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College of Architecture and Environmental Design First-Gen Faculty, Staff, and Administrators
Carmen Trudell
Associate Professor, Architecture
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Degree(s) Earned
MS in Advanced Architectural Design, and MS in Built Ecologies
What advice would you share with a first-generation college student at Cal Poly?
I remember feeling like an imposter. I grew-up with a single mom who was a teenager when I was born. I had this romantic vision of a family with two parents, college degrees, and professions. I imagined that they read to their kids each night before bed, and cooked meals that represented the food pyramid, and that kids that came from THOSE families were smarter and more capable that I was. What I learned in college is that my own life experiences made me smart and capable, and that I had my own unique abilities to understand and solve problems. I learned to value my childhood and the character that I developed because of it.
How did your experience as a first-generation college student impact you?
I am still the only person in my immediate family to go to college. As a result of education, I have been afforded incredible privileges such as traveling the world, studying and researching with classmates and teachers from diverse backgrounds, periods of time to dwell in thought-provoking environments, a professional career as an architect, and then a second career as a college professor. I have had the luxury of being able to decide a path for my life based on my interests and passions, while at the same time providing financial stability for myself and my family. I am so grateful for the life that education has provided me, that I have returned to my undergraduate alma mater, Cal Poly, so that I can be part of making another persons life full of accomplishments too.
Michael Boswell
Professor, City and Regional Planning
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Degree(s) Earned
Ph.D. Urban and Regional Planning
What advice would you share with a first-generation college student at Cal Poly?
Don't be afraid to talk to faculty. Ask them for advice on how to be successful in college and their class. Meet with a financial aid advisor. Look for educational opportunities beyond the classroom--research assistant, conference attendance, competitions, et cetera.
How did your experience as a first-generation college student impact you?
I was naive about how to be successful in college compared to high school. I had a hard time discerning what was important and what was not. I struggled financially (for example, I had been in college for 1.5 years before I learned I was work-study qualified).
We ALL struggle in college. Don't do it alone. Find mentors, advisors, and friends.
Gregory Starzyk
Professor, Construction Management
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Degree(s) Earned
MPM and JD specializing in construction law
What advice would you share with a first-generation college student at Cal Poly?
My parents where both orphans who never finished high school. When I was in high school, all they could tell me was that I had better figure it out because nobody was going to figure it out for me. It was not until long after their death when I was just 20 that I understood the gift that they had left for me; self-reliance. I became an apprentice, then journeyman carpenter, went to night school to earn a degree in civil engineering, worked for 23 years in international construction that took me to 6 continents, and earned an MPM and JD along the way. I've been 15 years in higher education now and have recently become a full professor. My advice to first-generation students is, "better figure it out, because nobody is going to figure it out for you." That may sound harsh, I know, but only to those who aren't first generation students like I was; clueless about what happens at a university.
Miran Day
Assistant Professor, Landscape Architecture
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Degree(s) Earned
MS in Landscape Architecture
What advice would you share with a first-generation college student at Cal Poly?
Seek out for help, be proactive, and find a mentor(s)
James Mwangi
Professor, architectural Engineering
jmwangi@calpoly.edu
Degree(s) Earned
Ph.D. Structural Engineering
What advice would you share with a first-generation college student at Cal Poly?
The person who scores the lowest points in a graduating medical school class exit exam graduates as a medical doctor. Never give up even when the going gets tough. You are the best example to those who look upon you.
First Generation Staff and Administrators
Beverly Bass
Department head, landscape architecture
bjbass@calpoly.edu
Degree(s) Earned
MLA in Landscape Architecture
What advice would you share with a first-generation college student at Cal Poly?
Don't let your circumstances dictate your life's path. There is always a way if you are persistent and patient enough.
Melanni Wiedrich
Administrative Support Coordinator ||, City and regional planning
mwiedric@calpoly.edu
Degree(s) Earned
MS Business Management and Organizational Theory
What advice would you share with a first-generation college student at Cal Poly?
I was an "older than average" college student as I waited until my 2 children were old enough to stay home by themselves before I committed to college. My advise is to rely on friends you make and faculty/staff for support. It was stressful, but having the support system in place helped get me through it. Don't be afraid to speak up in class and ask questions. This is your time to learn, take advantage of it. My husband and I got our degrees at the same time and now one child has some college and the other child has graduated from college. I now have a grandchild starting college so I feel like we set a good example to our children.
Kelly Dye
Senior Director of development, Office of the caed dean
kedye@calpoly.edu
Degree(s) Earned
MFA Creative Writing
