First-generation student finds opportunity, community at Montana Tech
When Skyler Peterson was in high school in Cut Bank, Montana, attending college wasn't necessarily part of his plan.
“I didn't really have a strong desire to go to college while I was still in high school,” Peterson said. “I kind of thought that I was done with school.”
But when Montana Technological University offered him the opportunity to compete on its track and field team, along with financial support, Peterson decided to give college a chance.
Now in his fourth year studying environmental engineering, Peterson is a first-generation college student who has found success in the classroom, on the track and through the friendships and support he's developed along the way.
Peterson's family encouraged him to pursue higher education, even though none of them had attended college themselves. They wanted him to have opportunities to experience life outside his hometown.
“They pushed me to go to college because none of them have been,” Peterson said. “It wasn't necessarily to get a degree, but they wanted me to experience something other than staying in my hometown.”
Being the first in his family to attend college meant navigating unfamiliar territory, not just for Peterson, but for his family as well.
“It was kind of like we all experienced it together,” Peterson said. “When I came here, I didn't really know what to do. They didn't really know how to necessarily talk to me about it.”
His family learned about college through his experiences, asking questions about his classes and listening to stories about campus life.
Peterson initially enrolled at Montana Tech as a geological engineering major, following the advice of high school teachers who recognized his strengths in mathematics. After taking an introductory engineering seminar and meeting faculty in the Environmental Engineering Department, he decided to change his major.
“I think it was just the people in the department,” Peterson said. “They were super nice and just easy to get along with.”
As Peterson adjusted to college, he connected with Montana Tech's TRIO Student Support Services program, which provides academic and personal support to eligible students, including first-generation college students.
TRIO advisers helped him navigate course registration, find resources and prepare for professional opportunities. He says TRIO has been by his side since he first stepped on campus, and has played an important role in helping him and his fellow first-generation students succeed.
“My advisers help me register for classes fairly early,” Peterson said. “If I have questions about our career services or the career fair, they help with interviews and stuff like that, which has really helped me a ton.”
One of his biggest challenges was developing new study habits. Coming from a small high school, Peterson was accustomed to receiving individual attention from teachers. Larger college classes required him to become more independent in his learning.
“I think just learning how to have new study habits was my biggest struggle,” Peterson said.
Despite those challenges, Peterson has maintained strong grades while balancing a demanding schedule as a student-athlete and working two jobs.
As a member of Montana Tech's track and field team, Peterson competes in the long jump and triple jump. The team practices four days a week and lifts weights five days a week, giving him opportunities to build friendships and stay involved on campus.
He also works as an athletic assistant at the HPER Complex and for his jumping coach's trucking business. During the summer, he has worked on farms along Montana's Hi-Line and as an equipment operator for Montana Materials in Butte.
Peterson plans to return for a fifth year at Montana Tech to complete his degree and continue competing in track and field.
After graduation, he hopes to find a career that allows him to travel and experience new places, although he would eventually like to remain in Montana.
Looking back on his decision to attend college, Peterson encourages other students from small communities, particularly those who would be the first in their families to pursue higher education, to take the opportunity.
“I'd say do it,” Peterson said. “Even if you think you maybe want to, just go to college.”
Montana Tech to celebrate first-generation college students
Montana Tech's Institute of Educational Opportunities will celebrate first-generation college students, faculty and staff with two events leading up to National First-Generation College Student Day on Nov. 8.
A First-Generation Speaker Panel will be held Thursday, Nov. 5, at 4 p.m. in the library. Speakers will include Associate Professor Lorri Birkenbuel, Associate Professor Dr. Robin Bullock, Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Dr. Tim Elgren and Director of Finance and Budget Carleen Cassidy.
First-Generation Auction and Bingo Night will follow Friday, Nov. 6, at 6 p.m. at the Elks Lodge.
The events celebrate the experiences and accomplishments of first-generation college students and the campus community that supports them.