Born in St. Ann’s, Jamaica, Shanna Davis grew up in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and was living in North Carolina when she got the call to join TCU’s staff. But before becoming part of the Horned Frog family, she successfully navigated the path of a first-generation college student, earning not one, but two degrees: a bachelor’s in psychology from the University of Central Florida and a master’s in higher education administration from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
Davis is the hall director for Richards Hall and Ashley and Greg Arnold Hall. “The halls opened in August 2019 and it has been the most fulfilling experience,” she said. “I love being a part of a new legacy on campus that helps to shape the sophomore experience.”
She answered some questions about her first-gen experience:
What brought you to TCU?
SD: Before graduating from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, I attended a job search conference called The Placement Exchange. During this process, I was recruited by Housing and Residence Life for the hall director position. Initially, I was hesitant to move to Texas because I would be far away from my family, who all recently moved to North Carolina. However, the moment I stepped foot on campus, I knew TCU would be my home for the next few years.
What are some of the strengths you believe you possess as a first-generation college student?
SD: As a first-generation college student I believe there is a level of resilience, persistence and agency that you must possess. Not only was I the first person in my family to obtain a college degree, I was the first person in my family to obtain a college degree in the United States. Being the first person in your family to break ground in the education system is not an easy task; however, I know that this journey has cultivated me into the person that I am today and has fueled my passion for education. These strengths continue to develop as I assure myself that I am an achiever and overcomer as long as I walk in my own power.
What was your biggest challenge as a first-generation student and how did you overcome it?
SD: The biggest challenge for me as a first-generation student was financial literacy. Growing up, my family did not understand many of the financial implications of going to college. I still remember the initial shock of having to pay for housing and books after paying tuition during my first semester of college. Financial literacy as a first-generation student means seeking resources that may not be readily available to you, and understanding that college comes with more financial implications than tuition. I quickly began to understand the meaning of subsidized, unsubsidized and private loans, repayment options as well as the importance of scholarships and grants. Often times, first-generation students are urged to apply and attend college; however, the conversation of finances are often omitted.
What did graduating from college mean to you and your support system?
SD: For me, graduating from college meant that I was the catalyst for generational blessings and opportunities. Coming from a family who immigrated in the 1980s, our roots of opportunity in the United States have yet to be cemented. Obtaining a college degree meant that every child after me could see what was possible for our family and what opportunities could lie ahead.
What guidance or advice would you give to other first-generation college students?
SD: You are not on this journey alone. Do not be afraid to reach out to mentors and others in the community as there is a wealth of knowledge and resources around you.
Have you had any opportunities to help or encourage other first-gen students in your role as hall director?
SD: Many of the students on my RA staff and in my residence hall are first-generation students. I use this as an opportunity to mentor my students through one-on-one interactions as they navigate the world of higher education. I recognize that everyone’s journey is going to be different, so I make sure that I individualize my approach to each student and provide support where it is needed.
What do you love most about being a Horned Frog?
SD: I love the community at TCU. There is an atmosphere of care that is unprecedented. From the students to those in upper level administration, TCU feels like home to many of us who work on campus.