My First Generation Story

About the Student

Timothy Charles is a senior majoring in sociology at Eastern Connecticut State University. He and his four younger siblings were raised in New Haven, Conn., by his mother and grandmother. When he was 14, he set his sights on college after watching others in his urban community struggle in their daily lives. Tim says he wants to set an example for his family and friends and let them know that “college is not a pipe dream. We can go to college and succeed and be somebody.” He is a member of the West Indian Society and works as an office assistant in Noble Hall.

Student Stats

About the School

Eastern is located in Willimantic, Connecticut. Willimantic is a lively town that is becoming an arts and cultural center of northeastern Connecticut. The student population of Eastern is 5,610 and growing. Since 1996 Eastern has been expanding its facilities to accommodate new students. New facilities include a child and family development center, a new science building, a renovated student center, and new residential housing.