Starting high school can be challenging for anyone, but for first-generation students—the first in their families to navigate the American education system—it can feel utterly overwhelming. That is where Malden High’s new club, First Gen Sisterhood, comes in.
Founded by sophomore President Rosalyn Ruan, the club provides a supportive spot for first-generation students to connect, share experiences, and express themselves with one another. “The club’s main mission is to support first-generation students at Malden High School,” Rosalyn explained. “We want to create a stronger bond with each other, empower students, and overall, create an environment where everyone feels welcomed.”
Sophomore Vice President and Lead Reporter for The Blue and Gold, Evelyn Ruan, shared that “I know that Rosalyn has been wanting to create a club for some time now, so I’m proud of her for accomplishing this.” She added, “My job is to make sure it goes smoothly and to support and help her with anything and everything along the way.”
First-Gen Sisterhood meets every Blue Tuesday in J372 and offers discussions and activities centered around the first-generation experience. “Every week, we try to come up with different types of activities or discussions, just trying to make it more social,” said Rosalyn. “We do want to plan bigger events in the future, like bake sales and movie nights.”
For members, the club has already made an impact. “I decided to join First Gen Sisterhood to connect with other first-generation students at MHS,” noted sophomore Naomi Yohannes. “The atmosphere of the club is welcoming and friendly.” Similarly, sophomore Wongel Yohannes added, “I felt as though this was a great opportunity to get more involved in my community and connect with other first-gen students.
Apart from meetings, Rosalyn hopes to expand the club’s reach. “In the future, I plan to organize various events, fundraisers, and activities to strengthen our connections and engage the community. Additionally, I hope to visit local K-8 schools to share our club’s mission,” she said.
Both Rosalyn and Evelyn hope to see the club grow. “My personal goal is to get enough people to join and participate,” mentioned Evelyn. “I also hope the environment is a positive one and that people coming into this will learn a lot from other first-generation students’ experiences.”
While First Gen Sisterhood was created with first-generation students in mind, all students are welcome. “This club isn’t just for first-generation students or immigrants, it’s also an opportunity for others to learn about our experiences and gain a deeper understanding of our upbringings,” stated Rosalyn.
Long-term visions? Expanding the club beyond Malden High. “My goal is to create a space where students feel supported and reassured that they are not alone,” stated Rosalyn. “I hope this club can grow into an official organization, allowing other schools to establish their own First Gen Sisterhood chapters.”
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