Program Overview
The Generation HC Program (Gen HC) engages, celebrates, and supports first-generation Honors College students throughout their first year at college. Being a first-generation (first-gen) student, the first in their families to go to college, is an exceptional accomplishment and a testament to their academic strength, grit, and determination.
From the opportunity to move into the Honors College before the rest of the first-year class, to access to a yearlong Gen HC Mentor, specific Gen HC programming, tailored student success workshops, and more, first-gen Honors College students—known as Gen HC Fellows—get the support they need to help transition to college and succeed.
Gen HC Fellows
Gen HC Fellows are a select group of students invited to participate in the Honors College Gen HC Program, including:
- A unique pre-orientation designed to connect Gen HC students with first-gen faculty and staff from across Rutgers
- A special family welcome reception and discussion to engage family members
- Access to a Gen HC Mentor, an upper-class mentor, based on their specific needs
- Yearlong programming focused on success, wellness, and maximizing the Rutgers student experience
Gen HC Leaders
Gen HC Leaders are upper-class first-gen Honors College students who serve as a resource for Gen HC Fellows. Together, they plan collaborative events designed to address the unique needs of high achieving first-gen students. Gen HC mentors foster a sense of community through group meetups and one-on-one interactions. They also serve as role models and referral agents for student questions and concerns.
Abigail Fulton (2026) is a sophomore that is double majoring in Communication and Sociology. In addition to being a GenHC Workshop Lead, she is the Public Relations Committee Chair and SAS Senator for the Rutgers University Student Assembly, an Honors College Ambassador, and an Account Manager for Robert Wood Johnson Hospital through ScarletPR. Beyond academics, she enjoys working out, hanging with friends, reading, and online shopping!
Alex Liu (2028) is a Gen HC Mentor in the 6-year Pharm.D. program in the Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy. He is interested in the research of medications and their different effects on the human body. In addition to being a Gen HC Mentor, Alex is also an Honors College Ambassador, the Service Event Lead for HC Serves, and a Research Assistant for the Anthony Lab doing hepatotoxicity research. Outside of school, Alex loves to play basketball, watch TV and movies, as well as hit the gym with friends.
Amber Safeer (2026) is a Gen HC Mentor majoring in Computer Science. She hopes to integrate her passion for the arts and creativity into a career in coding and technology. Along with being a First–Generation HC Mentor, she is the Creative Director at the Rutgers Review and a Curatorial Assistant at the Zimmerli Art Museum, but she aims to join more STEM–based clubs this coming semester. Outside of school, Amber enjoys drawing, playing the ukulele, reading, and talking about her favorite animated series and movies.
Angeles Pinas (she/her, 2026) is a first-generation student majoring in Biology and minoring in Psychology. She hopes to one day become a physician assistant. In addition to being a Gen HC mentor at the Honors College, she is a HC Serves Leader and certified HHA. Outside of school, Angeles plays tennis and reads and plays video games with friends!
Ivan Zheng (2026) is a Gen HC Mentor majoring in Computer Science and Cognitive Science. He is very interested in web development and design. In addition to being a Gen HC Mentor at the Honors College, he is also a member of RUMAD. He is currently working on fixing the internet on his computer. Outside of school, Ivan enjoys hanging out with friends, trying out new restaurants, and learning new things.
Jay Mukhi is a junior majoring in Finance. Aside from being a Gen HC mentor, Jay is involved in the Student Managed Fund and is a member of the Rutgers Road to Wall Street program. Jay enjoys watching and playing all sports and is a big New York Giants fan. Additionally, Jay loves to travel, go on adventures, resell shoes, and eat wings.
Josh Ding (2026) is a Gen HC Mentor double majoring in Cell Biology and Neuroscience and Philosophy. He hopes to one day become a physician-scientist. In addition to being a Gen HC Mentor at the Honors College, he is also an Honors College Ambassador. He is also currently doing research at the Child Health Institute. Outside of school, Josh loves soccer, watching movies, and listening to music.
Melanie Prias (2026) is a Gen HC Workshop Lead majoring in Mechanical Engineering and minoring in Computer Science. She hopes to one day specialize in robotics to improve health issues and design machinery for industry. In addition to being a Gen HC Workshop Lead at the Honors College, she is a member of the Society of Hispanic Engineers (SHE), the RUWind Team (CWC), and a youth fitness instructor of The Little Gym International. She was also a researcher and ambassador for Inspirit AI at Stanford University. Outside of school, Melanie loves to listen to music, work out at the gym, draw, and play video games.
Nathaly Lozado Arreaga (2026) is a GenHC Orientation Leader majoring in Political Science and Economics. She hopes to one day become a corporate lawyer. In addition to being a GenHc Orientation Leader for First-Year Students at the Honors College, she is a Hispanic Scholarship Fund Scholar committed to increasing awareness of critical social issues and demonstrates so through programs such as DC Lead. Outside of school, Nathaly loves to crochet, read books, play the guitar, and write.
Nimrat Kaur (she/her, 2026) is a first-generation student majoring in Cell Biology & Neuroscience and minoring in Public Health. She hopes to one day become a physician. In addition to being a GenHC Workshop Lead for First–Year Students at the Honors College, she is a member of HOSA-Future Health Professionals, Association of Punjabi Students at Rutgers University, and Cranford First Aid Squad. Outside of school, Nim read historical-fiction novels, watch television, and learn new skills!
Odaliz Ramirez Rojas (she/her, 2026) is a first generation student majoring in biological sciences and minoring in Spanish. She hopes to one day become a Physician-Assistant. In addition to being a Gen-HC Workshop Lead for First-Year Students at the Honors College, she is a member of Rutgers Pre-PA Club and Rutgers Mexican-American Student Association. Outside of school, Odaliz loves to spend time with her family ,listen to music and catch up on reality tv.
Rebecca So (2026) is a first generation student who is undeclared but ready to go wherever her interests take her. She hopes to one day publish a best selling book. In addition to being a Gen HC orientation leader at the Honors College, she is the public relations chair of the Rutgers Cantonese Club. Outside of school, Rebecca enjoys reading, writing, watching animal documentaries, and playing mahjong with her family.
Sofia Cangalaya (she/he/hers) is a first generation student. Class of 2026, double majoring in Marketing and Food Science. Aside from being a Gen HC mentor, Sofia is involved in the Peruvian Association. Is a member of Association of Latino Professionals for America and is involved with Paterson Education Fund. Outside school, Sofia enjoys watching sports such as tennis, and formula 1. She loves to go and adventures and travel and during her free time you will find her trying new restaurants, reading or walking around.
Steven Montecinos (2025) is a GenHC Orientation Lead majoring in Microbial Biotechnology and minoring in Biochemistry. He hopes to one day become an academic researcher studying autoimmune diseases. In addition to being a GenHC Orientation Leader at the Honors College, Steven is a co-president of the Rutgers SACNAS chapter, a HACU ambassador, and a student researcher at the CHINJ. Outside of school, Steven loves to cook new recipes, backpack, and road trip.
Wendy J. Ahedo (2026) is a GenHC Mentor majoring in Biological Sciences and minoring in Military Science. She hopes to one day to practice Neurosurgery Active Duty in the Army. In addition to being a GENHC Mentor at the Honors College, she is a cadet in Army ROTC, member of Douglass College/HC Ally, part of a Bible study group, and a laboratory assistant at Nelson Bio Labs. Outside of school, Wendy loves to play the guitar and saxophone, hang out with friends and enjoy nature walks.
Yanelli Sandoval Silva (2026) is a Gen HC Mentor double majoring in Marketing and Business Analytics Information Technology. She hopes to help low-income community centers market their services better to increase awareness. In addition to being a Gen HC Mentor at the Honors College, she is the Director of Fundraising for the Association of Latino Professionals for America, an Aquatics Instruction Supervisor, INROADS Scholar, and America Needs You fellow. Outside of school, Yanelli loves to paint, play sports, try new restaurants, and listen to music.
Zunairah Rizwan (2026) is a Gen HC Mentor majoring in Cell Biology and Neuroscience and minoring in Developmental Psychology. She hopes to one day become a Physician Assistant to ease the hardship that immigrant families face within the healthcare system. In addition to being a Gen HC Mentor at the Honors College, she is a member of Rutgers Honors College Ally, Rutgers Pre-PA Club and Rutgers Muslim Student Association. Outside of school, Zunairah loves to play with her Sun Conures, watch movies, bake, and scooter around town.
