Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences celebrates first-generation students

Approximately 25% of the students in the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences represent the first-generation in their family to attend college, surpassing the university-wide average.

With initiatives like the redesigned curriculum in the first-year transition course and the implementation of a learning community specifically for first-generation college students, the retention rate for first-generation students in the College has risen to 93.5%, the highest in over a decade.

Patricia Klein, Ph.D., executive associate dean for the College, is a first-generation college graduate herself. Klein said outcomes for first-generation students show that concerted efforts to help navigate challenges and find academic success are making an impact.

“For me, seeing first-generation college students succeed is incredibly rewarding,” Klein said. “It represents not only the achievement of their personal goals but also the potential to inspire their families and communities to pursue higher education.”

As the College prepares for its First-Generation College Celebration on Nov. 8, four students are sharing their stories of perseverance, motivation and the desire to inspire future generations.

Garrett Talamantes ’28: embracing adventure

For Garrett Talamantes ’28, a freshman majoring in agribusiness in the Department of Agricultural Economics, being a first-generation student is like embarking on an exciting new adventure.

Growing up in Carrizo Springs, Talamantes’ involvement in rodeo introduced him to a wide network of people, eventually leading him to Texas A&M. As an active member of the Texas Aggie Rodeo team and Aggieland Mariachi, Talamantes has embraced the opportunities the university offers both inside and outside the classroom.

He reflected on the importance of stepping out of his comfort zone, a sentiment he shares with many other first-generation students.

“Don’t be afraid to walk the path less traveled,” he said.

Talamantes credits the Aggie network and his family’s unwavering support for guiding him through the ups and downs of college life. After graduation, he plans to continue building on his music business while applying his agribusiness knowledge to new ventures.

Leena Gamboa ’26: leading the way for her family

Leena Gamboa ’26, a forensic and investigative sciences major in the Department of Entomology, is driven by a deep commitment to make an impact on the younger generations in her family. Gamboa’s ambition as a first-generation college student is fueled by both pride and responsibility.

As the oldest of 17 grandchildren, Gamboa’s identity as an Aggie is about more than just earning a degree — it’s about setting an example. Born and raised in Houston, she initially entered the university as an engineering major but soon found her true passion in criminal justice and forensics.

“It’s not really about me anymore,” she said, explaining how she hopes to guide her cousins and future family members through the challenges of higher education.

Her advice to fellow first-generation students is to find support and make meaningful connections, something she’s done through leadership roles on campus, including her involvement in MSC Spencer. After graduation, Gamboa hopes to work for the FBI or within the criminal justice system in some capacity.

Etienne Ndem ’25: using science to make an impact

Etienne Ndem ’25, a bioenvironmental science major in the Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, didn’t always know he would end up at Texas A&M. However, while being actively involved in the Boys and Girls Club in Houston, he learned the value of a college education.

After attending Lone Star College, where he developed a passion for bringing together science and community service, Ndem transferred to Texas A&M to pursue his interest in environmental science.

Ndem acknowledges the pressure to succeed for first-generation students, but he also takes great pride in being a trailblazer for his family. His advice to other first-generation students is, “Don’t be afraid to explore your interests.”

He encourages students to get involved on campus and build networks of support. After graduation, Ndem plans to pursue a graduate degree in public health, with a focus on either epidemiology or environmental health, and hopes to make a lasting impact through science-based community outreach.

Nick Kirklin ’26: building a legacy through perseverance

Nick Kirklin ’26 is pursuing a degree in agricultural systems management in the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering.

Raised in north Austin by an electrician father and a preschool teacher mother, Kirklin worked multiple jobs throughout high school and his early college years to pay for school. After attending Blinn College, he transferred to Texas A&M, where he now blends his passion for business, engineering and agriculture into one degree.

Kirklin’s experience as a first-generation student has been filled with both challenges and triumphs.

“I’m building a legacy, not just for myself but for future Aggies,” he said, reflecting on the importance of education in creating opportunities that his parents didn’t have.

His advice to others is to remember, “Any little progress is good. You’re one step closer to achieving your dreams.”

After graduation, Kirklin hopes to pursue a career in supply chain management or agricultural sales, with dreams of working for a company like John Deere or H-E-B.

To learn more about the College’s undergraduate programs and admissions, visit www.aglifesciences.tamu.edu.