Thousands gathered on campus last week for Family Weekend, the annual event that gives relatives of undergraduates a taste of campus life. While the two-day program offers a mix of social, informational, and academic experiences for all who attend, it can be particularly meaningful for students who are the first in their families to attend college, like senior human biology major Emily Sidharta.

“My parents were very supportive of the fact that I wanted to go to Stanford, so having them here means a lot,” she said.

An estimated 5,500 parents, siblings, and other relatives attended this year’s Family Weekend, many of them here to support a first-generation student. For the Sidhartas, it was also a time to reflect.

“We are very proud of Emily, but most importantly, this achievement is the result of her own effort and determination,” said her mother, Citra Sidharta. “Throughout the years, she has shown dedication and discipline with everything she does. We were so grateful when she was admitted to Stanford.”

Reunited on the Farm

According to Lien K. Truong, associate dean and the Kelsey and Robert Murphy Director for the First-Generation and/or Low-Income Student Success Center (FLISSC), about 20 to 21 percent of current undergraduates – or around 1,500 students – are the first in their families to attend college. They come from across the country and even from abroad.

Born in San Francisco, Sidharta was raised nearby in Berkeley. Growing up, she excelled academically and began seriously considering college in middle school. She was drawn to Stanford, in part, because of the support it provides first-gen students. “I thought it was cool that there was an entire center, FLISSC, dedicated to supporting students like me,” she said.

This year marked the third Family Weekend for the Sidhartas; they previously attended during Emily’s first two years at Stanford. Last Friday, they arrived on campus dressed in full Stanford attire. They spent the weekend exploring campus, including a walk around the Stanford Dish, lunch at the Arrillaga Family Dining Commons, stops at Memorial Church, the FLISCC and Asian American Activities Center (A3C) open houses, the Arroyo House welcome reception, the University Resource Fair, Cardinal Winter Showcase, and Casa Zapata’s annual art showcase, Flor Y Canto.

“As our daughter experienced her last family weekend, it’s clear how far she has come and how bright her future is,” said Citra, noting how much Emily has grown since enrolling.

“She has accomplished a lot during her time at Stanford, which we are very proud of,” said Citra. “Emily has developed more confidence, independence, and resilience. Watching her grow into a responsible and determined young woman is what truly means the most to us.”

Making the most of Stanford

When Sidharta enrolled at Stanford four years ago, she attended FLI-SO, the orientation program now known as THRIVE, which helped ease her transition to college and get acclimated to campus life. “That really grounded me,” she said. “Building relationships and friendships there really helped me get established at Stanford.”

Sidharta, who plans to become a pediatrician, has since made the most of her Stanford experience. She was a research assistant in Stanford Medicine’s Department of Pediatrics and worked with the Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association (APAMSA). She also currently serves as major events co-chair of the Asian American Students’ Association (AASA) and was fundraising co-chair of Stanford Team HBV, a student group raising awareness of hepatitis B.

Sidharta is serving as a community coordinator at FLISCC as a part of the Financial Wellness Committee and as a resident assistant at Arroyo House. Off-campus, she has volunteered with numerous community organizations and served as a research intern at the Innovative Genomics Institute.

While this was the final Family Weekend of her Stanford career, it won’t be the last time she reunites with her parents on campus. They’ll be back in a few months to see Emily graduate – a milestone her mom said will represent more than just a degree.

“It would feel like a shared achievement with the years of support and sacrifices that were made,” she said. “This would represent the beginning of new chapters and doors to new opportunities, achievements, and adventures.”