Background
In Israel, the category of first-generation students has historically received limited attention in both public debates and academic studies. However, over the last decade, several initiatives have emerged with the goal of raising awareness of this issue within both the public and academic spheres. As part of these ongoing efforts, the current research project was initiated.

The research aims
1. Establish a group-dialogue framework to document the lived-experiences of participants as first-generation academic students. 2. Identify barriers, challenges, strengths, and resources encountered by participants in their academic journey.

Methodology
The research employed the photovoice project as a community-based participatory research methodology. Eleven graduate students, originating from marginalized ethnic communities and being the first in their families to pursue higher education, participated in the project. The study consisted of 16 recorded and transcribed meetings, during which 115 photovoices were collected. Data analysis encompassed categorical and polytextual content analysis methods.

Results
The participants' lived-experiences yielded five key themes: 1) The compensatory time; Feelings of threat that fade over time; 2) Reducing gaps 24/7: a constant feeling of gaps that need to be reduced; 3) To feel like a guest - a sense of foreignness in the academy; 4) Family and tradition: a reflection on the house where we grew up; 5) Compensatory spaces: to be ambassadors of the family

Conclusions and implications
The findings reveal the challenges faced by first-generation academic students, alongside their coping strategies. Identity formation occurs through past experiences and future aspirations, highlighting the need for supportive environments

Authors:
Moti Gigi, Sapir Academic College, Israel
Menny Malka, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel

About the Presenter(s)
Dr Menny Malka is a University Associate Professor/Senior Lecturer at School of Social Work, Sapir Academic College, Israel in Israel

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