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Impact Stories
"At the recent first-gen Yale students event, I was deeply impressed by how the incoming student cohorts are already reimagining their future career paths in light of the disruptions posed by generative AI. Rather than aiming narrowly for traditional tracks like consulting or finance, many are beginning college with a mindset oriented toward adaptability, creativity, and entrepreneurial thinking. There’s growing awareness that the jobs of the future may not yet exist—and that building something new might be more viable than competing for legacy roles. Several students spoke of exploring startups, side hustles, and digital platforms as part of a broader strategy to gain agency in an uncertain market. What stood out most was their openness to risk, experimentation, and lifelong learning—traits that will serve them well in an AI-shaped world."
Sam Samdani '84
Career Networking Mixer 2024
"FSY was such a wonderful event. The conversations Herman and I had with the students were so heart warming and insightful. It was a wonderful opportunity not only to give some perspective of life at Yale and beyond, but to enjoy hearing and listening to their concerns and perspectives!!
I so enjoyed giving these awesome students a real understanding of Yale’s wonderful and unique qualities the foremost being it is such a friendly and collaborative campus! I encourage each student to make an effort to get out of their comfort zone and try to do something on campus that you have never done, such as go to hear a speaker, try a sport, go aboard for a semester.
Also it is so important for each student to feel they belong at Yale and you deserve to be there! I told the students , if they ever need help for anything don’t be afraid to ask for it!! Most importantly enjoy your four years, Yale is such a unique experience, please take advantage of all it has to offer!!! Boola Boola!!! Go Yale!!
Elizabeth Martin '85
FSY 2025's Alumni Perspectives: Navigating Yale and Beyond
“It was a nostalgic and rewarding moment to meet the incoming class of 2029 at Sunday’s send-off and share my college journey as a recent FGLI graduate. The event showed the power and strength of the Yale community in coming together to support the next generation in their transition from high school to college. I am in awe of the incoming students’ grit and curiosity, and hope they take advantage of the resources Yale, especially 1stGenYale, has to help them achieve their dreams and discover themselves. I hope the students left the program that day knowing they are not alone — many, many others who share their background will be there to welcome and support them once they arrive on campus this fall.”
Zoe Hsu '24
1stGenYale, Yale Latino Alumni Network (YLAN), and Yale Black Alumni Association (YBAA) 2025 Summer Sendoff in NYC
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