FITCHBURG YOUR STORY: Voice of the First - Justin Swaine

First Generation College Students (FGCS) are one of the most unrecognized group of students at a university.  Many do not see the challenges they have to face as they go through the college search process and when they are finally here. 

In this episode, Justin Swaine explores the variety of challenges that FGCS have to face on a regular basis and how universities can help them.  This will help not only Fitchburg State understand their population and how to help them, but colleges across the board. 

Justin is a senior Interdisciplinary Studies major, with a minor in Business Administration.  This essay won the "2025 You FIT Here! Fitchburg Your Story"  Most Compelling Emphasis on Marginalized Communities Podcast Prize.  

Episodes in this series were produced and edited by the Fitchburg State University students in Professor Kisha Tracy's Storytelling and the Oral Tradition course (ENGL 2890) in the Spring 2025 semester.  

"Saxifrage"  is the Fitchburg Your Story theme music.  Music by Prof. Robin Dinda, Text by Prof. DeMisty Bellinger-Delfeld.  Performed by Fitchburg State University Choirs with Alanna Rantala (piano) and Prof. Jonathan Harvey (conductor).

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Episode transcript here.

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Additional mixing and mastering by members of the Perseverantia staff.

Click here to learn more about Perseverantia. Join us for programming updates on Instagram. Or reach out with ideas or suggestions at podcasts@fitchburgstate.edu.