First-Generation Student Finds Support and Success at LVC

Key Points:

• Jaylianne Ortiz-Lillo ’27, M’29 is a first-generation college student who found guidance, support, and community at LVC.
• She discovered her path in the 3+2 Clinical Mental Health Counseling program after starting as an Exploratory major.
• She actively uses campus resources like the Center for Academic Success and Exploration, tutoring, and Dutchmen First to support her success.
• She is deeply involved on campus as a peer tutor, Valley Ambassador, and student organization member, and plans to study abroad in Prague.

As a first-generation college student, Jaylianne Ortiz-Lillo ’27, M’29 came to Lebanon Valley College seeking guidance, support, and a sense of community to help her navigate higher education. At LVC, she says she’s gained “access to support systems and information that minimizes the mystery of the college experience.”

Ortiz-Lillo, who began as an Exploratory major, quickly found resources that helped her thrive. “I practically live in the Center for Academic Success and Exploration, so I’m very familiar with their academic supports. I’ve attended academic coaching numerous times, am a regular at Dutchmen First events, and have met with Exploratory advisors on various occasions. The tutoring center…holds a special place in my heart.”

A huge draw to the 3+2 Clinical Mental Health Counseling program was the people and the supportive learning environment. “After brief introduction conversations with various professors, I knew these were the people I’d like to surround myself with and seek mentorship from. The student-faculty ratio allows me to deepen my academic relationships with my professors and allows for constant feedback in and out of the classroom.”

Ortiz-Lillo also notes that the program’s mentoring-focused approach has helped her build skills she considers essential for her future: communication, empathy, and the confidence to counsel others effectively. “Through collaborative classroom environments, various workshops, and even attending social events, I’ve learned the importance of connecting with the people around me.”

She stays busy across campus as a peer tutor, a Dutchmen First participant, a member of the Psychology Club, Ski & Board Club, and Field Hockey Club, and a Valley Ambassador, giving tours to prospective students and their families. “I take immense pride in lifting up my classmates and watching them achieve more than what they first came to me with,” she said. Ortiz-Lillo also looks forward to studying abroad this summer in Prague, Czech Republic, exploring the city while earning credits.

Reflecting on her journey and advice for future first-generation students, Ortiz-Lillo sums up the value of LVC this way: “You get out what you put in, which, as LVC students know, is a lot of experience.”