Criminology student a dedicated leader on behalf of fellow first-gen students

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Ashley Carmona, a fourth-year student, started her journey at Penn State as a political science major before eventually pivoting to criminology.

This decision, she said, was driven by her belief that the law is much more than “hard powers” or sovereign borders, but about the people living within those systems.

“I liked learning about the systems, but what about the people in the sovereign nations?” she said. “Without the people, it kind of lacked nuance to me.”

Carmona had the chance to put those theories into action during her time studying abroad in Barcelona, Spain, in the spring of 2025. A native Spanish speaker, she was drawn to the region's rich history and culture.

While there, she took a contemporary history course that aligns closely with concepts she learned at Penn State, allowing her to compare international legal frameworks with those in the United States and drawing on her classes as well as her professional experience.

In Barcelona, she learned how Spain handles unaccompanied immigrant minors, and that their legal barriers are much different than those in the United States. Learning this, along with witnessing the global influence of U.S. media firsthand during the 2025 presidential inauguration, strengthened her desire to become an immigration lawyer committed to “removing legal barriers” and "giving everyone a fair shot at life."

After many conversations with her professor and host mom, one thing stayed consistent, she said.

“You have to lead with compassion, no matter what country, or where you are from, because not only do bad decisions affect the country, but they affect the people more,” said Carmona, a Fulbright semifinalist.

Carmona said the Liberal Arts Student Services offices have been instrumental to her success. She received enrichment funding from the Liberal Arts Career Enrichment Network to support her education abroad experience.

As a Chaiken Scholar, she found both financial support and a strong sense of community — something she said is especially meaningful as a first-generation college student. The Liberal Arts Chaiken Center for Student Success, including Director Patty Klug, provided what she described as both physical and emotional “safe space.”

“Patty Klug leads this center by saying that her door is always open and she’s always willing to help,” she said. “The Chaiken Center is a community where we encourage others.”

That sense of support, she added, extends beyond the center itself through growing first-generation initiatives across the college — from connecting with faculty and staff through the college’s new First-Gen Liaisons network to building relationships that help students navigate academics, opportunities and campus life.

This support has shaped the way Carmona approaches her leadership roles, she said.

Through the center, she has developed into a dedicated student leader, serving as secretary of the Liberal Arts Chaiken Center Pre-Law Group and a missions team leader for the School of Public Policy’s Next Gen Leadership Academy.

As a member of the Liberal Arts First-Gen Committee and former communications liaison, Carmona has also helped expand opportunities for first-generation students to connect and support one another.

That work will be on full display at the upcoming Liberal Arts-First Gen Mixer on March 25, where students, faculty and staff will come together to build community, share experiences and make new connections in a welcoming environment.

Carmona said events like the mixer are designed to make networking feel more natural — especially for students who may feel intimidated reaching out to faculty or navigating a large university.

“The first-generation label can feel invisible because it doesn’t look a certain way,” she said. “Spaces like this help people realize they’re not alone.”

Her advocacy has also contributed to the launch of the college’s new First-Gen Faculty Mentor Program, which pairs students with faculty mentors who can offer guidance on everything from academics and research to imposter syndrome and post-graduation planning.

Together, these efforts — events, mentorship and everyday connections — are helping to create a stronger support system for first-generation students across the college, Carmona said.

For Carmona, leadership is about more than starting an initiative; it’s about sustaining them.

She described her role as “planting seeds” and making sure they continue to grow so future students can benefit from the same sense of belonging she found.

“I hope that people come to the mixer to gain a sense of community and feel less alone, and supported,” she said. “Being first-gen has no right path and doesn't look the same way for everyone. It’s whatever you make it to be.”

After she graduates, Carmona hopes the Liberal Arts community continues to be a place where first-generation students are supported, visible and empowered to lead.

“The Liberal Arts community welcomes you with open arms,” she said. “Keep showing up. Don’t be scared to speak up. Closed mouths don't get fed.”