First Scholars® Senior Spotlight | First Scholars® | SIU

Name: Steven Ta
Major: Accounting

What does being a First Scholar mean to you and how do you believe the program has shaped your college experience?

Being a First Scholar means that I am exemplifying as a role model for first generation students. I have accomplished what many have tried to overcome, which is to successfully attain a college degree and to find a career that I TRULY love. Being a First Scholar student, I am able to share my personal experiences and expertise with other first generation students. I always believed in giving back to my fellow classmates and colleagues and I will continue to do so after I graduate. First Scholars has taught me life lessons that I can live by day by day. Along with the life lessons, the best part of the program is my continuing family. Every year I get to look forward to 20 first generation students who had the opportunity to pursue for a college degree. Throughout the years I have built valuable friendships that made my college experiences valuable. Friendships that led to one big continuing program known as my family.

What advice, knowledge, or insights, would you share with other first generation students?

My biggest advice for first generation students is to never give up. College is a valuable experience that you can cherish years and years from now. There is no better way to find yourself then to dive into college with a big heart and an open mind. Believe in yourself and life will always get better. We all have those times when we want to give up, but at the end of the day, always remind yourself how valuable you truly are and how much you have accomplished in such a short period of time. 

Which class or instructor at SIU has made the most impact on you?

I would like to personally thank Dr. Odom and Jill Gebke for their tremendous support throughout my collegiate career. I remember stepping onto campus for my unofficial visit as a Junior in High School and was greeted by these two loving individuals. They have provided me valuable life lessons that I will use for the rest of my life. They have given me the experience of a lifetime by being the backbone to my accomplishments. Through them, I was able to attain 3 internships, numerous leadership positions, and exceed expectations as a first generation student.

On a personal note, I would like to thank my family, Jamil Jones, and my brother Brian Ta for always believing in me. You had the ability to watch me grow and succeed. Thank you.

What is your dream job? Where do you see yourself in 20+ years?

My dream job is to continue working with Deloitte, a big four accounting firm. I hope to expand my knowledge in the accounting industry by becoming an expatriate and traveling the world! In 20 years, I hope to run my own business through a limited liability corporation. Along with owning my own company, I hope to give back to the SIU community and support first generation students. Go Salukis!

Name: Amanda Novak
Major: Biomedical Sciences | Minor: Chemistry

What does being a First Scholar mean to you and how do you believe the program has shaped your college experience?

Being a First Scholar means that I've broken the cycle my family has been trapped in for so long. It means that I made it. This program has shaped my college experience by giving me a support system from day one, as well as resources so that I never strayed off the path to success.

What advice, knowledge, or insights, would you share with other first generation students?

My advice to other first generation students would be to find others that are in the same or similar situations that you're in and work together; build each other up and be your own support system because a lot of people don't understand the struggle that comes with being a first gen. 

Which class or instructor at SIU has made the most impact on you?

I can't pick just one professor. I've had the pleasure of being taught by a lot of great individuals at SIU. The most influential being Keith Gagnon (Biochemistry), Lauren Macklin (Anatomy), Andrew Wood (Genetics), Patrick Zheng (Undergraduate Research) and Harvey Henson (CoS Assistant Dean). These people shared their knowledge, gave me hope, and guided me through each year of college. They never turned their back on me, were always willing to help and lend a hand. I'm eternally grateful for all that they've done for me. 

What is your dream job? Where do you see yourself in 20+ years?

My dream job doesn't have a specific title, it's not a set occupation. My dream job is something that makes me happy, that I am passionate about, and that allows me to live comfortably and support a family. I love research, I love science and medicine. I used to try and plan everything out and micromanage, but I've decided to see where life takes me and have faith that I will end up where I am meant to be.