Nov. 8 marks the national First-Generation College Celebration day. Following is the first in a series spotlighting and celebrating first-gen members of the Horned Frog community.

When Fort Worth resident Romane Mays received his invitation to join the Class of 2021 as a Community Scholar, he knew TCU was where he wanted to become a leader. Being a first-generation college student has been challenging — and at times even lonely — but Mays found a support network among fellow Horned Frogs. Now the senior business information systems major is ready to create his own legacy.

Mays answered some questions about his first-gen experience:

What brought you to TCU?

RM: TCU fosters a community that is focused on higher learning, engaged in meaningful discussion and cares about its community greatly. These three values are something I cherish very much.

What are some of the strengths you believe you possess as a first-generation college student?

RM: Some of the strengths I possess are leadership, resilience and perseverance. As a first-generation college student, you are constantly wondering if you are taking the right steps and if you are moving forward correctly. With the support of my friends, family and fellow first-gen students, I have learned how to overcome my obstacles and achieve my goals.

What has been your biggest challenge as a first-generation student and how did you overcome it?

RM: My biggest challenge as a first-gen student has been trying to complete college alone. As a first-gen student, you feel like you are taking on the world on your own, and you feel there isn’t anyone who could guide you. I often felt alone and unsure of what I was doing. I decided I didn’t want to harbor these sentiments anymore so I joined an organization known as FIRE (First Gens Interested in Raising Expectations*) that would connect me with other first-gen students and their resources for success. Within the program I learned to become a mentor to other first-gen students, and I acquired the resources to help me accomplish my goals.

What does graduating from college mean to you and your support system?

RM: Graduating college means I possess the tools needed to help me on my journey and leave my legacy. Moving forward, I will teach my family members what college is and how to succeed in accomplishing their goals. I have the opportunity to guide people on their journey through higher education as my mentors did for me when I started out as a freshman.

What advice would you give to other first-generation college students? 

RM: My advice to any first-gen student is never be afraid to seek help. Find a community that has similar interests as you and be bold enough to lead in those communities. And finally, know your worth. You are stronger than you’ll ever know, and it’s never about how many times you fall — it’s about how fast and strong you keep getting back up.

What do you love most about being a Horned Frog?

RM: I love being a part of a community that will go on to change the world. Being a Horned Frog to me isn’t a title, but rather a legacy — something to cherish and add to.

*Giving first-generation college students an early connection to resources, the FIRE program helps students develop the academic, social and professional skills needed for individual success. For information, contact Jamartae Jackson. 

Register and celebrate national First-Generation College Celebration day with fellow Horned Frogs via Zoom, 6-7:30 p.m. Nov. 8.