First-generation college student Skylar Williams knew from a young age she wanted to attend Cal State Fullerton to pursue her dreams of working in animation. By participating in the Career Center’s “I Am First, I Am an Artist” program, Williams gained support for her career aspirations in the visual arts.
As a junior art major, Williams aspires to become a storyboard artist. She began by sketching fantasy characters in her family’s printing shop and knew she needed to earn a college degree in animation to land her dream job.
“I’ve wanted to be a part of the university since I was in middle school because the animation program teaches you how to work in a studio environment,” said Williams, who grew up in Hayward.
Over 31% of the university’s more than 45,000 students identify as the first in their families to attend college. The university observes National First-Generation College Student Week in November.
Launched in 2023, the“I Am First, I Am an Artist” program guides first-generation art students as they explore career options, meet artists in visual arts, music, dance and theatre, and gain professional skills. The program is an offshoot of the nationally recognized “I Am First” program, started in spring 2020 by the Career Center to help first-generation college students achieve academic and career success.
Daniel Andrade, career specialist in CSUF’s College of the Arts, said it’s important for first-generation students to build confidence and connections with industry professionals.
“The program supports students’ career development in building their professional brand, especially since many are the first in their families to pursue a career in the visual and performing arts,” Andrade said.
Throughout her CSUF education, Williams has gained insights into animation from visiting Walt Disney Animation Studios and Nickelodeon and serving as vice president of the WIA (formerly Women in Animation) student animation organization.
“The program showed me what I am capable of and reminded me to keep working hard to graduate and earn my degree,” Williams said.