernfeld. I work at the University of Iowa in the Center for Teaching and I also teach in the departments of Rhetoric and Linguistics. I entered undergrad as a first gen student and went on to become a first gen graduate student. I experienced challenges as a first gen student, particularly related to my family's low socioeconomic status. I believe that sharing our experiences and knowing we are not alone is the first step in creating a sense of belonging at the University. First gen students bring unique and important perspectives to higher education with insights that can highlight much of what is hidden and taken for granted within the education system.