FIRST GEN FRIDAY: Ashley Marsh
Director of Enrollment
I am not someone that grew up as what most would think of as a first-generation college student. I have several college educated grandparents and both of my parents have associate degrees. Because of this, I never considered myself a first-generation student. I planned on going to college because that was what most people did. I had no idea what I wanted to major in. I had no idea when to start the process or when to apply for scholarships. I went to most of the college representative visits at my high school seeking answers and normally just liking the idea of each one of them. Then when it came to campus visit time, I sat down and looked at a list of all of the colleges in Ohio. I picked a few at random and we went.
In my college visits, I fell in love with the idea of doing what all college students are “supposed” to do. Going away with friends and meeting new people and experiencing life outside of my home. However, once my family saw the price tag, I decided that was not the right path for me. I walked into The Ohio State University at Marion, applied late, missed scholarship deadlines, and began my college journey. What started as a plan to go to college because I felt I was supposed to, led to a career that I now feel called to.
In my current role as the Director of Enrollment Services at Ohio State Marion, one of my favorite things is to work with students just like me. Students that know they want to pursue higher education, have a support system that is looking to help them do so, but just need help along the way to maximize the opportunity. I work on advocating for all students and families in both the enrollment and the scholarship process. I get to provide each student that walks on campus with an opportunity to make connections, find a sense of self and accomplish big things while getting connected with staff and faculty that want nothing more than to help students succeed.
My advice to all students would be, don’t be ashamed to say that your path might have started as a push because you had to. Sometimes those have to moments turn into the greatest opportunities where you get to. I did not go away to school with a friend but in what I learned from that experience I now get to teach students and their families how to make college accessible. I get to teach student employees how to be young professionals in a safe and forgiving work environment. I get to lead and empower a staff that is reaching out to students in some of the most impactful times of their lives and help guide them toward great things. I get to work and give back to my hometown community and I would honestly change nothing.