Â̾ÞÈËÊÓƵ

Students

Q&A with First Generation Student D'Andrè Butler ’25

Posted
December 1, 2023
Â̾ÞÈËÊÓƵStudent D'Andre Butler where's a yellow Â̾ÞÈËÊÓƵsweatshirt

D'Andrè Butler ’25 is charting a remarkable path as a first generation student at Pace, ambitiously striving towards a sense of independence he has long craved. He’s thrown himself into the collegiate experience, not just in his academics as a writing and rhetoric major, but in student worker positions and club leadership.

D'Andrè juggles these roles and opportunities in the hopes of making the most of his time in school, a testament to the drive and ambitions so characteristic of his fellow first generation peers.

What does it mean to you to be a first generation student?

It means the world to me that I am someone in my family who made it to college and will not stop until I get my well-earned degree.

What are some of the challenges of being a first generation student?

As a first generation student I feel like I have to work harder than most people to make sure my spot at this school, as well as my future, is secured.

Budgeting my money is a unique challenge as a first-generation student. I have taken on the role of paying most of my tuition on my own, so knowing what to spend money on and what to sacrifice as a 20-year-old college student has been hard, but beneficial. Taking that into account, I have to work multiple jobs in order to finance my education while juggling student leadership roles.

Why is it important to be part of a first generation student community?

Connecting with other first-generation students is important because they are the only people who can relate to and understand my work ethic and my need for independence.

Why did you choose Pace?

I chose Â̾ÞÈËÊÓƵbecause they offered more financial support and helped with my goal of independence. I knew moving to New York and making something of myself was something I always aspired to academically.

What’s been the best part of your Â̾ÞÈËÊÓƵexperience?

Networking has been the best part of my Â̾ÞÈËÊÓƵexperience. Since freshman year I have grown so much by creating opportunities for myself and making connections with pretty important people. I’ve worked as a resident advisor, a writing tutor, and a student assistant, while still staying involved in clubs. I’m the vice president and a choreographer in the hip-hop dance club and performance team, and vice president for a brand new fashion club called The House of Style.

More From Pace

Students

From mentee, to mentor, to president of the First Generation Student program, Valentina Rojas Abreu ’24 knows the importance of community. Looking forward to National First Generation Student Day on November 8, Valentina reflects on the evolution of the first-gen program and what makes the first-gen community at Â̾ÞÈËÊÓƵso special.

Students

Join Danielle Shoulders '24 on her transformative journey as a first generation student at Pace, where she's making every moment count. From her Environmental Studies program, student clubs, internships, and more, learn how she's overcoming challenges and helping create a vibrant community.