I am from a small town in Iowa (600 people) and was a 1st Generation student when I entered the University of Iowa as a freshman many years ago. I would eventually earn a Bachelor of Science degree and Master of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Iowa. Later still, I completed my Master of Business Administration at the University of Dubuque. I have been blessed with a wonderful career as a physical therapist and am now the Director of Rehabilitation Therapies. I found excellent mentors and opportunities along the way but my start as a 1st Generation student without a lot of support was a bit rocky. Without resources and mentors my first couple of years, my path to becoming a physical therapist was longer than most. I was 1st Gen before the term 1st Gen was even created. I would have embraced the opportunity to network with other 1st Generation students and to meet mentors with similar experience. I am so happy to see the support the University of Iowa now provides to 1st Gen students and passionate about assisting them in finding their own path to success.