Trailblazing as a first-generation student at Binghamton

Zena Salameh has accomplished an incredible amount since arriving at Binghamton University in 2020. In May, Salameh will complete her undergraduate degree and then begin the Decker School of Nursing’s Baccalaureate Accelerated Track (BAT) program to obtain her bachelor of science in nursing. Her accomplishments are made that much more impressive considering the obstacles that she has overcome.

When Salameh found out that she had been accepted at Binghamton University, she was technically homeless – living with her mother and sister in her aunt’s garage. “It was really difficult to stay motivated in school, much less focus on college applications, but it was something I knew I had to do,” Salameh said.

Upon arriving at Binghamton, the first-generation student had a difficult time transitioning from the life she knew to a completely different environment.

“I was really excited, but really nervous,” Salameh said. “I didn’t know anyone. I didn’t have anyone who knew the things I had to do to succeed as a college student and could direct me, so it was a struggle.”

Salameh found her way through the undergraduate experience with help from Binghamton support organizations such as TRIO Student Support Services, but it didn’t come without adversity. “I made a huge change when I switched from the pharmacy program to nursing,” Salameh said. “It was nerve-wracking to try to navigate a change in major on my own.”

Through her connections with TRIO Student Support Services, Salameh got involved with the B-First Committee, a group of staff and faculty that identify as the first generation in their family to attend college. Salameh attended a B-First gathering where she connected with Decker School of Nursing and Health Sciences Clinical Assistant Professor Donna Cutting.

“I was reading through the list of first-generation staff and faculty and saw that there was someone from Decker,” Salameh said. “Not only was she from Decker, but she was first-generation like me, so I read through Dr. Cutting’s bio and was shocked at how similar her story was to mine.”

Salameh reached out to Cutting after the event, thrilled to have found someone within the Decker community who understood the adversity she had faced. “I asked her questions about everything,” Salameh said. “I felt such a strong connection with her. We had the common ground of both being first generation and having unique family situations, so it just gave me confidence in myself and made me feel like I could be successful.”

With B-First serving as the catalyst, Salameh and Cutting began corresponding and formed a bond over their shared experiences. “I remember that Zena took it upon herself to reach out to me,” Cutting said. “We met at the Health Sciences building in Johnson City for coffee and instantly connected because we have such similar backstories.”

Both Salameh and Cutting grew up in single-parent households and were the first in their families to attend a four-year institution and earn a degree. While Cutting continued her education to earn her doctoral degree from Binghamton in May 2022, Salameh will continue her education in the BAT program beginning this summer.

“Connecting with Dr. Cutting and seeing her success, it really made me feel like I could do this and that this was a viable option for me,” Salameh added. “Nursing school is intimidating, especially an accelerated program, but I’m glad it feels like I have someone on my team.”

The bond that Cutting and Salameh formed may not have been made possible without their shared connection through the B-First committee.

“Being a part of B-First allows me to make connections with people outside of my department,” Cutting said. “I’ve already reserved my place at the B-First Cording Ceremony in May. I want to get to know more students and staff who share the first-generation identity.”

Salameh and several other students will be honored at the B-First Cording Ceremony, celebrating first-generation students set to graduate at the end of this semester. The event will take place at 1 p.m. Thursday, May 2, in the University Union Mandela Room.

“I’m just so proud of getting to where I am now,” Salameh said. “I was homeless when I was accepted – living in a garage and getting food from a food pantry — but now that I’m here in my senior year looking back at all the things that I’ve overcome, I’m just so proud of myself.”