St. Bonaventure’s Jezerae "Jez" Fayson proves that with support and determination, first-gen students can thrive and lead with heart.
As a first-generation college student, Jezerae “Jez” Fayson knows the value of embracing opportunity and staying positive.
Now a junior in St. Bonaventure University’s
Jandoli School of Communication, Fayson has navigated a journey filled with challenges and personal growth — all while inspiring others along the way.
The middle child of five siblings, including a twin sister who was her constant companion growing up, Fayson always had someone to lean on. Until college entered the picture.
No one in my family had ever gone to college, so I couldn't turn to them for help with things like admissions or financial aid," she said. "Going in as a first-gen student is very challenging because you have so many questions."
But she found support where she needed it most — at St. Bonaventure.
"Bona's really helped me out and walked me through the process," she said.
One of her early influences was orientation leader Cal Reddington, a senior whose energy left a lasting impression.
"Cal was so energetic and encouraging, which made me super excited for the school year," Fayson said. "That’s what I want to do for others. I want to be that person."
With 172 first-generation freshmen among the university's 556 first-gen undergraduate students, Fayson is ready to help guide them through that same transition, drawing on her own experience.
Still, stepping into that role hasn't come without emotional weight.
"Sometimes I feel really proud, but other times I feel guilty or pressured," she said. "My siblings like to make comments like, 'Jez, you’re gonna make it out. You’ll be the one,' which can be a lot mentally. I don't know what my life holds for me or how successful I'll be, so that's definitely a pressure I feel."
Those comments, while meant to be supportive, come with their own burden.
"It's like I always need to have good grades and do this, this and this to be great — so they know I've succeeded," she said.
Fayson also had to navigate the emotional toll of independence. Raised in nearby Olean, she often fought the urge to go home when college life felt overwhelming.
"The transition of being apart from my twin for the first time and just being independent from my family was very challenging," she said. "I also felt like it was hard being a person of color at a predominantly white university. But sometimes you have to embrace the difference, be that leader, and show other people of color that you can succeed here."
RATHER THAN RETREAT, Fayson leaned in. She pushed herself outside her comfort zone, sought out campus resources and found new ways to grow.
"Jez brings energy and passion to St. Bonaventure and the Jandoli School," said Aaron Chimbel, dean of the Jandoli School. “As a student and orientation leader she strives to make Bona's better by welcoming everyone to feel at home here. I am thankful for all she does for our community."
Fayson was named the 2025 RA Rookie of the Year for exemplary service in program development, student advocacy and crisis leadership. She also served on the Jandoli Women in Communication Gen-Z panel during Women’s History Month, danced on the SBU Dance Team, and just completed her second year as an orientation leader.
This fall, she began her tenure as captain of the women's club basketball team — a role that reflects her lifelong love of sports and leadership. She's also gaining professional experience as a social media intern in the university's Office of Marketing and Communications, where she helps share student stories and campus highlights.
A three-sport athlete at Olean High School, Fayson found joy and confidence through team competition.
"I really love the role of leadership, and sports is an easy way for me to express that," she said.
Her advice for incoming first-gen students is simple but powerful: persevere.
"College isn't going to be easy for anyone, whether you're first-gen or not," she said. "But if you stick with it and take advantage of the opportunities and the people who support you here, you will succeed."
Fayson's ultimate goal is to lead with compassion, on campus and beyond.
"I think my biggest goal is just to be there for people," she said. "To show people the way — and to show them how to smile."