Supporting First-Generation University Students
At Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University (BSRU), education is viewed as a fundamental right, not a privilege. However, for many students around the world, including at BSRU, the path to higher education is filled with challenges. 39.79% of BSRU students are first-generation university students, representing the first members of their families to pursue higher education. These students carry the weight of their family’s hopes and dreams, aspiring for a brighter future, yet facing significant economic and social obstacles.
[percentage of first generation]
First-generation students often come from low-income backgrounds and encounter unique challenges, including financial hardship, limited access to academic resources, and a lack of family experience navigating higher education. For these students, the journey through university is not only about personal growth but also about breaking cycles of poverty and improving their family’s future prospects.
A notable example is Teacher Bom, a recent graduate from BSRU’s Faculty of Education in Music Education. Bom became the first civil servant in his family, overcoming numerous hardships along the way. His father, a construction worker earning just 300 baht per day, worked tirelessly to support Bom’s education. In order to help their father, Bom’s brother made the difficult decision to leave his own studies, allowing Bom to continue his journey toward a university degree.
Despite the financial strain, Bom’s passion for music and his determination to make his family proud kept him going. He persevered through adversity, earning his degree and securing a position as a music teacher at Wat Prasart Nikorn School. His story is a testament to the resilience of first-generation students, and it serves as an inspiration to many others facing similar challenges.
BSRU remains committed to reducing inequalities by ensuring that higher education is accessible to all students, especially those who are the first in their families to attend university. Through scholarships, support programs, and dedicated faculty, BSRU helps first-generation students overcome barriers and achieve their educational goals, empowering them to build a better future for themselves and their communities.
