First-gen feature: Mother of Dragons Sharon Leinen
Sharon Leinen was a mother of Dragons long before becoming a Dragon herself. Her three children, all MSUM graduates, enjoy meaningful careers in higher education inspired by their mother. Now at 69, Sharon is pursuing her university studies degree at MSUM.
On National First-Gen Day, Nov. 8, we celebrate the remarkable resilience of first-generation college students, including our older-than-average learners. At MSUM, more than 40% of our undergraduates are first-gen students. We applaud their perseverance as they pursue their dreams.
“I am proud of myself for being a first-generation college student. My kids have all been more than supportive of my decision to continue schooling,” Sharon says. Her advice to other first-gen students: “Going back later is hard,” she says. “Be proud of yourself and think ahead to all the doors that will open because you have that education.”
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