First-Generation College Spotlight: Vivian Padin-Irizarry

(November 13, 2025) - Vivian Padin-Irizarry is an Assistant Professor of Biology in the College of S.T.E.M. at Clayton State University and first-generation college graduate. Even from a young age, she had a clear idea of where she wanted to take her talents. She shared that “Ever since I was a little girl, I was drawn to books and captivated by science. Documentaries about life and the natural world fascinated me, sparking curiosity. I recall watching the news when I was younger and hearing about scientists making important discoveries. I looked at my mom and said, I want to be one of those people. And I asked her, How do I get there? And she said, ‘Well, you have to go to college.’ So, I think that's how it started.”

"To pursue both my bachelor’s and PhD at a public institution, I needed a high GPA. I dedicated countless hours to studying, determined to make it happen. Once I was accepted at the University of Puerto Rico, I applied for scholarships to help cover tuition. I found roommates to share a small apartment, and my mom gave me the only car our family owned so I could commute to college. We didn’t have much, but my mom gave me everything she could. Her unwavering support and belief in me and my dreams made it all possible."

“My college professors, both undergraduate and graduate school, were role models. They were both women who had PhDs, whom I felt inspired by, and they guided me through the process.”

Vivian’s mentors advised her to 'take baby steps, one day at a time, be successful today, you'll fail and be successful again.' I think it was mainly that we understood the big picture, and we had support from each other and our parents. However, I believe that focusing on one day at a time was how we achieved it.”

For graduate school, Vivian moved to San Juan, the capital, and it was a large institution. The campus comprised a diverse group of people from various backgrounds, socioeconomic statuses, and experiences. Vivian said, “I noticed that I had to work a little harder because I didn't have all the tools or skills that some people already possessed. So, I think I had to learn how to ask for help early on, rather than trying to think that I can do it on my own. I think that helped.”

Vivian acknowledges that she encountered fear and doubt as she carved out her own path as a first-generation college student. She shared that "Someone once told me, 'If your dreams don't scare you, they are not big enough.'" I still live by that statement. Every time I feel fear creeping in because of my goals, I take it as a sign that I’m on the right path. I might need to adjust the timeline or rethink the strategy. You will need to ask for help, but never change the goal. That process builds character and brings you closer to turning your dreams into reality.”

Now, as a professor at Clayton State University, Vivian has become the mentor for all the students she meets as they explore their first-generation experience.  She said, "I’ve encountered many students who had no idea what the next steps were, didn’t know who to ask for guidance, and were afraid of failure, all while having limited resources. That was me, not that long ago. It’s an honor to be a resource for them, not just to teach content or skills as an educator, but to be an ally in their journey. I am living proof that it’s possible. I encourage them to keep going, not to give up, and to learn from their failures, because it’s part of the success process. I mentor them in developing actionable plans to achieve their goals. And we celebrate every victory we achieve along the way."

Learn more about being a First-Gen College Student at Clayton State University on our website: https://www.clayton.edu/about/administration/student-affairs/first-generation