Sophia (Soph) Carnevale’s family moved several times in middle and high school. She often felt like she didn't fit in and walked with her head down.  

Carnevale ’27 was nervous before starting her first year at Colby-Sawyer; she was the first person in her family to ever go to college and didn’t know what to expect. Today, the sociology and human services major confidently leads campus tours for prospective students. 

When Brian Cal-Mallo ’25 arrived on campus as a first-generation college student in fall 2021, he wondered, “Am I really supposed to be here?” 

In May, Cal-Mallo graduated with a degree in graphic design and a minor in business administration, and he delivered the Class of 2025 student Commencement address. Cal-Mallo is now earning an MBA at his alma mater. 

Both Carnevale and Cal-Mallo participated in Colby-Sawyer's First-Gen Bridge Program, which supports first-generation college students as they transition from high school to college.  

During a four-day span prior to move-in day for all first-year students, First-Gen Bridge participants become familiar with campus.

They bond with peers, begin a one-credit class with dynamic professors, meet peer mentors, learn about helpful resources and take part in fun activities — including game and movie nights and trips to areas of interest.  

Throughout the year, the group regularly reconnects and completes assignments and reflections. 

The goal, said Karin Berthiaume, director of student success and retention, is for first-generation students to feel genuinely welcomed, supported and prepared so they can thrive personally and academically. 

Carnevale said learning her way around campus and getting to know other first-generation students helped ease some of her worries. “And talking with professors solidified the feeling that there are people here who want to help me,” she said.  

Cal-Mallo was buoyed when he was warmly and enthusiastically welcomed to campus. “They showed us a glimpse of what it meant to be part of this community,” he said in his Commencement address.

“In a full-circle moment, many of us eventually stepped into those same roles, offering the same support and guidance to the next group of students." 

Carnevale has also come full circle. As a peer mentor and resident assistant, she enjoys helping others adjust to, and succeed in, college. 

“When I arrived here, I didn't know who I was or know what I wanted to do,” said Carnevale, who is leaning toward a career as a hospital child life specialist or a middle school social worker.

“Now I want to make first-year students’ lives easier. Sometimes, it just takes somebody helping you.” 

Emma LeConte ’25, a member of the second First-Gen Bridge cohort, appreciates the boost that the program gave her.  

“For one, the program brought me my absolute best friends,” said LeConte, who in three years earned a degree in child development education preparation and minored in child psychology.

“It also made me more outspoken and confident in new settings, including preparing me for college life.” 

LeConte’s college life was full; she was in the Wesson Honors Program, was a BOLD scholar and served as a peer mentor and student ambassador. This fall, she’ll be pursuing a master’s degree in special education at the University of Maine.  

Ed Heald provided seed funding for the First-Gen Bridge Program, which started in 2021.

The retired financial advisor, whose mother, Jane Winey Heald ’40, and sister, Sally Heald Winship ’69, attended Colby-Sawyer, enjoys helping people accomplish their goals.  

“If I can do that, I will live a fulfilled life,” he said. “It’s great to make gifts when you're alive because you get to see the benefit of what you have donated in person.” 

Heald met students who have benefited from his generosity at a spring 2025 celebration for the inaugural First-Gen Bridge cohort.

“The fact this program has enabled people to achieve what they achieved. I couldn’t be happier,” he said. 

This summer, Heald also met Carnevale in Colgate Hall after she wrapped up a tour for prospective students and their parents. 

“It was an instrumental program for me,” Carnevale told him.

“I was so nervous about coming to college. I don’t think I would have made it this far if it weren't for the Bridge program.”