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Jessica Sonia Fortin navigated university life without a family roadmap. Morgan Johnson credits mentors and peers with helping her through college and veterinary school. Both now teach at Purdue Veterinary Medicine.

#Purdue #FirstGen #BoilermakerFIRST #ProudtobeFIRST
Black and gold graphic titled “First-Generation College Celebration: Finding Your Way.” Side-by-side photographs show Jessica Sonia Fortin in a white laboratory coat at a workbench and Morgan Johnson beside a chestnut horse. The text introduces two Purdue Veterinary Medicine faculty members who were first-generation college students and describes their experiences navigating higher education and finding support. First-Generation College Celebration graphic featuring Jessica Sonia Fortin, assistant professor, smiling in a white lab coat at a laboratory workbench. Titled “Finding a Path Without a Roadmap,” it describes her journey from rural Quebec through veterinary school at the University of Montreal and into her career in the United States. Featured quote: “Your background is not a deficit!” First-Generation College Celebration graphic featuring Morgan Johnson, clinical assistant professor, smiling beside a chestnut horse while wearing a white veterinary coat. Titled “The Importance of Mentorship,” it describes her challenges navigating college and veterinary school without family experience in higher education. Featured quote: “There are always other people out there willing to help you if you need it!”
November 5, 2026 at 12:31 PM
pucvm.bsky.social
Lydia Chandler was inspired to pursue college by her daughter's academic drive. Allyson Francis is balancing full-time work with her Purdue vet tech studies. Meet two first-generation students defining their own paths.

#FirstGen #BoilermakerFIRST #ProudtobeFIRST #Purdue #VetMed #VetTech
Black and gold graphic titled “First-Generation College Celebration: Defining Your Own Path.” Side-by-side photos show four people outside a barbershop and Allyson Francis holding a small dog. The text introduces Lydia Chandler and Allyson Francis, two Purdue Veterinary Technology Distance Learning students whose experiences include family inspiration, changing educational direction, and balancing college with other responsibilities. First-Generation College Celebration graphic featuring Lydia Chandler, a Veterinary Technology Distance Learning student. The photograph shows four smiling people outside Floyd's Mayberry Barber Shop. Titled “Inspired by Her Daughter,” it explains how her daughter's academic dedication encouraged Lydia to pursue college, first studying nursing prerequisites before choosing veterinary technology. Featured quote: “My daughter's academic drive is what inspired me to pursue college.” First-Generation College Celebration graphic featuring Allyson Francis, a Veterinary Technology Distance Learning student, smiling while holding a small black-and-white dog. Titled “Changing Expectations,” it explains how a scholarship helped her continue her education while balancing full-time work and personal responsibilities. Featured quote: “Proving that generational standards can change”
November 7, 2026 at 12:30 PM
pucvm.bsky.social
Purdue DVM student Koby May navigated financial pressures & unfamiliar college expectations. DVM student Clara Westcott worked multiple jobs while earning degrees in math & biology. Meet two first-generation students pursuing veterinary medicine.

#Purdue #VetMed #BoilermakerFIRST #ProudtobeFIRST
Black and gold graphic titled “First-Generation College Celebration: Different Paths, Shared Goals.” Side-by-side photographs show Koby May in graduation attire beside the John Purdue statue and Clara Westcott wearing a graduation gown and holding a blue diploma folder. The text introduces two Purdue DVM students who overcame challenges navigating higher education as first-generation students and are pursuing careers as veterinarians. First-Generation College Celebration graphic featuring Koby May, first-year DVM student, wearing graduation attire beside the bronze John Purdue statue. Titled “Continuing Through Uncertainty,” it describes his experiences with financial pressures, unfamiliar college processes, imposter syndrome, and academic adjustment. His goal of becoming a veterinarian helped him persevere. Featured quote: “the hard times were only temporary” First-Generation College Celebration graphic featuring Clara Westcott, first-year DVM student, smiling in graduation attire while holding a blue diploma folder outdoors. Titled “Determination and Support,” it describes how she worked multiple jobs, participated in athletics, and maintained strong grades while earning degrees in mathematics and biology. Featured quote: “Never compare yourself with anyone else”
November 6, 2026 at 12:31 PM