President Houshmand kicks off First-Gen Month: ‘Never underestimate yourself’

“What I would urge you to do is always dream big—really, really big.”

That’s what Rowan University President Ali A. Houshmand told a crowd of first generation students at the start of Rowan’s First-Gen Month.

On November 2, Flying First began the monthlong celebration by hosting “An Evening with President Ali A. Houshmand.” At this event, students whose parents have not completed a four-year college degree could ask the president about his own first-gen experience.

First Generation Task Force co-chair Penny McPherson-Myers introduced Houshmand at the event. There, he recounted the story of how he came from a poor family, studied in England, and moved to America to continue his education. His path featured failures and successes along the way—ultimately leading to his 20-year career at Rowan, first as provost and then president.

After graduating from high school in Iran, Houshmand left home with some hand-me-down clothes and the equivalent of $120 in his pocket. He spent $50 on a one-way ticket to London and used the remaining funds to start building a new life.

Arriving in England without knowing the language, Houshmand worked a series of jobs while learning English and pursuing his degree in mathematics. To make ends meet, he cleaned bars and cooked chicken at KFC—where he used math to speed up processes at the restaurant.

Reflecting on the circumstances that shaped his determination to pursue an education, Houshmand said, "My mom and dad could not read or write. They were completely different, so I was truly the first in my family to go to college.”

Despite the challenges he faced, the president told students that adversity became one of his greatest teachers. Looking back on his experiences, he emphasized that setbacks should not be feared.

"Failure can be the greatest thing," he said. "If you do an experiment and it's successful, you've gotten a result. If it has failed, you've gotten a discovery."

Throughout the evening, Houshmand encouraged students to view their first-generation status as a source of strength rather than a limitation. He reminded attendees that their backgrounds do not determine their futures and that education can create opportunities that once seemed unattainable.

"Education is the greatest equalizer," Houshmand said, echoing a sentiment shared at his official inauguration in 2012.

Following his remarks, students had the opportunity to ask questions about leadership, overcoming self-doubt and finding purpose. Several students asked how he remained motivated during difficult moments and how he navigated feelings of uncertainty throughout his career.

Houshmand responded by stressing the importance of confidence and perseverance, even when success seems distant.

"Never underestimate yourself," he said. "You're as good as anybody."

He also encouraged students to define goals that extend beyond immediate obstacles.

"Life without purpose is really, really difficult," Houshmand said.

As the evening concluded, students lingered to continue conversations and take photographs with the president. Several students who attended the event said that hearing the president speak openly about his experiences gave them renewed motivation, affirmed their belonging at Rowan and let them see new possibilities for their futures.

At Rowan’s request, Governor Mikie Sherrill has also proclaimed November 8 as First-Generation College Celebration Day in New Jersey, and the celebrations will continue throughout November as the University celebrates first-generation students, faculty, and staff throughout Flying First’s tenth-anniversary year.

First-gen students account for 39% of the University’s undergraduates and beyond the celebrations, Rowan leadership continues to support first-gen students through Tri-Alpha honor society, textbook assistance, financial-resource outreach, student leadership, career connections, and graduate and professional-student engagement.