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Sydney
Hi guys. Welcome back to Redlands Rundown. This is your podcast for all things Redlands.
From career to advising and everything in between. Today we have a very special guest
with us and Doctor Kacey Daniels is here. She is our executive Director of Student
Services. And right now we are going to be celebrating our national first generation
College Student Week.
Sydney
And there's really not anyone better to tell us a little bit about their journey and
that first experience, first gen experience than someone who's done it themselves.
So this is Kacey and she's here with us and we're really excited to have her. You're
a Redlands alumna, and you also serve as the executive director of Student services,
which is really, really exciting.
Sydney
And you came from Upward Bound, right?
Kacey
Yes.
Sydney
Okay. So and when did you start this job? Past August.
Kacey
I started July of 2024.
Sydney
Okay. Perfect. Well, we're really excited to have you. I think you can tell us a lot
about just your journey of what it means to be a devoted student and your testament
of the drive that takes sometimes go through as a first generation student. So we
want to talk a little bit more about you and what being a first generation student
means to you personally.
Kacey
So I grew up with a single mom, and I would say I probably wasn't the smartest in
high school. I did not take concurrent classes in high school because my act was not
high enough. So I thought when I came to college that I would have a late start. But
that was not the case. I got my associate's degree here at Redlands Community College.
Kacey
I chose Redlands because it had small class sizes, and that's what I was used to.
I went to Hinton High School and I had 39 in my graduating class, so that really appealed
to me here at Redlands. I went on to get my bachelor's degree and master's degree
in education. And then a couple of years ago, I decided to get my doctorate degree.
Kacey
And as.
Sydney
You.
Kacey
Heard, and I have it now. So, yeah, that's a little bit about my education. And then
I think just being a first generation student to me means breaking down those barriers
that are kind of set up from the beginning and just really trying to get to your end
goal.
Sydney
Did you always know that you were going to college?
Kacey
I did, and just because my mom made sure that I was going to go to college, since
she did not go to college, that was really instilled in me from a young age that that's
just what you're going to do after high school.
Sydney
What was that moment like for you when you realized, okay, I'm going to be the first
one that does this in my family?
Kacey
I think it was just feeling that, wow, I finally did this. You know, just feeling
that all of the dedication, all of the hard work, really paid off.
Sydney
My dad is a first generation student, and he will always talk about how his aunt,
who helped raise him, always said, like, you're going, you're going, you're going.
And when it finally came time, she said, you're going or we're going. And that was
kind of what it took for him. Like he knew from the get go, this is happening, but
it can be so intimidating when it's never been done before and you don't have anyone
kind of as a guiding light for you.
Kacey
It can be intimidating. I remember walking into the doors, the admission doors at
Redlands and not knowing the first thing to do, which is really full circle, because
I walked in those doors as a student, and now it's the department that I direct. Right?
But I, hooked up with an advisor there, and she was my saving grace, and she helped
me with, this is the plan that we're going to have.
Kacey
These are the classes that you should take. She also told me about being an ambassador.
So I became an ambassador for Redlands. So she really helped me along that journey.
I remember them telling us about Fafsa, and I had no idea what that meant. Right?
Yeah. And I went home and I told my mom and she said, I don't know what you're talking
about, but I will help you with whatever you need.
Kacey
Yeah. So I always tell students, having parental support is the biggest thing that
you can have because you're going to need that going to college. And statistically
if you have it, you will be more successful.
Sydney
Absolutely. Well, you touched on this a little bit, but maybe could you tell us some
of the early challenges you maybe did face early on, whether that would be like socially,
emotionally, financially, even, or academically?
Kacey
So socially I was not the most outgoing person. I really think getting involved as
an ambassador helped me with that. It made me be in situations that I probably wouldn't
have been in to meet people, to get familiar with campus. So I definitely think getting
familiar with your campus is important and get involved in something, you know, a
sport, be it become an ambassador, something.
Kacey
Do something on campus. Financially, I qualified for Oklahoma's promise. That's how
I went to school. I also qualified for full Pell. But I also worked full time too,
so I think definitely finances were stretched. Yeah, when I was in college, as they're
usually.
Sydney
Right.
Kacey
And then academically, you know, I made A's and B's in college, but I remember one
specific class and I'm not going to name where it was it had or what class it was,
but I the class was based on four tests. And that was your grade. Oh well. And I am
a horrible test taker. So I was in that class, I withdrew, then I tried it again and
I ended up failing.
Kacey
So I have an F on my transcript. And I think at that moment I thought, you know, is
college really? Yeah. For me, but I ended up taking that class at a different college,
transferring the credit got a B and it there. So I really think the class was just
not that great for me where I took it.
Kacey
Yeah. But I definitely say then I really felt like, mean. I don't know if this.
Sydney
Is the year for sure. And I think, I think that's such an encouraging story for students
to here. Is that that one f or that one bad grader, that one hard class does not have
to define anything. I remember there a class that I also will not name names about.
But it just about took me to my knees and I thought, I am going to lose my scholarship.
Sydney
Everything is everything is going wrong. And then it turned out to be fine. But I
think in those moments it feels like, how do I ever survive this? And if you don't
have someone to tell you it's going.
Kacey
It definitely fills in the moment that this is the end of the world. Right? But really,
it's just you struggled in a class, so you shouldn't let those intrusive thoughts
get in your head that I'm not college material. Yeah, really. It's just you're not
doing well in this class. Yeah, let's figure it.
Sydney
Out. Yeah. So tell us a little bit maybe about did you ever feel like you had to figure
it out on your own?
Kacey
I would say probably when I started, here at Redlands, I was a little iffy and just.
I didn't know how to navigate college life, but really meeting my advisor and her
really helping me and telling me this is what path for is this is, you know, where
you go for financial aid, all of those things that really help.
Kacey
So I would just suggest make sure that, you know, somebody on campus that can be your,
you know, cheerleader in your corner type of person.
Sydney
Hey, that's such a good point too, because especially here, we have so many resources
and so many people that want to help. And I know it's intimidating, even as someone
that had people before me that went to college, there's still things you don't know.
And so getting plugged in and finding people that want to help you can help you is
so important.
Kacey
Absolutely.
Sydney
You've talked about a moment that you felt like, okay, maybe college isn't for me,
but was there a moment that you decided I can do this, this, this is right for me,
and I can handle this?
Kacey
Yeah, I think so. I think it would just be each graduation that I've had. So I've
walked, I've made it a point to walk at every degree that I get. And I remember my
Redlands graduation. As hot as it was, it was in the gym. Right. And we did not have
AC. It's in a lot better location now, but just knowing in that moment, you know,
I did it.
Kacey
Yeah. All of the hard work, all of the late night, the dedication that you put in,
it's finally paid off for sure.
Sydney
That's awesome. So you've talked a lot about your mom. Was she, like, your greatest
sense of support? Probably when you started college.
Kacey
I would say so, you know, she was always there encouraging me to go, even when it
would be difficult. Or, you know, I might be busy at work or and think about. Oh,
well, if I just took a break. Yeah. You know, and she's like, no, you're not going
to take a break. So I'm so thankful that she was smarter than I was at that time.
Kacey
But also, you know, just having support at Redlands, when I was here, just if it's
a teacher, if it's an advisor, you know, a staff member, somebody that just says,
hey, you're doing a great job. Keep it up like that goes a long way.
Sydney
Absolutely. Were there any moments that you really did think, like, I'm giving this
up, I'm done. I can't do this anymore. And if that did happen, was there something
that kept you going?
Kacey
Well, I definitely felt that way in my doctorate degree. That is, difficult.
Sydney
Yeah, that's a different beast.
Kacey
It is. And I think just getting the imposter syndrome. Yeah. Is anywhere. Regardless
if you're in to get your associate's degree or your bachelor's degree, you know, we
all get in our head and say, I'm not smart enough for this or this shouldn't be me.
That should be somebody else. And so I think just remembering that those are intrusive
thoughts and we shouldn't let them in, that that's really not reality.
Kacey
Right. So I think I definitely had to remind myself a lot when I would get my dissertation
back and it would have all these edits. I just thought I was on the right track. Where
did I go? Right. But just really remembering like, it's hard right now, but just get
get through this, get through the day, get through the week and then it's going to
pay off.
Sydney
I think that what you said about imposter syndrome is so just I think we all go through
it, but I've definitely experienced it. The older I get, the more I feel like I experience
that. Which is funny because you'd think the older I get, the more confident I am.
Like. And I think that's about that we have. But I know even in my master's program,
like I will read other people's discussion post after I turn mine in and I'm like,
oh, I didn't understand that at all.
Sydney
Like, you guys are so much smarter than I am, and they probably are smarter than me.
But at the same time, that's not the reality of it, because I'm still making a good
grade. But you read those things, or you get those edits back and it's like, oh no,
I thought, I really thought I had done that correctly, and now I'm all in my head
and who knows what people actually think you do?
Kacey
You really can get in your head and create a lot of false narratives. Yes.
Sydney
How did your identity as a freshman student shape the way that you did approach, like
your academics and your campus life and friendships? And does it maybe still impact
the way that you approach those things your degree?
Kacey
I think so, it shaped nearly every part of my experience, but just the determination.
I think, you know, when you are first generation, you automatically have barriers,
you know, that you need to overcome. So when you do overcome those, just the determination
that you have, I think is key to being successful. Yeah.
Sydney
So you've talked to just a little bit about this, about how you went from being a
first person student here to undergrad and then becoming the executive director of
student Services. What inspired you to stay in higher ed and give back, and even to
come back to Redlands itself?
Kacey
So whenever I graduated with my master's degree, I was teaching at a local, public
school nearby. And I heard about an opportunity at Redlands with their Upward Bound
program to be education specialist. And they said, you get to interact with high school
students and take them to do all this fun stuff, and you don't really have to teach
them, you know, curriculum.
Kacey
Yeah, I thought, that sounds great. Sign me up. I was up for that. So I ended up getting
that job here. And then I ended up directing the program for seven years. But I think
what really drew me to higher ed was because I don't ever want a student to feel like
they don't belong. And I think that's still how I am today.
Kacey
If you're struggling, come and talk to us. If you feel like you know you don't have
your people here, or if you're not, if you're not belonging to a group or a club,
whatever it may be, that we can really hook you up with those resources and let you
know that you are welcomed here.
Sydney
And I feel like you've done a really good job of building a team that shows that.
And having that open door policy and letting students know there's so many of us here,
and we're all here to serve the same purpose, which is to help you. At the end of
the day.
Kacey
We do have a great team in there, and I think every one of them cares about students
and their success.
Sydney
Do you think that your experience has maybe informed the way that you do lead and
advocate for students?
Kacey
I think so, definitely. You know, it's going to make me push, you know, for the underdog
for the first in person and that, you know, we do need to have those resources. And
at Redlands, we have so many resources for our first generation students and for our
students. And, you know, sometimes it just takes somebody telling you about those,
right?
Kacey
I remember, when I was in Upward Bound, I had a parent tell me you got our son the
Oklahoma's Promise scholarship. And I said, why I didn't do that. I'm not writing
that check. He said, no, but you told us about it. You helped us fill it out, and
you sent it in the mail. Yeah. And I thought, wow.
Kacey
I mean, sometimes it does just take somebody knowing something you don't. Right. Telling
you about it, providing you with that resource that is life changing.
Sydney
Yeah. And that's such a special thing. I know I have students that come to me all
the time and what what they say they want to do when they grow up to help people.
And I think just like that example, there's so many things that you don't realize
that you've done that really did change someone's life.
Kacey
Yeah. Something so small, you know, just taking five minutes out of your day to say,
this is how you fill it out. That really makes a big impact on somebody.
Sydney
Absolutely. So as a former or I guess still current version student, you're just graduated
with all the degrees you can get at this point in time. Yeah.
Kacey
And ever going back.
Sydney
To school and as someone who's leading the careers or the student services, excuse
me, what advice would you have for faculty and staff, maybe when it comes to supporting
those first gen students?
Kacey
I think just being approachable and encouraging, you know, making a student feel like
they can come and talk to you is huge. And then also you know, being their cheerleader,
being encouraging, saying, you know, you're doing a great job. Just a little word
of encouragement. I think our faculty and staff do a great job of that here at Redlands.
Kacey
And I think the students can tell that they really do care about them. Absolutely.
Sydney
I did actually a student interview that will come out, or probably has come out by
the time we've seen this. And it's funny because that was one of the things that he
mentioned was everyone really is so helpful. Like, everyone is so passionate about
helping students with whatever questions they come with. And that's something Macy
and I talk about a lot on here is I feel like our goal as an institution is to break
barriers on an individual level for anyone and whatever problem they may have.
Sydney
And I think that's something that makes us really unique here is that.
Kacey
You know, and if it's just something simple, I've let me walk you to the registrar's
office. Yeah. Have that conversation. Our president, Doctor Ma is really big on that.
And I think that's something that has, you know, been wonderful to see implemented
here.
Sydney
Well, if you could go back in time and maybe give yourself some advice or you were
speaking to a first gen student today, what do you think you would want them to know,
especially maybe someone who is struggling silently and doesn't know where to go or
who to ask for help.
Kacey
To not give up, to talk to somebody you know, no matter who it is, talk to somebody
they should point you in the right direction. But just because you're having a bad
day or you're struggling, there are resources and you can get through it.
Sydney
Yeah. Speaking of resources, are there resources and programs here on campus that
maybe you feel like students should be going to, especially first gen?
Kacey
Absolutely. So we do have a program here on campus, Upward Bound, and it is for high
school students that are low income, first gen. They serve six area high schools,
but students can enter that program either their eighth or ninth grade year of high
school, and they stay in that program until they graduate. The goal is for students
to not only get into college, but graduate successfully.
Kacey
So I think that's a great opportunity. If you're in high school and you're interested
in going to college and you know that's what you want to do. And then we have trio
student Support Services, which I think you had Amy on here as well. And you know,
that is a great service that offers tutoring, academic advisement, workshops. They
go on field trips.
Kacey
It's an excellent program for first gen. We also have veterans upward Bound, and that's
for low income students or for military veterans who want to achieve their academic
goals.
Sydney
We really do have so many resources, and we even have counseling services here on
campus. And I think I really think that's one of the things that makes us so unique
is we really are, whether we're small or not. We're so, well, resource to serve whoever
and whatever need it might be. So on that note, how can version students maybe find
community and connection on campus?
Kacey
I think just getting involved in programs or organizations, going to the student events.
Yeah, going to career services events. You know, we offer a lot of things. And I think
just going and getting yourself out there and it might be uncomfortable in the beginning,
but I'm sure you'll meet somebody, you know, get something free to eat.
Sydney
Absolutely.
Kacey
You'll learn something. Right. I think really just try to get involved on your campus
because statistically, if you feel like you belong, you are going to be here for a
longer rate and become successful.
Sydney
What does first and week mean to you and why is it so important to recognize it?
Kacey
So first and week to me means so personally. It means that all of the barriers that
I had, I was able to overcome. Yeah. And I think that, that's huge. I also think just
for all first generation students, it's knowing that our perseverance, dedication,
breaking through those barriers like we did it, it mattered and we achieve what we
said we were going to do.
Kacey
And we broke that cycle at first Gen for our families.
Sydney
I think that's so wonderful. I think I don't think people realize, like, you've already
started breaking glass ceilings the second that you do that. We always like to do
well. I always like to do what I'm hosting a little rapid fire round. And so we're
into that segment now. Are you ready?
Kacey
Is it really rapid?
Sydney
It can be.
Kacey
Okay. All right.
Sydney
Okay. So what is one word that describes your college experience.
Kacey
When, say, transformative.
Sydney
One thing you wish someone had told you as a first gen freshman.
Kacey
That it's okay to ask for help. You don't have to have all the answers first.
Sydney
Big college. When you celebrated.
Kacey
I would say getting an A in something in a subject that I struggled with.
Sydney
Booker quote that helped keep you grounded.
Kacey
No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.
Sydney
Eleanor Roosevelt that's a great one. Best mind shift or best mindset shift you had
in college.
Kacey
So I think I had this every time, but that time is going to pass regardless, so you
might as well go ahead and go to school.
Sydney
Yeah that's true. Favorite Redlands tradition or memory?
Kacey
I have a couple. I would say being an ambassador is something I will always remember
going in the Christmas parade on a float, but also our graduation every year. It's
so fun to be a part of that, to see students that you see every day finally celebrating
with their families that they they accomplished that.
Sydney
And then one word of encouragement for today's first gen students to persevere.
Kacey
Even when it's overwhelming. Keep going.
Sydney
Absolutely. I think that is so encouraging. And I think a lot of students will take
this and run with it. And it was really good to hear about your experience and to
see someone who had that experience and has now become the director and executive
director of Student Success and Doctor Kacey Daniels and all that you've accomplished.
So thank you for sharing your experiences. And just for being so committed to student
success and especially to our students.
Kacey
Thank you.
Sydney
That we are done for today. But don't forget to check out our first ten events that
may be happening around campus or on other campuses, because it is a big celebration
for a lot of people. And make sure to check out Redlands renowned. We are all in all
places that you can get your podcast and we'll see you next time.
