As a part of the Center for First-Generation & Educational Equity's 2025 First-Generation Celebration Week, the Center's McNair Scholars Program reminds us that we're told to focus on GPAs, GRE scores, and recommendation letters, but no one talks enough about the real prerequisite for graduate school: persistence.

In this powerful First-Gen Week x McNair panel, hear from alumni who didn’t get accepted to grad school the first time around, or who took time off before reapplying, and are now thriving in their programs. Through honest conversation, they’ll share how they navigated disappointment, regrouped, and kept moving forward. If you've ever felt like you’re falling behind or questioned your timeline, this session will remind you that success isn’t about being perfect…it's about not giving up.

All students, faculty, and staff are invited to attend any event of the 2025 First-Generation Celebration Week!