Celebrating A First-Generation College Student: Georgia Allen

Georgia Allen accepted the challenge of being a first-generation college student and decided to tack on an equally demanding task – she is also a Syracuse University student-athlete. The Suffolk, England native left her home country to become the first person in her family to attend a four-year university. A team captain for the Orange, Allen has also regularly split time with England's national youth squads, most recently the England U21 National Team. As we recognize National #CelebrateFirstGen Day, we honor Georgia Allen and all of her Syracuse University student-athlete peers who are first-generation college students.

What does it mean to you to be a first-generation college student?
"My family is really proud of me. My parents always emphasized having my younger sister and I work for opportunities they did not have. My sister and I are taking the opportunity to go to university and set ourselves up for the rest of our lives. I am so grateful for Syracuse to give me the opportunity and I appreciate it every day."

What made you decide to not only be a first-generation college student but to do it in another country?
"I did not even look at home. I am not a fan of doing things half-measure so I said, let's go, let's do a big opportunity, a big experience. Coming to America was not a decision I made lightly. I appreciate how far away it is and what a strain it would put on my family, but they are so supportive. I wanted to challenge myself and put myself out of my comfort zone. All athletes want to push themselves out of their comfort zone. Coming to Syracuse University was the perfect opportunity to push myself. The memories and the people I have met are amazing. I now have friends all over the world. I have had so many different experiences and met so many amazing people. It is a real privilege."

How has being a collegiate student-athlete added to your experience?
"Everything at Syracuse sets you up for success. If you want it, it is there. If you want to be a brilliant student, you can do that. If you want to a brilliant athlete, you can do that too. You don't have to decide between the two. That was one of main factors of coming to Syracuse. I did not want to choose. I wanted to be both."

What are you planning to do after graduation?
"I have explored a lot of options through all of the networking and learning I have done here at Syracuse. Right now I am leaning toward joining the English Army to become an officer."

How will your experience at Syracuse help you in the English Army?
"It will help immensely. I don't think I would have been able to make the decision to become an officer in the army if I did not go to Syracuse. I did not really see myself as a captain or the person who would direct everything. I am more of a reserved person and being at Syracuse has made me come out of my shell and pushed me out of my comfort zone. I can transfer all of the skills and leadership I have learned into my daily life and my career. Without Syracuse I would not have that."

How would you describe your Syracuse University experience?
"Challenging in a great way. Diverse. Exciting. Transforming. Life Changing. I would do it all again. I want to stay longer. I believe you have to be grateful for what you are given, but I want more time at Syracuse University. It has been amazing."

Syracuse University Athletics

Celebrating A First-Generation College Student: Georgia Allen

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