Scholarships make first-gen student’s UC journey possible

For Ana Garay ’28, scholarships were the key that unlocked the opportunity for a college education. She is candid about saying that without them, she would not be at the University of Cincinnati.

“I’m really grateful for that first step, the door scholarships opened is one that I’m able to walk through without worrying so much about finances,” says Garay, a student in UC's College of Arts and Sciences. “I can focus on succeeding, focus on studying. My priority isn’t whether I can afford to go to school. It’s whether or not I can be the best student I can be. I’m really grateful for that.”

Garay is a bilingual, first-generation college student whose parents came to the United States from Mexico. She is supported by several scholarships and aspires to a career in immigration or family law.

Garay spent part of her childhood living near UC and had enjoyed walking around campus. But when she arrived as a student, she was unfamiliar with the nuances of college life.

“As a first-generation student, you don’t have certain experiences or backgrounds that other people might have,” she says. “There were things I didn’t really know how to manage. I didn’t know what to expect. I didn’t know what credit hours meant. Or how to join organizations and go about fitting in. Now I’m learning new things, getting out of my comfort zone.”

Attending UC, she says, gives her a sense of pride.

“I’m happy to be able to come here — especially on behalf of my family and my parents — and honor the sacrifices they’ve made so that I can pursue something I have a passion for.”

Specific aspects of the Gen-1 scholarship helped Garay make the transition. She spent her first year in 1MPACT House, a residence hall for Gen-1, Pell-eligible students. The Level Up Scholarship provides additional financial and mentoring support for first-generation students who come from public school districts across the region.

Garay is pursuing a double major in political science and Spanish. Her interest in government was sparked by an advanced placement class she took in high school.  “Learning about the laws, the policies, the branches of government, how it works, and how it all comes together was very interesting to me.”

By majoring in Spanish, Garay aims to improve her grammar and writing in anticipation of her work with clients in a bilingual setting.

Meanwhile, scholarships have given Garay more than just a financial cushion. As part of her Gen-1 scholarship, she serves as a teacher assistant. And this year she is a Gen-1 Ambassador helping incoming students settle in. “Being an ambassador is a great leadership opportunity,” she says. 

Garay serves as both director of membership and secretary in UC’s Pre-Law Club and is a member of UC Women in Law and LatinxEnAcción. She plans to apply to law school as she approaches graduation.

“I’m mostly interested in immigration law but also juvenile law,” she says. “I want to help people out of a difficult situation. For juvenile law I want to help children with difficult cases, because no child should be in a bad situation.”

Whether she serves within the government or at a firm or even as a solo practitioner, Garay wants to provide her own compassionate brand of legal representation.

“I want to let people know that they do matter and they are cared for,” she says. “I want them to feel safe. I want them to get the representation and help that they deserve.”

Featured image at top: Ana Garay is a student in UC's College of Arts and Sciences. Photo/UC Alumni Association