Freedom Dreaming- Fostering Community for First-Gen Students

Drawing from Dr. Bettina Love's influential book, "We Want to Do More than Survive: Abolitionist Teaching and the Pursuit of Educational Freedom", this presentation will explore the transformative concept of "freedom dreaming" and its impact on first-generation students. In my Introduction to Counseling course, we examined the power of this concept and its emphasis on imagining a liberating, purpose-driven future. Dr. Love's "freedom dreaming" invites students to envision a world of possibilities beyond survival, encouraging them to dream boldly and reshape their educational and personal paths. This presentation will delve into how "freedom dreaming" empowers first-gen students to envision their futures in ways that embrace both personal ambition and community impact. By setting meaningful goals, exploring diverse career paths, and identifying programs that align with their passions, first-gen students can cultivate a vision that not only enriches their lives but also positively impacts the communities they come from and hope to serve. This approach encourages first-gen students to create purpose-driven plans that honor their unique identities, inspire confidence, and foster a lasting sense of belonging and community. Through this presentation, I hope to unpack practical strategies for fostering "freedom dreaming" in first-gen students, helping them build a future that aligns with their dreams and broadens their potential.