Iowa State first-generation students turn challenges into opportunity

Many Iowa State alumni trace their family’s Cyclone legacy back generations. Nearly 21% of Iowa State students have a different story, and are instead working to establish a new family legacy as first-generation students. These students often face financial, academic, and personal challenges in their pursuit, and yet they persist. 

Danielle Nagaito ('26), biology, is one of five recent graduates to reflect on her journey as a first-generation student in the Iowa Stater summer issue's "Iowa State first-generation students turn challenges into opportunity."