University at Buffalo School of Management

18 Buffalo Business Autumn 2021 Larry Novofastovsky is an idealist who views college as a journey to become the best person he can. The Brooklynite has faced more than his share of obsta- cles. The son of Eastern European immigrants, Novofastovsky grew up helping his family navigate American systems. His father died of cancer when he was a teenager, and his mother— who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis shortly aer he was born—died last year of COVID-19. While taking classes by Zoom, he was translating and help- ing his grandmother access govern- ment housing assistance. For Novofastovsky, being the first in his family to attend a four- year university represents a chance to build on the foundation they laid for him. "Initially, I didn't really see myself going to university," he says. "The tipping point was my grandma saying, 'Your mom was trying to start a legacy in this country.' She didn't know one word of English and ended up becoming a physical ther- apist. I realized if she can do that under so much pressure, I can grab life by the horns and experience something bigger." Now in his senior year, Novofastovsky has developed an interest in investments through his classes and the UB Equity Research Group and hopes to become a wealth manager, partic- ularly for immigrants and non-English speakers. "My job is to show my grandma that I can maximize my potential," he says. "I'm representing my family." Today, 33% of higher ed students are the first in their family to attend college, according to the U.S. Department of Education. At UB, 18% of undergrads are first genera- tion, defined as students whose parent or guardian had not achieved a bachelor's degree when they applied for admission or financial aid. Being the first is a major accomplishment; here are a few more stories of success. Showing up For Ronald Aucapina, MBA '21, graduating college meant achieving his family's American dream. His grandparents didn't finish grade school, and his parents emigrated from Ecuador, raising their family on Long Island while working full time and learning English. "My grandma always says, 'The best gi you can give your kid is an education,'" Aucapina says. "I was lucky to see my parents involved with my education by showing up to parent- teacher meetings, even with their limited understanding of English and at times doing it without a translator." His father later earned an associate degree, inspiring the next generation. Today, all of Aucapina's cousins are college grads, his sister is a junior, and he holds a bachelor's in biology, along with a UB MBA. By Matthew Biddle Novofastovsky but not the last First-generation students demonstrate the life-changing value of education

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