Ivanna Milian’s family nurtured her path as a first-generation college student from her first days in elementary school. As they drove to school each morning, her father peppered her with positive affirmations.
“I didn’t really like them, but I think the encouragement as I was growing up really helped me get more confidence,” she said, noting her father’s favorite affirmation was from President Harry S. Truman: “Not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers.”
Those supportive vibes eventually led her to the University of Florida, where she studies mechanical engineering and celebrates the family that set the path.
Milian’s Colombian mother, Maria Teresa, and Cuban father, Rey, have three daughters. Neither parent attended college.
And make no mistake, this family is proud.