In just a few days, first-generation students from the Class of 2026 will walk across the commencement stage to cheers from family, friends, mentors, and classmates. That defining moment is years in the making.
Behind every cap and gown is a story of perseverance: long nights studying, moments of doubt, and the determination to keep moving forward. Crystal Flores ’26, Caitlyn Kratzer ’26, and Luke Eva ’26 are just three of the many first-generation students whose journeys began on Lehigh’s campus.
Building Support Systems
For many first-generation students, finding a network of support is essential to success. The transition from high school to college is challenging on its own, and even more so when stepping into an unfamiliar environment.
“At the end of freshman year, I’d failed a lot of classes and thought I would drop out,” says Flores. “I felt like I didn’t have a community and didn’t belong. But I got involved and overcame that — I even led the Marching ’97 last year. It was so rewarding to be a part of a student-run organization that kept me here at Lehigh and to give that sense of belonging to other students who needed it.”
Kratzer found a similar sense of purpose through her involvement as a Gryphon, as well as with Break the Silence Peer Educators, the Tri-Alpha honors fraternity, and her role as a campus tour guide.
“Most of what I got involved with had to do with giving back to my community,” Kratzer says. “When I first came to Lehigh, I struggled. Being a Gryphon wasn't just about finding my place — it was about helping people who needed what I did freshman year. I’m really proud I was able to mentor students, give them advice, and be someone they could look to for support.”
Eva also became a mentor, inspired by the people who helped guide him during his own first year.
“I had an amazing first-year experience because people looked out for me,” Eva says. “I wanted to be that for others — for people to feel comfortable approaching me and asking me about anything.”
Like Flores and Kratzer, Eva faced challenges during his freshman year. But all three students did more than persevere; they grew into leaders who uplifted others.
Closing One Chapter, Beginning Another
As graduation approaches, the accomplishment comes with deep emotion and reflection.
“It’s a surreal moment,” says Eva. “My parents came to America — my mother is from Guyana and my father is from France. My education is a shared dream between us. When I walk across that stage, it’s for me, the people that came before me, and my future children.”
Flores, raised by a single mother who immigrated from Mexico, shares a similar perspective.
“I think a lot about little me, who didn’t think college was for her,” Flores says. “But I do belong here. I got here on my own merit through hard work. I have 18 family members coming to the ceremony, and they’re all so excited to celebrate with me.”
“Everything I’ve gone through is worth it for my father to be able to say his daughter is a college graduate,” Kratzer says. “My dad started college and had to leave school after having me. Being able to give back to him means everything.”
After graduation, the three seniors will head in different directions. Kratzer will remain at Lehigh to pursue a master’s degree in education, Flores will begin her career as a staff engineer at Schnabel, and Eva will move to Raleigh, North Carolina, to work as an analyst for a mortgage firm.
For these three students, graduation reflects not only their own accomplishments, but also the support of the families and communities that encouraged them along the way — and the example they now set for future first-generation students.
They arrived at Lehigh searching for a sense of belonging. They leave having helped create it for others.
