Dr. Koyya Lewis-Trammell

Dr. Koyya Lewis-Trammell

Assistant Professor, Kinesiology and Health Promotion

Ph.D in Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch
B.S. in Athletic Training, Loyola Marymount University

What advice would you share with our first-generation college students?

Sometimes it may feel as though you need to figure it all out on your own, but you don't. Tap into your support system whether that be classmates, friends, instructors or staff.

What was your experience as a first-generation college student?

My family expected me to go to college and they were very proud of me once I started. They supported me emotionally but did not have the understanding to support me more than that. They did not understand how financial aid worked. They didn’t understand why I needed to do internships in addition to coursework. They definitely didn’t understand what I was studying, and they still don’t. Unfortunately, my college experience alienated me from some family members because they could no longer relate to me. I had a network of friends who were also in college and we supported one another. I also had the support of several mentors at my undergraduate university who encouraged me and helped me navigate the academic world. My support system helped me be successful and sane as a college student.