Alabama A&M University is excited to announce the launch of its Spring 2025 First-Gen Fridays series, which aims to empower and support first-generation college students. The series will commence on Friday, Jan. 24, at 3 p.m., in Buchanan Hall Auditorium with an impactful session titled “Overcoming Imposter Syndrome,” led by esteemed first-generation alumna Shamika Minisee.
Minisee, a 2004 graduate in business administration from St. Louis, has transformed her experience as a first-generation college student into a successful entrepreneurial journey. She embodies resilience and determination as the CEO and co-founder of Presidential Concrete LLC and the Minisee Group Consulting Firm, based in Huntsville, Alabama. During her presentation, Minisee will share personal experiences and practical strategies to help students confront self-doubt and embrace their potential.
The First-Gen Fridays initiative fosters a sense of belonging among first-generation students at AAMU, promoting engagement, retention, and academic success. These monthly sessions offer students a unique opportunity to connect with peers and first-generation faculty and staff while accessing resources, programs, and services tailored to their needs.
“Everyone, especially first-generation students, occasionally feels out of their depth,” said Dr. Pamela Little, executive director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs. “When exploring unfamiliar areas, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed. For some, this feeling persists and causes them to question their abilities, skills, and accomplishments – a phenomenon known as Imposter Syndrome. This challenge is particularly common among individuals from underrepresented and minority groups, and addressing it is key to unlocking their potential.”
Dr. Little encourages all first-generation students to participate in this inaugural session, emphasizing the importance of connecting with a community with similar experiences and challenges. The Spring 2025 series will feature additional sessions on critical topics such as “Landing an Internship,” “Financial Literacy,” and “Post-Graduation Planning.”
This article sources information from Alabama A&M.
