# @rutgersu on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/CktwGZOPdKP
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/991067-rutgersu-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/b164e0f6c9.jpg
- **Posted:** 2022-11-08T21:21:47.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Rutgers University (@RutgersU) — https://gondola.cc/RutgersU

## Caption

In honor of National First-Gen Day, we are celebrating students, faculty, and staff who are the first in their family to seek a four-year college degree in the United States. As we spotlight our first-gen community, take the time to learn about the diverse identities of those in our first-gen community ✨

Meet Thelma Peprah, a @rutgerssasn student majoring in Political Science.

"To understand my story, you must know my name first; Thelma Adofowah Yaa Peprah. In Ghanaian culture, everyones' name carries its history, protecting the lineage of my family name. My first name Thelma comes from my great-grandmother, my middle name Adofowah is from my grandmother, and Yaa represents the day you are born in our cultural practices. My family made it known from the day I was born that my name is the first thing I should carry with pride, then the rest will follow. My village, consisting of my family and friends, supported me through those long nights of studying for my exams, having a terrible day, and wanting to give up on my dreams. Growing up, I was instilled with certain principles; love, respect, and honor. 

But one thing my parents did not have to teach me was that hard work pays off, and with God, all things are possible. They are my biggest inspiration when I feel I am not enough and don't deserve to be in specific spaces. They remind me that if I made it this far alone, I could always make it further. In May 2023, I will graduate with a bachelor's in Political Science and a minor in Business administration. I am also the President of the Pre-Law Society, a role I've worked hard to achieve and envisioned ever since my first year. Throughout my four years here at Rutgers Newark, I've been able to utilize and take advantage of the resources provided to me. Taking up space and being placed in conversations I would've never been a part of if not for school."

#CelebrateFirstGen | #RutgersPride | #RutgersExcellence

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 800
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 22

## Credits

| Name | Username | Profile | Role |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Rutgers University | @RutgersU | https://gondola.cc/RutgersU | University |
| Marques Ruiz | @digitallysober | https://gondola.cc/digitallysober | Photographer |
| Marques Ruiz | @digitallysober | https://gondola.cc/digitallysober | Social Media Manager |
| Marques Ruiz | @digitallysober | https://gondola.cc/digitallysober | Copywriter |
| Marques Ruiz | @digitallysober | https://gondola.cc/digitallysober | Photo Editor |

## Tags

rutgerspride, rutgersexcellence, celebratefirstgen

## Events

first-gen week 2022

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