Axel Lopez, a first-year broadcast and digital media major, is among the 30 percent of SUNY Oswego students who are first-generation. The youngest of eight, Lopez said resources such as the Advancing Completion Through Engagement (ACE) program are helping him achieve his goal of becoming the first in his family to earn a college degree.

Affordability was one of his deciding factors in choosing SUNY Oswego. Lopez had hoped to attend a private school in New York City, but the cost was out of reach. However, once he set foot on Oswego’s campus and saw the brand new facilities in Hewitt Hall taking shape, he knew this was where he wanted to be.

“The experience of being a broadcast major here has been phenomenal, especially in a building like Hewitt,” Lopez said. “It’s so nice to see all the new classes, all the new studios that they have.”

Although he was initially nervous about finding his place, Lopez said he quickly connected with friends through his residence hall and classes. He also plans to join student organizations, including WTOP-10.

“I’m most excited to join the clubs and programs here, especially WTOP,” Lopez said. “I want to see more of the Laker Life. I’m really excited for the hockey games. For anyone thinking about going to Oswego, I would recommend not just looking at it as a school, but as a community. There’s something here for everyone.”

Lopez acknowledged that being first-generation comes with challenges, but the resources available at Oswego have helped substantially.

“For me, a lot of the complications as a first-gen student would be signing up for things, like FAFSA and registering for classes,” he said. “I never had a guide for any of that, so doing that on my own was pretty nerve-racking. But the ACE program, they’ve been so helpful with navigating classes, advising — it’s been so nice.”

He credited ACE Program Director Jordan Pritchard and ACE Advisor Megan Runge with helping him succeed.

“Those two are amazing,” Lopez said. “They help you so much, and aren’t just there to be your advisor, but as a friend as well. As a first-gen student not knowing people or anything about college, they make it so much easier to enjoy college life.”

Lopez also expressed gratitude for his family’s encouragement.

“Coming from a family of eight siblings, I have all of my family members behind me,” he said. “My mom and my two sisters, those three are always on my case about things and making sure I’m on top of my work. My brothers are always checking in on me. It’s just so nice to have all that support and know that I can do great things.”

Watch Axel’s full spotlight on SUNY Oswego's Instagram channel.