It takes a village to raise a child. Such simple words, yet the power it holds behind it is something not to be overlooked. The aspect of community, especially in a college campus setting, is something all students should have the opportunity to cherish. From K-12, we slowly begin to create our very own village, filled by various individuals that pertain to one\u27s own experience. These individuals guide us and grant us knowledge when needed most, but as we mature, and at some point, leave this village to begin our journey into adulthood, we find ourselves having to begin anew, and this can be a challenge as a First-generation student. The purpose of the following phenomenological qualitative study is to gain an in-depth understanding of the first-year experience of First-generation students and the way their experiences shaped their sense of being a part of the community at Rowan University
