As Astra Baker prepares to graduate from St. Francis College, her journey reflects both her determination as a first-generation college student and the power of finding community along the way.
Raised in Brooklyn, Astra’s path to St. Francis was shaped early by family influence and evolving academic interests. Her brother, who also attended St. Francis and is now pursuing a master’s degree there, helped introduce her to the college. At the same time, Astra was attending the High School of Fashion Industries, where she explored fashion design before discovering a deeper interest in writing and literature.
“What attracted me to St. Francis was the major. I wanted to concentrate on creative writing,” Astra said.
Transitioning to college life came with its own challenges. As a commuter student, Astra spent 30 to 40 minutes each day traveling to campus, balancing coursework with the realities of city life. Still, she found her footing quickly when she joined the Kessler Scholars Collaborative as a McGuire Scholar. After being introduced to the program during an early open house, she was drawn to its strong sense of community and the shared experiences of fellow first-generation students.
One of her earliest and most memorable experiences was the McGuire Scholars Jacket Ceremony near the end of her freshman year.
“When you get the jacket…the dream of attending college and your life after high school, it just felt really tangible to be in that room,” she said.
Throughout her time in the program, Astra found other connections. A particularly meaningful experience came during a New York City Kessler Scholars event in March 2026, where Astra connected with Kessler Scholars from Queens College, Johns Hopkins University, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
“We had so much in common with each other,” she said. “The whole experience could be summed up in the word ‘celebratory,’ and I’m really grateful to have felt that.”
Beyond the classroom, Astra pursued opportunities that aligned with her academic interests. Last summer, she secured an internship through a professor’s connection at the Tane Poetry Library, part of the Walt Whitman Initiative, where she engaged with literary programming and creative work. She also contributed to a spoken word and slam poetry event that affirmed her passion for storytelling.
“It was great to be able to spearhead that experience and to say that I’ve done it,” she said.
As graduation approaches, Astra is looking to the future. In the short term, she hopes to gain experience working with middle school students, with long-term aspirations to become an English teacher in the New York City Department of Education.
She also plans to continue her education at St. Francis College, pursuing a master’s degree in fine arts with a focus on fiction. She is also writing a novel that explores themes of identity, coming-of-age, and personal values. This summer, she will take on a role as a camp counselor at Camp Yomi, continuing her work with young people while building skills for her future career.
Reflecting on her college experience, Astra was grateful for her experience as a McGuire Scholar:
“The program has provided the guidance, reassurance, and sense of direction that comes from being supported by people who understand the first‑generation experience and know how to navigate higher education.”