Celebrating National First-Gen College Student Day with Payton McEachern

By Marissa Burian

For Payton McEachern, a junior from Zimmerman, Minnesota, being a first-generation college student at UND is a story of growth, independence, and perseverance. Majoring in Marketing with minors in Communications and Professional Sales, Payton has built her UND experience around leadership, involvement, and the drive to make her family proud.

Finding Her Path at UND

When deciding where to continue her education, Payton was drawn to UND’s sense of community and the people who make it special. “I’ve found incredible mentors who genuinely care about my future and success and are always willing to help me,” she said. “The friends I’ve made here have also made a huge impact on my experience.”

As a first-generation student, Payton sees her journey as a symbol of independence and resilience. She has learned to adapt quickly, face challenges on her own, and take pride in paving the way for future generations in her family.

Leadership and Involvement

Payton’s time at UND is defined by her active involvement on campus. She serves as Vice President for Women in Business and Financial Vice President for Gamma Phi Beta, while also participating in Letters of Love. These leadership roles have strengthened her organization, adaptability, and confidence.

Through her involvement, Payton has discovered the value of teamwork and mentorship. She finds the most fulfillment in helping others grow into leadership roles, knowing she’s contributed to their confidence and success.

Embracing the First-Gen Experience

Being a first-generation student has shaped Payton’s motivation and determination to succeed. “Being a first-generation student motivates me to keep learning and growing, both personally and professionally,” she said. “Knowing that nothing is handed to me drives me to work harder and stay involved across campus.”

Stepping out of her comfort zone has been one of her proudest achievements — from sorority recruitment to serving on executive boards, she’s embraced every opportunity to learn and lead.

For other first-generation students, Payton encourages courage and curiosity. “Definitely do it!” she said. “Most people are in the same boat, figuring things out as they go, so you’re never alone. There are so many people at UND who are ready to help you.”

Looking Ahead

After graduation, Payton hopes to pursue a career in content creation or event planning within marketing. Her UND education and experiences have given her the tools to get there — from hands-on coursework to valuable leadership opportunities.

Being a first-generation student has shaped how Payton approaches every challenge: with confidence, adaptability, and heart. “It’s about believing in yourself, putting in the work, and trusting that you’re exactly where you’re meant to be,” she said.