Leah Pistorius
November 8, 2024
The University of Washington's Department of Human Centered Design & Engineering joins higher education institutions across the country in celebrating National First-Generation College Celebration Day on November 8, 2024.
Meet several members of our community who have forged their own paths to higher education. We are proud to share their stories as they continue to break barriers and shape the future.
Yasmin Salih
HCDE MS Class of 2025
"This path is something I'm building up on my own, and I really like the idea that my younger family members (and future generations) would look back into what I have accomplished and be proud."
Tyler Fox
Associate Teaching Professor
"I truly believe education changes lives. It changed mine, and I hope in some small way, I contribute to positive change in the lives of my students."
René Capella
HCDE PhD Class of 2029
"For me, being a first-generation student fills me with pride—I feel so much excitement for giving back to my community and family through mentorship."
Zelia Lai
HCDE MS Class of 2025
"The events, networking opportunities, and mentorship I’ve received here have been life-changing. I feel an immense sense of pride, not just for myself, but for my family."
Andrew Quitmeyer
Affiliate Assistant Professor
"My biggest hope is to teach people what kinds of things are possible to do in life."
Purva Tekkar
HCDE MS Class of 2025
"Being a first-generation college student is an enormous thing for me personally, marking a shift from a traditional and limited way of living to a life of possibilities and meaningful contribution to the world."