Jean Ferman

Beyond the Bell Tower

Jean Ferman, a third year student, double-majoring in Polymer and Color Chemistry and Human Biology with a minor in Nutrition, joins us right after the first general body meeting of his new student organization, F1RST. Jean describes existence on NC State’s campus for him thus far, how he got here, and the details of building a representative pool of resources for students. Jean uncovers personal struggles both with and beyond identifying as a first-generation college student, while also taking time to triumph on a few of his greatest accomplishments and memories as an engaged scholar. Despite discouragement, food insecurity, academic challenges, and often falling through the cracks of federal support systems, Jean has begun to pave the way for a successful future in dentistry with strong relationships, with familial values, and with the courage to learn from experience. Jean offers hope for helping other young trailblazers and inspiration for empowering under-represented students from the beginning of their college application process and throughout actual life on a large campus. This episode was recorded Fall 2019.