When it came to attending college, Dr. Rob Shelby wasn't inspired as a young person; he was intimidated. “I didn't know where I fit, and as a result, I was a poor student,” Dr. Shelby said. Upon gaining several life experiences in the Army, though, he learned he was a resilient person. His interest to attend college was sparked as an adult, and it was then he realized how transformative education was for him.

As a non-traditional, first-generation college student, Dr. Shelby had several mentors along the way who spurred him on to plan for his future and accomplish great things. He learned to overcome hardships by forging good relationships with his classmates, regardless of age. When asked what piece of advice he would share with current Aces, he says to “ask questions, find a mentor, learn from failure, and celebrate wins.”

“First-gen college students may have many insecurities that encroach upon self-confidence and self-awareness,” Dr. Shelby says, “but UE is an intentionally small place where young people can flourish in both areas.”