Meet Our First Gen Alumni - First-Generation Students and Alumni

Brenden Blake Perry

Degree: BS in Early Childhood/Elementary Education
Graduation Year: 2019

Your First-Gen Experience:

"Being a first-generation college student, navigating through college was a very difficult and challenging journey. It was a huge learning curve! It began with basic steps like learning how to fill out the FAFSA, registering for the correct classes and becoming a better manager of my time. As I progressed through my degree plan, the vision became clearer but the demand from my program never lessened, it only increased. At that point, I was determined to finish what I had started. Thankfully, in December 2019, I reached that hard-fought goal. I give credit to God for seeing me through a serious vehicle accident and an auto-immune disease diagnosis. Those were obstacles during my journey, but I pressed forward and refused to stop. I also give credit to my parents for instilling solid work ethics, determination and resiliency within me. Though the journey of a first generation college student is never easy, it is worth it. To any FGCS that might be wondering, “Can I really do this?” The answer is...Yes! You can do more than you ever imagined if you set a goal and never lose sight of it. "

Your Journey Since Graduation:

"Since graduating, I taught 3rd Grade at Springville Elementary School, which I was lucky enough to be hired before I officially graduated. However, I resigned at the end of last school year because of another opportunity. I live in Gadsden, so the commute was tough each day. I was very fortunate to be hired at John S. Jones Elementary School, which is where I did a practicum and my internship while at JSU. It truly is a blessing to work there and to be able to serve my 2nd Grade students well each day. "

Your Favorite Thing About JSU:

"The JSU Campus (especially during the fall) is absolutely gorgeous. There’s nothing better than sitting down with friends to have coffee in the library, while looking out at the beautiful view of the mountains."

Your Biggest Misconception About College:

"I suppose a misconception would be that I thought I would be the same person in college that I was in high school and that’s not true at all. For instance, in high school, I loved marching band. Marching band was my thing and I just knew that I was destined to be in the Marching Southerners. So, my freshman year at JSU, I enlisted in the Southerners and midway through the season, I found myself unhappy and confused. I went through a sort of identity crisis because I didn’t know who I was without band. When I lost my passion for it, I had to learn who I was and what other passions I had that would motivate me again."

Your Advice to Current First-Gens:

“'Press on!' Do not allow yourself to be overcome with fears of failure or negative thoughts from people who don’t support you. Continue on your path and pray for God’s will over your life. He will lead you in the right direction. If He is for you, who could be against you?"

"To any FGCS that might be wondering, 'Can I really do this?' The answer is...Yes! You can do more than you ever imagined if you set a goal and never lose sight of it."

Joel Babcock

Degree: BS in Psychology
Graduation Year: 1999

Your First-Gen Experience:

"When I graduated high school, I learned that I had the opportunity to be a first generation graduate from college. No one else in my family had attended and graduated from any college. The fact that I had the opportunity to be the first in my family was a huge motivation for me to get my degree. It was a challenge, but I graduated from JSU in December of 1999."

Your Journey Since Graduation:

"After graduation was challenging, as well. As I entered 'The Real World,' I bounced between a few unfulfilling jobs until I realized that fitness was a form of therapy, so I redirected my focus and started personal training. I had always enjoyed fitness, but I did not consider it as a career option. I started off on the club side, working as a manager at Concourse Athletic Club in Atlanta. Then I worked 8 years for a fitness equipment manufacturer named Star Trac Fitness selling commercial fitness products in GA / TN / AL. Shortly after the economy crashed in 2008, I started my own company, Don't Sweat It Fitness. We are a niche business that sells refurbished / used commercial fitness products that come from high end athletic clubs, gyms and hotels. We have sold products to all over North America, Kenya and Egypt."

Your Favorite Thing About JSU:

"What I liked best about JSU was the small college atmosphere at the foothills of the Appalachian mountains. I appreciated an environment that was not the big college experience. I enjoyed being able to know many of my college peers and not feel like I was lost in the mix. It made the transition from home to my new college home easier."

Your Biggest Misconception About College:

"I am not sure if I had a misconception, but I didn't realize what type of challenge college was going to be. Finding balance when entering college is a key to my success. Enjoy the college experience. As the saying goes, you will get out of it what you put into it. "

Your Advice to Current First-Gens:

“It is easy to get overwhelmed with the big picture of the end goal of graduating, but looking at your goal as something that you have 4+ years to complete makes it an more of an attainable goal. Plus, enjoy the experience. Be social. Meet as many people as you can. You will be amazed how much you and your peers will help each other later on in life, professionally and personally. Some of these relationships will last a lifetime."

Your Proudest Accomplishments:

"Starting my own business was been my biggest accomplishment. I started in the midst of the housing market crash in 2008. Shortly after the crash, my son was born and I lost my job. With the help of some existing relationships, I was able start DSi Fitness. I never imagined the impact this company would have on our customers. We sell to cancer patients that are afraid of going out in public and getting sick. We sell to veterans that can’t leave their house because of their disabilities such as being blind or having PTSD. We sell to people that work for the CDC and are traveling to places like Kenya to administer aid but need to take a fitness product with them because it’s too dangerous to leave their residence at night. It’s the small gym owners that are saving money buying refurbished instead of new, so they can have more money for their families. It’s people that have had knee or hip replacement surgeries. It’s my daughter’s middle school to help educate kids on the benefits of exercise. These are just a few examples that come to mind. But we have sold to thousands of others with their own stories."

Brittany Kayla Starr Cangialosi

Degree: BS in Criminal Justice/Psychology
Graduation Year: 2020

Your First-Gen Experience:

"Navigating college as a first generation college student was not an easy task at first. I had no one in my immediate family that I could turn to and ask questions about-- how do I register for classes? How many classes should I take? My parents simply did not have the answers for me, but were very supportive nonetheless. Every time that I had a question about something, I had to figure it out myself or turn to professors who would help me out. Every experience that I had in college was a new one for me and my entire family, but I am so appreciative that I was able to go and get my Bachelors degree. "

Your Journey Since Graduation:

"Since I have graduated I have moved to Laramie, WY with my husband, Chase, who is also a JSU alumni. I am now pursuing my PhD in Psychology and Law at the University of Wyoming, where I explore decision making processes in probation officers and juries."

Your Favorite Thing About JSU:

"My favorite thing about JSU was the professors. I majored in both Criminal Justice and Psychology and had the best professors all around. Specifically, Dr. Heidi Dempsey was one of the best things about my education and experience at JSU. I worked very closely with her during my four years and ultimately I attribute getting into a doctoral program to all of her guidance. I would definitely not be who I am or where I am today without her. She is one in a million!"

Your Biggest Misconception About College:

"One misconception I had about college was how scary it was going to be. It was not scary for me at all after I established a wonderful relationship with my professors. I could easily walk into any of my professor's offices and be warmly welcomed. Some of my best memories are just chatting with my professors who genuinely cared about who I was as a person."

Your Advice to Current First-Gens:

"You can do it! It might be unnerving at first, but you are fully capable of achieving your dreams. Hard work is not easy, but it is well worth the effort. Always remember that your fellow first generation students are proud you too!"

Your Proudest Accomplishments:

"I am most proud of getting into a top level doctoral program in the field of psychology and law. Every day while I do my research and coursework as a first year graduate student I think back to my parents who do not have a college education. I am so grateful and blessed to be in this position. I know that my Dad (who passed in 2015) would be so proud to know that I am in a doctoral program and will eventually have my PhD because he never had the opportunity to go to college."

"You can do it! It might be unnerving at first, but you are fully capable of achieving your dreams. Hard work is not easy, but it is well worth the effort. Always remember that your fellow first generation students are proud you too!"

Brett Allen Johnson

Degree: BA in Political Science, Communication
Graduation Year: 2015

Your First-Gen Experience:

"Thanks to some outstanding teachers and counselors at my high school, I was made to believe I had what it takes to succeed in college. As a result, I set my eyes on our regional university as somewhere I could make my family proud as a first generation college student. Upon being accepted, I decided to dive into as much student life opportunities as possible. Though I lived within driving distance of campus, I opted to move to Jacksonville to get an immersive college experience. Those decisions made all the difference.

Without family members to rely on for help for registering for classes, filling out paperwork, or navigating college coursework, I depended on my peers and my professors. On most of these topics, it was the JSU faculty and staff that helped most. They took the time when I asked to help me understand and become comfortable with the decisions I made that ultimately led to graduating within four years with a double-major degree. "

Your Journey Since Graduation:

"Since graduation, I've been blessed to start and remain in my chosen field which melds various aspects of both of my undergraduate majors. To start, I went to work for the Alabama Higher Education Partnership which advocates to state policymakers and leaders about the importance of higher education in bettering the lives of Alabamians. Then, I returned to north Alabama to work for the Alabama Education Association representing K-12 educators in Marshall County in various aspects such as: policy advocacy, labor relations, and government relations.

Additionally, I served for a year as AEA's Public Relations Director where I put my public relations concentration to work coordinating the association's communications and government relations efforts.

As we realized our first child was on the way, I relocated my work to north Alabama once again with the Liberty Learning Foundation which is a statewide nonprofit organization that facilitates engaging civics education programs for Alabama schools. After a year as Vice President of Community Engagement, I have recently taken on the role as Vice President of the organization. During all this time I attended graduate school at JSU, earning a Master of Public Administration earlier this year. The confidence I gained in my undergraduate studies made that post-graduate pursuit possible."

Your Favorite Thing About JSU:

"JSU provides opportunities for students to make the most of their education. The highly-qualified faculty provide students with an opportunity to develop relationships and mentorships that can help them become successful after they graduate. I still stay in touch with several of my former professors and staff who played an important role in my undergraduate journey at JSU. It is a special institution because the small town community combines with a university experience that is cultural, academic, and most importantly: comfortable."

Your Biggest Misconception About College:

"That the classes were going to be brutal. Don't get me wrong, many of them were challenging, but I was much more prepared than I realized. At the end of the day, developing an open and honest communication with instructors is the key to academic success. If you are ever struggling, they will typically take the time to direct you toward success. I also thought college was all about attending class, studying, and doing homework. In fact, one fo the most important aspects of college is the cultural and personal growth you experience. Eating lunch with people from other ends of the country. Study sessions with international students. Project work with student athletes or students from different majors. Attending campus events with a diverse group of students. Those experiences provide you with opportunity to grow and learn about others in a way that really prepares you for life in the professional world."

Your Advice to Current First-Gens:

"Don't be afraid. In fact, at JSU, you will realize there are much more first generation students than you might expect. Also, take advantage of the opportunities campus life presents. Some of my best memories came from attending an event or organization meeting without knowing a single other person there. The college environment is full of people looking to get to know one another, so often it is easy to make friends and connections that can last a life time. It may only take showing up at a single campus event or interest meeting for an organization that leads you down a path which will make your college experience more rewarding than you could have imagined."

Your Proudest Accomplishments:

"I'm proud to have earned a master's degree. I now serve on the Boaz City School Board of Education and volunteer to oversee a nonprofit that helps local students and families in need of necessities. In 2019, the JSU National Alumni Association named my Young Alumnus of the Year. Most of all, I'm proud of my family. I met my wife at JSU and we will soon have two under two years old. We look forward to seeing them continue our new family tradition as second generation college students (hopefully at JSU)! "

Will Penton

Degree: Integrated Studies
Graduation Year: 2017

Your First-Gen Experience:

"I was the first person in my immediate family to finish my degree. Jacksonville State was the best decision I have made. I worked as a student assistant for football while in college which led me to meet some great people. Many are still my best friends today. My professors and the coaches I worked for helped to mold me into who I am. Walking across the stage and seeing my family there and knowing I was the first one to accomplish this was one of my best memories. "

Your Journey Since Graduation:

"From there I started working for Alfa Insurance where I’m a sales agent in Boaz, AL. I won Rookie of the Year in 2019 and finished second in the company overall. Without my degree from Jacksonville State I never would have been able to pursue this career. I’m forever indebted to JSU. "

Your Favorite Thing About JSU:

"The family atmosphere was my favorite part about JSU! The teachers, students, and other staff members all feel like family. I still talk to a few instructors I had along my journey. We aren’t called “The Friendliest Campus in the South” for nothing!"

Your Biggest Misconception About College:

"I thought that you had to fend for yourself. That instructors wouldn’t care about you and wouldn’t be willing to help. I hardly ever found that to be the case. The professors I had were always willing to help in any way possible. If you cared then they wanted to help you."

Your Advice to Current First-Gens:

"Keep going! There are days where you will wonder if the degree is worth the struggle but I promise it is! Be sure to take time and make friends and memories. Your time at JSU will fly by so enjoy every second. When you walk across the state as a first generation graduate, the sense of pride and accomplishment you will feel will far surpass any doubts you are having now!"

Your Proudest Accomplishments:

"- Alfa Insurance Rookie of the Year 2019
- Alfa Insurance Presidents Club (Top-10 Agents) 2019
- 10 time Sales Agent of the month for my sales district
- 2 time Sales Agent of the Month for the state of Alabama.
- Being the first in my family to earn a degree!"

Marie Mae Chastain

Degree: Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education; Master's, Ed.S. in School Counseling
Graduation Year: 2011

Your First-Gen Experience:

"I graduated from JSU in 2011 with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education. I was not a traditional college student, as I decided to begin college when I was twenty-eight. Being a first generation college student I knew very little about the enrollment process, financial aide or educational pathways. Jacksonville State was friendly and helpful and guided me along my path. Upon graduation, I was awarded Most Outstanding Intern in Education. I enjoyed my time at JSU and that experience encouraged me to continue my college career. "

Your Journey Since Graduation:

"Since graduation, I have received my Master's and Ed.S. in School Counseling. I will graduate in December with my Doctoral Degree in Educational Leadership. I have taught second and fourth grade and have been a high school counselor for the past seven years in which I get the privilege of helping other first generations apply for college."

Your Favorite Thing About JSU:

"What I like most about JSU is the friendly environment. It really is "the friendliest campus in the south" and feels more like a family than a college. I still communicate with some of professors and am proud to serve on the Marshall County Alumni Board. Jacksonville State University is an amazing college that makes everyone feel welcome and guides students along their journey to their future. "

Your Biggest Misconception About College:

"I honestly knew very little about college when I decided to go. I always thought that I would not financially be able to go, but quickly learned that help was available."

Your Advice to Current First-Gens:

"My advice to first-generation students would be to make the best of their experience and become involved in school activities. Even if they are a nontraditional student, these opportunities make the college experience amazing."

Your Proudest Accomplishments:

"I am truly proud of all that I have accomplished. I began as a person who wanted to attend college but knew very little about the process, to someone who is about to have a doctoral degree. Now, because of the opportunities my education has provided me, I am able to help other future college students along the pathway to their education."

Evelyn Florence Church Roebuck

Degree: Bachelor of Science
Graduation Year: 1979

Your First-Gen Experience:

"I lived in New Dorm, studied hard and joined the Catholic Student Union. I went home most weekends except during football season. I wanted to make my parents and family proud of me. I met my future husband in my freshman English class in Bibbs Hall. Sadly to say my Dad died suddenly while I was a junior. He was my mentor and pushed me to go to college. The administration helped find grants, loans, and work study programs so I could do my studies. I made many life long lasting friends too. "

Your Journey Since Graduation:

"Two years after my graduation in 1979, I married my best friend from JSU. We are married 40 years in 2020, met when we were freshman. We had two children and have three grandchildren. I was a property & casualty insurance agent and notary public in Maryland. We have retired to Tennessee now. "

Your Favorite Thing About JSU:

"The small campus and the friendly staff and college students make JSU a great place to study and make your dreams come true.

Your Biggest Misconception About College:

"That most students were stuffy and do not talk to you."

Your Advice to Current First-Gens:

"Study hard and take each hardship as a step towards a greater goal."

Your Proudest Accomplishments:

"Be involved with your community. When my kids were born and went to school, I reorganized the school's PTA and lobbied to the County's Council board for funds to make physical improvements to my child's school. I was able to get the funds which did get the school a newly built building."

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