Class of 2025: How This First-Gen Student Created a Community
When Houston native Heidy Magaña ’25 arrived at Babson in 2021, she found herself a long way from home, literally and figuratively. In a new state and a different time zone, the first-generation college student looked for community.
“Babson pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way,” Magaña says. “Making the decision to move over 1,000 miles away for college was a huge step for me. From there, Babson continued to challenge and support me as I found my voice and explored new opportunities.”
As she found her voice, she also discovered the Semillas Society, Babson’s student-run organization for first-generation students. Throughout her four years, Magaña has served as secretary and co-president for Semillas. As the latter, she founded First-Gen Living, a special-interest housing community, in 2023.
“I always joke that First-Gen Living is my baby. It’s the thing I’m most proud of,” Magaña says. “First-Gen Living has become a space where first-gen students can feel seen, supported, and fully themselves. Over the past two years, I’ve had the joy of watching this community grow into something beautiful.”
Magaña recently interned with the newly launched First Generation Student Success office, while continuing to serve as a community manager for First-Gen Living. She also works as a consultant for the Writing Center, which has helped the creative writer develop her voice even more.
“Whether it was stepping into leadership roles, building community, or navigating life as a first-gen student, Babson gave me the space to grow, take risks, and become more confident in who I am and what I want to do,” Magaña says.
Now Magaña hopes to use her experiences growing her own community at Babson in her professional life, as she pursues a post-graduate degree.
What are your post-graduation plans?
“While at Babson, I discovered a deep passion for higher education, especially through my experiences supporting other first-generation students. Graduate school feels like the natural next step to continue growing in this space and ultimately build a career where I can help first-generation students succeed and thrive in college.”
Do you have a favorite class?
“The liberal arts classes at Babson are so underrated. They’ve helped shape me into a stronger thinker, a more thoughtful communicator, and an overall better human. Both Professor Kevin Bruyneel’s and Professor Kerry Rourke’s classes truly changed my life. Professor Bruyneel’s classes have allowed me to dive deep into my interest in history and politics. His classes are structured for you to see what he is teaching in your everyday life, and he pushes you to really think and understand the topics.
“Professor Rourke is a mentor to me. As a first-gen student, I’ve faced my fair share of imposter syndrome, but she always believed in me—even in the moments when I didn’t believe in myself. She helped me find confidence in my voice and nurtured my love for writing in a way I’ll always be grateful for.”
Do you have any advice for first-year students?
“Be kind to yourself; you’re doing something incredibly brave just by being here. It’s OK to not have all the answers right away. Take your time figuring out what you’re passionate about, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Community is everything, so seek out spaces and people who make you feel seen and supported.
“You deserve to be here, and your story matters more than you know.”
What makes the Class of 2025 special?
“The Class of 2025 is resilient. We started our college journey during such an uncertain time, navigating a world still adjusting to the pandemic. What makes our class special is the way we’ve leaned on each other, lifted each other up, and created space for everyone to shine. There’s a quiet strength in our story—and I think that’s something to be proud of.”
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