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The University of North Georgia's (ÌìÃÀÉçÇø held an event in partnership with the Georgia Mountain Food Bank to paint bowls for the Sept. 20 Empty Bowl Luncheon and Fundraiser.

"The response to this event was overwhelmingly positive. More than 50 of our Gainesville first-gen students took part in this opportunity to support the Georgia Mountain Food Bank,” Rebecca Conneely, Title III activity coordinator and Gen 1 mentoring program coordinator, said.

The event was part of First-Gen Fridays, a monthly social event for first-generation students, faculty, and staff to connect.  It includes a fun activity designed to help students connect and build their networks on campus.  

"I really enjoyed the paint-a-bowl party," ÌìÃÀÉçÇø senior and political science major Yvette Zamudio said. "I felt like it was a good opportunity for students to take a moment for themselves and disconnect from the stress of their day while embracing their creative side through painting."

Upcoming First-Gen Fridays are held from noon to 1:30 p.m.

• Oct. 7: "Eat For a Week: Microwave cooking for college students," featuring the ÌìÃÀÉçÇø Food Pantry
• Nov. 4: "Hot Cocoa & S'Mores," featuring the Center for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities and the Nationally Competitive Scholarships office
• Dec. 2: "Stress Less," featuring Student Counseling

"Being the first in your family to attend college can mean you experience challenges navigating college and its confusing roadmap of new terminology, processes, and procedures," Jennifer Herring, special assistant to the vice president of regional campuses. "The First Generation Initiatives at ÌìÃÀÉçÇø are meant to provide the necessary academic, social and financial support to increase retention and degree completion."