For many Greenfield Community College students, attending college opens the door not just to education but to a whole new sense of identity and possibility. During this year’s “First-Gen Week,” GCC honored that journey and provided inspiration for all first-generation students who walk through its doors.

GCC English professor Steve Poulin, who himself was the first in his family to go to college, shared how higher education reshaped his life. “When a professor takes an interest in what you have to say, what you’ve written about, how you’ve contributed to a discussion, you get a different view of who you are and what you’re capable of,” he said. “And I can’t think of another environment other than higher education where it can be so transformative.”

More than half of GCC’s student body identifies as first-generation, meaning they are the first in their immediate families to pursue a college degree. That shared background also resonates among faculty and staff. This common foundation helps create a supportive atmosphere for students where they don’t just get an education, but also understanding and guidance from people who’ve walked a similar path.

Indeed, education can shift not only academic prospects but also economic futures, offering a chance to break cycles and expand opportunities.

One such story belongs to current student River Matos. River first enrolled at GCC in 2009, but life intervened and they had to leave. Now, thanks to changes in Massachusetts’ community-college tuition policy, River was able to return. “I feel like I could get a PhD someday if I wanted to. It’s much more attainable now,” they said.

For prospective students, current learners or anyone connected to GCC, First-Gen Week shows something important: college isn’t just about classes and credits. It’s about identity, community, possibility and transformation. As Professor Poulin put it, “There’s really little to lose in walking through the door and exploring what GCC has to offer.”