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first voices

Meet Dexter Smith
​(First Generation College Student)

Picture
 ​From the south side of Chicago to the University of Illinois, meet Dexter Smith. He is a first generation student in the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) majoring in one of the most competitive Agricultural and Biological Engineering programs in the country. Dexter knew this new journey would not be easy.  He was used to a struggle and he was up for the challenge.  Although high school had not exactly prepared him for college, Dexter describes in detail how he was able to beat the odds and make it to (and through) the University of Illinois.  Through a fierce family support system and determination to make it out of his tough neighborhood, Dexter knew he would need more than a high school diploma to get where he needed to go. He had a tough road ahead of him, but he faced all challenges head on and took advantage of as many opportunities as he could. Dexter will graduate this month. Check out what he has to say about heading into the future and where he's been in the audio piece below.  ​
disclaimer
Some names and identifying details have been changed to protect the privacy of the individuals and their families.
  • Home
  • Articles
    • Breaking Down Mental Illiness
    • Aggregation
    • Overcoming Domestic Abuse
    • Children and Media
    • The Continuous Fight for a Transformed University
    • Not Everyone is Born Equal
    • COPING WITH RACE-RELATED STRESS
    • Stress Tips
    • Diversity Qualifications
    • When Girls Go For It...
    • Untouched Topics of Domestic Violence
    • The Human Library
    • Selective Sympathy for Terrorism
    • From Margin to Center
    • Freedom of Speech = Safe Space? >
      • All About Audrey
    • Thank God It's Natural CEO Chris-Tia Donaldson
    • Young Voices
  • Features
    • Cooking 4 College
    • Creative Corner
    • Culture Cues
    • First Voices
    • Off The Shelf & Online
    • Moments in History
    • Words of the Day
    • Active Centralized Empowerment
  • Podcasts
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  • Custody Battle Ground: Kansas Kids
  • New Page