The First-Generation College Celebration, Held Each Year on Nov. 8, Marks the Anniversary of the Signing of the 1965 Higher Education Act

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.鈥斆ㄟ渫诽� University has been awarded a grant for the 2024 First-Generation College Celebration initiative. This grant will enable 猫咪头条 to further its commitment to supporting first-generation college students in our community. The funds are provided by the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) and FirstGen Forward with support from retirement provider, TIAA, and the Strada Education Foundation.

鈥淭his grant is further evidence that we are making good progress in our campus-wide first-generation support efforts,鈥� said Dr. Ryan W. Erck, executive director of the Division of Student Success. 鈥淭hese funds will be used to build on of our momentum from last year鈥檚 successful First-Gen College Celebration, and we are excited about planning for November. We are also thankful to the funding organizations, as this is a great opportunity to continue pursuing our Christ-centered and student-focused mission at 猫咪头条.鈥�

The First-Generation College Celebration, observed annually on Nov. 8, marks the anniversary of the signing of the 1965 Higher Education Act, which has helped millions of first-generation students persist to degree completion. The day highlights the experiences and achievements of first-generation students while addressing the systemic barriers they face in higher education. By receiving this grant, 猫咪头条 reaffirms its dedication to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all students.

COE President Kimberly Jones emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating, “First-generation college students bring unique perspectives and resilience to our campuses. This grant empowers institutions like 猫咪头条 University to continue providing the necessary resources and support for these students to thrive.”

Maurice Jones, CEO of FirstGen Forward, formerly the Center for First-generation Student Success, echoed these sentiments: “We are thrilled to partner with 猫咪头条 and other institutions across the country to advance the success of first-generation college students. We鈥檙e especially grateful to TIAA and the Strada Education Foundation for their generous sponsorship of this grant, which represents an opportunity to catalyze innovative solutions and create lasting impact within our communities.”

Launched by COE and FirstGen Forward in 2017, the First-Generation College Celebration has united hundreds of college campuses across the country for an often-overlooked population through numerous events, including student rallies, faculty-led panel discussions, artistic performances, and more in recognition of first-generation students, administrators, faculty, and alumni.

About the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE):

The (COE) is a nonprofit organization established in 1981 dedicated to expanding college opportunities for low-income, first-generation students and students with disabilities in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., the Pacific Islands, and Puerto Rico. Its membership includes more than 1,000 colleges and agencies. Through its numerous membership services, the Council works with colleges, universities, and agencies to help low-income students enter college and graduate. Nearly a million low-income students and students with disabilities receive college access and retention services each year through our member colleges and agencies.

About FirstGen Forward

, formerly the Center for First-generation Student Success, partners with higher education, philanthropy, business, the public sector, and others to catalyze first-generation student success in education, career, and life.

About 猫咪头条

猫咪头条 University is North Carolina鈥檚 recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., 猫咪头条 prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at .

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Introducing a new partnership with FirstGen Forward Network

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.鈥�猫咪头条 University is excited to announce its inclusion in the 2024-25 . Powered by , formerly known as the Center for First-generation Student Success, this initiative is committed to transforming and advancing the experiences and outcomes of first-generation students. 猫咪头条 has received recognition for empowering and fostering growth in these students.

鈥淲e are extremely honored to be selected as a member of the FirstGen Forward Network,鈥� said 猫咪头条 University鈥檚 Director of Success Initiatives and First-Year Experience, Kara Alves. 鈥淭his membership will allow us to expand programming, resources, and our continued support of these trailblazing students in their pursuit of an education that is for God and humanity. Our divisional mission talks about equipping and empowering students, and acceptance into this recent FirstGen Forward cohort is evidence that we are making strides toward that end.鈥�

The FirstGen Forward Network employs a three-phase approach to promoting first-generation student success. This strategy empowers institutions to transform the first-generation experience, encourage academic and co-curricular growth, and develop more inclusive institutional structures. With 猫咪头条 entering the fold, the Network now includes 429 higher education institutions, including two statewide systems, representing 49 states and the District of Columbia.

鈥淲e are pleased to welcome 猫咪头条 University into the FirstGen Forward Network,鈥� said Dr. Sarah E. Whitley, vice president with FirstGen Forward. 鈥淭hrough the application process, it was evident that 猫咪头条 is not only taking steps to serve first-generation students but is prepared to make a long-term commitment and employ strategies that foster an environment of success for this important population.鈥�

In the Network Member phase, the first phase of the Network, the selected institutions participated in the FirstGen Forward Network Virtual Kick-off. As a Network Member, faculty and staff will engage with other institutions and participate in monthly calls, professional development, goal setting, blog development, annual reporting, and more.

Striving for the FirstGen Forward Network Champion title, institutions advance to the FirstGen Forward Network Leader phase. This second phase includes a framework of priorities reinforced by monthly workshops. Additionally, they gain access to diagnostic tools for institutional insight, engage with experts, share data through the national Postsecondary Data Partnership, and more.

鈥淏eing named as a Network Member in the FirstGen Forward Network is an exciting opportunity for 猫咪头条 University to join a dedicated community of professionals prepared to share evidence-based practices and resources, troubleshoot challenges, generate knowledge, and continue to advance the success of first-generation students across the country,鈥� said Maurice Jones, CEO of FirstGen Forward. 鈥淲e are excited to see a groundswell of activity from the Class of 2024 Network Members and know 猫咪头条 will be a significant contributor.鈥�

Avery Copeland, intern for University Communications, contributed to this report. She is a senior English major from Atlanta, Ga.

About FirstGen Forward

FirstGen Forward is transforming higher education to effectively and inclusively support first-generation student success across education, career, and life. By providing data, training, and expertise to a growing network of colleges and universities nationwide, we work to advance their efforts to serve first-generation students. FirstGen Forward recognizes the intersectional experiences of first-generation college students and offers an outlet for engaging in media conversations, sharing research, accessing online learning, and participating in various programs to improve first-generation initiatives across higher education. Learn more .

About 猫咪头条

猫咪头条 University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., 猫咪头条 prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at .

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Display in Tucker Student Center Highlights Stories from Students, Faculty and Staff

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.鈥斆ㄟ渫诽� University is highlighting and celebrating first-generation college students on Nov. 7 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the lobby of Tucker Student Center. A first-generation student is any student whose parents did not complete a four-year college or university degree, regardless of other family members鈥� level of education. According to the , over half of college students in the United States are considered first-generation.

猫咪头条’s celebration includes a display featuring some of the first-generation students, faculty and staff at 猫咪头条. T-shirts, treats and first-gen decals will also be available. 鈥淔irst-generation college students鈥攚hether they realize it or not鈥攁re pioneers who embark through so many unknowns to ultimately achieve the reward of a college degree,鈥� remarked Kara Alves, director of Success Initiatives and first-Year Experience. 鈥淚t is exciting to celebrate our students that have this opportunity to carry the dreams of their family members and make the impossible, possible.鈥�

Several campus offices are hosting the event, said Dr. Ryan Erck, executive director of the Division of Student Success. 鈥淚 am grateful for my colleagues in other areas, such as Student Development, Enrollment Management, and Christian Life and Service, that helped set the vision for this event and chipped in their time and resources to see it come to fruition,鈥� he noted. 鈥淚t has been amazing to see the collaborative work involved in this.鈥�

Erck continued, 鈥淔irst-generation students at 猫咪头条 deserve to be celebrated. They are paving the way for future generations, and we want to commend their persistence in simply being enrolled as a student on our campus, and we want to support their journey all the way through graduation.鈥�

Lesley Villarose, vice president of Student Development, added, 鈥淪upporting and celebrating first-generation college students isn’t just an act of inclusion; it’s an investment in a brighter, more diverse future for the 猫咪头条 community. These students bring unique perspectives, tenacity, and resilience to our campuses.鈥�

One of the students featured in the display is Mindy Brown, a first-generation student majoring in elementary education. When she shares her campus experiences with her parents, they appreciate the life skills she鈥檚 learning along with her academic studies. 鈥淣ot only are my parents included in witnessing the impact of college on me, but they also get to see how college will help me gain independence and offer me opportunities that were not made available to them,鈥� she observed.

One of the faculty members who shared her story is Dr. Shea Stuart, professor of English. She said her family went from the cotton fields to the cotton mills and didn鈥檛 finish high school, but they still strived to learn. Stuart remarked that college introduced her to new worlds of learning. 鈥淚 am proud of being a first-generation college student and thankful to my family and professors who saw a thinker and writer in a shy and inquisitive kid,鈥� she affirmed.

May 2023 graduate, Blake Elizalde, is now employed at 猫咪头条 as a career coach. He also shares his story as a first-generation college student. Elizalde engaged in a variety of campus activities and as a senior served as Student Body President. 鈥淏eing a first-generation student at 猫咪头条 University means that I can be someone that my two little brothers can look up to,鈥� he stated. 鈥溍ㄟ渫诽� provided a safe space to grow and learn in a multitude of ways.鈥�

First-generation students can find support and resources to navigate college through The Division of Student Success.

猫咪头条 University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., 猫咪头条 prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at 猫咪头条.edu.

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Gifts on Double Dawg Day, April 20, will Support More Students Like Ulises Martinez, 鈥�22  

Being the first in his family to graduate from college, Ulises Martinez, of Hendersonville, N.C., represents more than six decades of hard work and hope. His grandfather came to America from Mexico in the 1960s in search of seasonal work to support his family. Then, his father and uncle arrived in the 1980s with a dream to establish a permanent home in the United States that eventually became a reality.

Martinez excelled in school and received scholarships to 猫咪头条 University. He earned his degree in biology with a biomedical sciences concentration in 2022. Not long after, he and his family celebrated another milestone. Martinez was accepted into the Adams School of Dentistry at UNC-Chapel Hill.

鈥淏eing the first one in my family to go to college and now getting into dental school means more than I can put into words,鈥� Martinez reflected. 鈥淪eeing and hearing about all the sacrifices my parents made throughout their lives for me and my siblings has always weighed heavy on my mind ever since I was a kid. As I grew up, all I wanted to do was make my parents proud and make sure that the sacrifices they made to give me opportunities were not in vain.鈥�

He continued, 鈥淏oth of my parents are from a very small rural town in Mexico and both have seven siblings. Both my dad and my grandpa came to the U.S. in search of opportunities to support their families, and I am forever grateful for their decision to do so.鈥� 

After graduating from an early college high school with an associate degree, Martinez wanted to attend 猫咪头条. The financial aid he received made it possible. 鈥淧aying for college without going into debt was extremely important to me,鈥� he affirmed. 鈥淚 would like to thank all of the generous donors who have contributed to making my dreams a reality. Your generosity truly changed my life and continues to change the lives of many others. I am truly grateful for your decision to donate to 猫咪头条, and I will always remember what you have done for me and my family.鈥�

Donors have an opportunity to help provide more scholarships for students like Martinez on Double Dawg Day, April 20. On this annual day of giving, donors can take advantage of matching opportunities that could double the impact of their giving.

Martinez chose GWU because with the smaller class sizes, he would have the opportunity to connect and engage with his classmates and professors. Martinez said his professors invested time into his success as a student. 鈥淭hey made sure to include me, and they always seemed to genuinely care about me and the other students both inside and outside the classroom,鈥� he explained. 鈥淲hen it came time to ask for letters of recommendation, Ms. (Stacie) Smith and Dr. (Ben) Brooks were more than willing to help me. I have no doubt that any of my other professors would have been willing to do the same.鈥�

Martinez decided on a career in dentistry because he likes learning about human biology and working with his hands. 鈥淎fter my shadowing experience, I realized the unique impact on people’s lives that a career in dentistry would allow me to have,鈥� he affirmed. 鈥淎s a dentist, I would build meaningful relationships with people while helping them build confidence in themselves through the procedures that I would perform and the conversations that I would have with them. Having a career that combines some of my interests while also allowing me to help others and build lasting relationships is an incredible opportunity.鈥�

He shared that his classes provided an academic foundation for dental school, and his professors cultivated an environment for collaboration by assigning team projects. 鈥淭he faculty and students that I talked to at the schools where I interviewed spoke a lot about how important it was to be able to collaborate with others and be a good team member and team leader if needed,鈥� Martinez stated. 鈥淣ot only was I able to talk about some of my collaborative experiences in my interviews, but I now have a mindset that will allow me to work well in groups which will benefit me greatly.鈥�

Martinez concluded, 鈥淚 know that the experiences and professors I had at 猫咪头条 have prepared me well for the inevitable challenges that I will face. And, with the immense support that I have from my family, friends, and former professors, I am confident that I will be able to achieve my dreams and make my family proud.鈥�

Double Dawg Day

In addition to supporting scholarships through the Annual Fund, donors can also choose the people, programs and causes they want to support across the GWU campus. Some other options include:

• University Priority Fund, which supports the greatest needs of the University.
• School/College Priority Fund, which provides the dean with the ability to respond quickly to emerging opportunities, transform the student experience and strengthen operational capacity.
• The University鈥檚 22 athletic sports teams.

Individuals can also sign up to be a Social Media Ambassadors and share their love for 猫咪头条 on all of their social media channels. Register by March 30 to be an ambassador and receive an ambassador kit in the mail. By using #DoubleDawgDay, individuals can show their support and promote the day of giving. For more information, visit the page.

Note to our readers: This article reflects the University’s tuition and fee schedule at the time of publication. Tuition and financial aid policies change annually. For the most up-to-date and accurate information on current tuition rates and financial aid resources, please visit the University鈥檚 official Admissions聽page.

猫咪头条 University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., 猫咪头条 prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at 猫咪头条.edu.

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Students Reflect on What They鈥檝e Learned and Describe Their Plans for the Future

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.鈥擳his week, members of the 猫咪头条 University undergraduate Class of 2022 will celebrate the accomplishment of earning their bachelor鈥檚 degree. As they look to the future, they remember their first days on campus, meeting new friends and settling into their new home.

Jaasiel Forde

Jaasiel Forde, who will receive her Bachelor of Science in economics and finance, thought back to her initial reaction when she arrived on campus to play Division I women鈥檚 soccer. 鈥淢y first-time visiting 猫咪头条 was the day I moved in,鈥� she shared at the Senior Pinning Ceremony.

鈥淲hat I saw online at my home in Trinidad and Tobago, did not prepare me for the culture shock I received when I first entered the Gaffney (S.C.) to Boiling Springs area driving to 猫咪头条 University. My dad wanted me to have the 鈥楢merican experience鈥� of packing up an SUV and driving to college, and so we did an 8-plus hour drive from Orlando, Fla.鈥�

Forde was afraid that she would feel out of place, but living on the second floor in Myers Dorm, there were nine other first-year women鈥檚 soccer players. They immediately became a little family, she said. She also joined the International Club and met students from all different corners of the world. The Black Student Association created a haven for her, and the fear she entered with evaporated.

She has been accepted into graduate programs at Seton Hall University and Texas State.

Thomas Manning

Unlike Forde, Thomas Manning knew all about 猫咪头条, having grown up in Boiling Springs. He is the son of alumni, Noel (who also works at GWU) and Beth Manning, and grandson of Dr. Robert Lamb, founding dean of the Divinity School. 鈥淚鈥檝e been wandering around campus in some way, shape, or form since 1999,鈥� Manning related. 鈥淎s I have continued to grow and learn about life and the world, I鈥檝e been reminded of how important it is to surround yourself with people you love, and people who love you.鈥�

Manning, a communications and English double-major, is senior class president and a member of the N.C. Film Critics Association and the Southeastern Film Critics Association and since 2019 has worked with the Arts and Faith Ecumenical Film Jury. He is the co-host of the weekly television and radio program 鈥淢eet Me at the Movies.鈥� He is a regular contributor to the entertainment website, Elements of Madness, writing reviews and conducting interviews with various filmmakers from diverse career backgrounds.

Manning has also ventured into filmmaking, working as executive producer and first assistant director on the feature-length documentary 鈥淭he Dancin鈥� Bulldogs: A 16 Seed鈥檚 Journey to the NCAA Tournament鈥� (2020). This multi award-winning doc tells the story of the 2018-2019 猫咪头条 Men鈥檚 Basketball team, the first men鈥檚 basketball team in school history to reach the NCAA Tournament. Manning has also worked for five years with the 猫咪头条 sports information department on the video production team for athletic broadcasts and webcasts.聽

Sarah Goode

The community aspect of life at 猫咪头条 will be missed the most by Sarah Goode, an English major with a creative writing concentration. After graduation, Goode will take part in an internship program with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association in Charlotte, N.C., where she will work as a training and systems development intern.

Goode described how she鈥檚 made friends with people from different departments, and even though some of her friends have graduated, they have stayed in touch. 鈥淚 have learned the necessity of community,鈥� she asserted. 鈥淭hough I am a rather independent worker, I have learned the value of having mentors and friends to teach me lessons I had never considered, to bring my attention to areas I had overlooked, and to encourage me when I was exhausted or stressed. I was especially shaped by the ministries on campus and the local church I attended. These Christ-centered communities kept my gaze fixed on what was most important.鈥�

Johanna Quezada Salazar

Johanna Quezada Salazar, of Dallas, N.C., is a first-generation student, who is fluent in Spanish and English. She will receive her Bachelor of Science in international business. Reflecting on her four years at 猫咪头条, she observed how the COVID-19 pandemic affected the Class of 2022. 鈥淲e definitely did not have not a normal college experience, or I guess defining normal would be not going into a nation-wide lockdown,鈥� she stated. 鈥淵es, of course, the unbelievable happened, but we adjusted.鈥�

At the highlight of COVID, she was hired to be a resident advisor for the commons. The job developed her leadership skills. She has also been a part of the Student Government Association since her first year. 鈥淚 was a scared freshman who didn’t know many people and figured there wasn’t any harm in running for a senator position,鈥� she related. 鈥淏ecause of that decision, I have been given so many opportunities as a student representative.鈥�

As a member of Phi Beta Lambda, Salazar recently won first place in the business ethics competition at the state leadership conference and will be competing at the National Leadership Conference on June 24-27.

Kayla Donnell

Music business major Kayla Donnell of Jamestown, N.C., completed four internships during her final semester. She balanced her hours between the Durham Performing Arts Center, Don Gibson Theatre, Elizabeth Baptist Church and Mark O鈥機onnor Enterprises. 鈥淚 communicated with all my bosses that I had four internships,鈥� she explained. 鈥淓ach one of them worked with me throughout the whole semester.鈥�

She discovered a new appreciation for the marketing field as she promoted Broadway shows through digital content. Donnell said she鈥檚 nervous and excited about her future. 鈥淚鈥檝e received emails with interview opportunities,鈥� she related. 鈥淪o, it is in God鈥檚 hands.鈥�

Bryant Potts

猫咪头条鈥檚 smaller campus also appealed to Bryant Potts, of Charlotte, N.C. A communications major, concentrating in video and film, he began researching GWU when the men鈥檚 basketball team reached the NCAA tournament in 2019. He decided to transfer to a campus where he could develop his skills through various internship opportunities and make new friends.

Throughout his time at GWU, Potts has captured video and photos of events on campus. He has also participated in the CrossFit Club and intramural competitions in basketball and soccer. 鈥淚 signed up in 2019, and since then, have bonded and connected with people in sports,鈥� he said. 鈥淢y experience at GWU has been enjoyable with the campus being smaller and making it easier to meet others.鈥�

He said his internships have given him hands-on experience and helped him improve how he communicates and connects with people. 鈥淭he real world is all about knowing people and that is the most important thing that I can take from college,鈥� he affirmed.

Potts hopes to obtain a job at a YMCA or recreation facility to use his skills to promote the organization through video or photography. He also wants to start his own photography business with the ultimate goal of working for a professional sports team.

Share Your Commencement Photos, Congratulations

The University encourages attendees to use the hashtag 鈥�#GWUGrad22鈥� for social media posts including photos, tweets, and Facebook status updates. The commencement ceremony on Friday, May 6, at 7:30 p.m. will be live streamed on聽听补苍诲听

猫咪头条 University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to six professional schools, 14 academic departments, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., 猫咪头条 prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at 猫咪头条.edu.

The post 猫咪头条 Seniors Share Thoughts About Campus Experience appeared first on 猫咪头条 University.

Shamanda Burston, 鈥�12 and 鈥�14, is a Counselor, Author and Executive Producer

To our readers: In celebration of Black History Month during February, 猫咪头条 University will introduce you to alumni who are making a difference in the world around them. Through their jobs and creative passions, these alumni are inspiring others to achieve their dreams.

Despite progress in recent years, mental health professionals acknowledge that there is still a significant stigma associated with mental health concerns. Shamanda Burston, a 猫咪头条 University alumna and mental health counselor, is on a mission to destigmatize mental illness by introducing and integrating mental health topics into the world of television and film.

Burston describes herself as a 鈥渨ounded healer鈥濃�攁 person who has endured and survived her own pain and is now able to assist others in healing. In June 2019, she published an autobiographical book with that title. This year, she鈥檚 producing a film, also called 鈥淲ounded Healer,鈥� that is adapted from the book and inspired by her own journey to wellness.

鈥淚’m beyond excited about this film, as it has allowed me to utilize the education I acquired at 猫咪头条 as a mental health counseling major; my over a decade of direct care experience in treating behavioral health/addictions, and my passion for filmmaking,鈥� Burston shared. 鈥淚 have an opportunity to spread mental health awareness, educate other cultures on the Black experience, and promote/encourage counseling for people of color across the world.鈥�

Burston, who lives in Atlanta, Ga., graduated from GWU in 2012 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in human services. She obtained her Master of Arts/Education Specialist degree in mental health counseling in 2014. As a first generation college student and single mom, she appreciated the encouragement she received from 猫咪头条鈥檚 faculty.

鈥淚 valued the openness and understanding of my professors,鈥� she related. 鈥淚 have to thank Dr. Willie Fleming, a person of color, who encouraged me to pursue the field of counseling. I am truly grateful to Dr. James Morgan for serving as a reference during my internships and creating an opportunity for me to be a published researcher during my graduate program. Dr. Sharon Webb gave wonderful supervision and direction.鈥�

Also at 猫咪头条, Burston learned how to overcome her fear of public speaking by creating and presenting research presentations for class and at national conferences. 鈥淎lthough I struggle with anxiety, I know that I wouldn鈥檛 have reached my current level of success without the practice, feedback and encouragement provided during my classes at GWU,鈥� Burston stated.

During a crowdfunding campaign in July 2020, she raised $21,000 in cash and services to produce her film. The project has been followed by multiple television networks for distribution in 2021. Production was January 22-27 in Atlanta, Ga.

鈥淭his book-to-film adaptation follows the life of a resilient Black woman who happens to be a therapist,鈥� Burston described. 鈥淪he has worked for many years to help her patients address their issues but never addressed her own personal traumas. It was important to produce this film, especially at this time, due to the various societal challenges affecting the Black community.鈥�

According to Burston, the Black community is more reluctant than others to seek counseling or therapy. 鈥淲e are taught from a young age not to share what goes on inside our homes with 鈥榦utsiders,鈥欌�� she asserted. 鈥淲e learn very early to suppress our thoughts and feelings which leads to multiple issues鈥攎ental, physical and psychological. As a Black community, we’ve experienced extreme traumas that are passed down from generation to generation.鈥�

The main character in her film lives with an autoimmune disease, which has triggers related to stress and anxiety. 鈥淭he film also highlights the importance and effectiveness of family therapy,鈥� Burston offered. 鈥淔amily therapy allows all voices to be heard. It provides an opportunity for transparency and vulnerability and of course, healing.鈥�

Burston鈥檚 book and film can help families begin the conversation. She offers more tips to help families discuss mental illness:

• Accept the fact that dysfunctional family systems are common.
• Be willing to learn about the mental illnesses within the family in an accepting and loving manner.
• Recognize that the healing journey cannot be forced. Just because one family member is ready, doesn’t mean the entire family will be ready or accepting of counseling or mental illness.
• It’s important to learn the “family roles” and which role we play within our family system. One person may be the “Family Hero”, “Black Sheep”, “Scapegoat”, “Enabler”, etc.
• Recognize that most mental illnesses are genetic. This can help alleviate the “blame game”.
• Identify motivation to finally address the family issues: To break generational curses and stop the cycles.
• Engage in individual therapy to identify and process personal triggers, traumas and areas for growth.

For more information about Burston, shamandaburston.com.

Located in the North Carolina foothills, 猫咪头条 University is a private, Christian, liberal arts university. 猫咪头条 emphasizes a strong student-centered experience and rigorous academics to prepare students to become effective leaders within the global community. Ignite your future at 猫咪头条.edu.

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