Author of Elon University’s 2025 common reading, “First Gen,” Alejandra Campoverdi visited campus and spoke Sept. 18 as part of this year’s Speaker Series.
During Campoverdi’s visit, she conducted a book signing and participated in a Q&A session in Alumni Gym with audiences about her memoir, which delves into her experiences as a first-generation Latina.
“My biggest hope for ‘First Gen’ when I was writing it was that it would be something that could be used as a resource, and something that would make people feel less alone and more seen,” Campoverdi said in an interview with Elon News Network. “To know that it will reach, and has reached now, such a wide variety of young people of different experiences is everything I would have hoped for.”
Associate director of the common reading and first-year foundation section of the Elon Core Curriculum Paula Patch said Campoverdi’s book fits right in with the goals of the common reading program.
“Each book reflects the values of the Elon core curriculum: curiosity, critical thinking, global perspective and personal responsibility, to name just a few, and offers insight into or meets the challenges of the present moment,” Patch said at the beginning of Campoverdi’s Q&A session. “I think you'll agree with me that this year's book is an important addition to the list.”
The session began with Student Government Association Speaker of the Senate Selma Marić introducing Campoverdi.
“When I read Alejandra Campoverdi’s ‘First Gen,’ I remember feeling an immediate connection,” Marić said. “It was as if someone had put into words the challenges, hopes and resilience that comes with being first gen, and that's why it feels so meaningful to have the author of ‘First Gen,’ Alejandra, here herself today.”
Before opening the session to audience members, Campoverdi answered questions from Patch, assistant director for First-Generation Student Support Services Kenneth Brown Jr. and Omar Illesca Reyes, a junior first-generation student.
Ilesca Reyes asked Campoverdi about how she handles imposter syndrome and pressure to fit in, in new spaces.
Campoverdi responded to Ilesca Reyes’ question by saying she does not have those feelings anymore because she believes that being uncomfortable means you belong even more.
“When I go into these spaces, and that's often, where I am in some way outside of the norm of that space, I know I notice it, I clock it and I realize, ‘Well, that's why I belong even more.’ That's why I'm in this space, right?” Campoverdi said.
Freshman Maria Evelyn Rosas said that as a first-generation Mexican-American and college student, she really related to Campoverdi’s book.
“I remember reading just the prologue and almost crying, and in my head said ‘She gets it, she understands,’” Rosas said.
Elon freshman Maria Rosas asks Campoverdi how to cope with experiences your family has lived through during the Common Reading Lecture on Sept. 18 in Alumni Gym.
During Campoverdi’s Q&A session, Rosas asked her for advice on feeling disconnected from her family and culture when in spaces they haven’t been a part of.
Campoverdi’s response to Rosas was to let every part of you be present in any space and not to feel pressure to fit in.
“You will be chasing your tail, you will be chasing goal posts for the rest of your life to belong,” Campoverdi said. “Some of us aren't meant to fit in. Some of us are contradictory.”
Campoverdi ended her Q&A session by urging students to allow themselves to be vulnerable about their experiences.
“Keep telling your stories, keep turning towards that vulnerability,” Campoverdi said. “It doesn't make you weak, it makes you so strong, and it will ultimately make you a better professional.”
The next event in Elon University’s Speaker Series will be Fall Convocation with Olympic athlete Katie Ledecky. Ledecky will speak at 3:30 p.m. Sept. 26 in Schar Center.
Tickets can be found on Elon’s Ticketing website for $15 or free with an Elon ID.
Anjolina Fantaroni contributed to the reporting for this story