Middlesex Community College and the University of Massachusetts Lowell (UML) are excited to welcome author Dr. La’Tonya Rease Miles for a discussion of her memoir “Smart Girl: A First-Gen Origin Story.” The event will take place from 2 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. on Wednesday, October 29 at MCC’s Richard & Nancy Donahue Family Academic Arts Center (AAC) in Lowell.
“I am so excited to engage with the MCC and Lowell community,” Dr. Rease Miles said. “As a proud first-generation graduate and TRIO alumnus, I am honored to share my educational journey with others in hopes that it may inspire more smart stories.”
Focusing on her journey as a first-generation college student, Dr. Rease Miles’s memoir discusses how she navigated hidden curriculums, found her voice and community, and defined success on her own terms. In her work, she hopes to elevate the experiences of first-generation and non-traditional learners through scholarly writing and digital communities.
Describing herself as a leader, advocate, and first-generation expert, Dr. Rease Miles explores the intersections of first-generation identities in higher education and cultural representation in her writing. The 75-minute author talk at Middlesex will feature a reading by Dr. Rease Miles, a Q&A session, and an open dialogue with students and faculty from MCC and UML.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Rease Miles to MCC and UML for this powerful conversation,” said Maria McDuffie Clark, MCC’s Director of Student Engagement. “Her story in ‘Smart Girl’ resonates deeply with our first-generation students, who often navigate higher education with extraordinary resilience and courage. This event is more than an author talk – it’s a celebration of identity, voice and community.”
“UMass Lowell is proud to co-sponsor this event with Middlesex Community College, a valued partner,” said Julie Nash, UML’s Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs. “We share so many students, and I know many will see themselves in Dr. Rease Miles’s story. I’ve had the privilege of working with her on national first-generation initiatives, and she’s the real deal – warm, funny, and deeply insightful.”
Co-hosted by MCC’s Office of Student Engagement and UML’s Office of Academic Affairs, all MCC and UML students, faculty and staff are welcome to attend. Participants who submit their RSVPs before October 10 will be entered into a raffle for a chance to win a free copy of “Smart Girl.”