For East Tennessee State University senior Thomas Bales, a college education has been about much more than earning a degree. It has been an opportunity to discover his purpose, develop as a leader and build a foundation for serving others.

A native of Greeneville, Tennessee, Bales is pursuing a degree in political science and expects to graduate in May 2027. As a first-generation college student, he has spent his undergraduate years exploring new opportunities and discovering how he hopes to make a difference in the world.

“When I was a senior in high school in 2022, I always knew I wanted to continue my education, and I knew East Tennessee State University was exactly where I wanted to be,” Bales said.

While ETSU offered the academic opportunities he was looking for, it was the university's sense of community that ultimately defined his experience.

“Our professors, through smaller class sizes and meaningful interactions, genuinely want to see their students succeed,” he said. “Our faculty and staff are invested not only in our academic success but also in our personal and professional growth.”

That support has helped Bales grow from a student who was unfamiliar with navigating the university's online learning platform to serving as the student trustee on the ETSU Board of Trustees and as a member of the Student Support Services TRIO program.

Throughout his undergraduate experience, Bales has served as an Expedition Leader and Preview and Orientation Leader, sharing his story with new students and their families. He has also gained professional experience in annual giving and studied abroad in Italy, becoming the first person in his family to travel internationally.

Each opportunity has contributed to his understanding of leadership, service and the impact one person can have on others.

“ETSU has not simply been a place where I have earned an education,” Bales said. “It has been a community that has helped shape who I am, what I value, and the impact I hope to make on others.”

For Bales, being a first-generation college student has taught him three values that continue to guide his personal and professional growth: ambition, resilience and courtesy.

Ambition, he explained, is the determination to pursue goals even when the path is unfamiliar. Resilience means overcoming challenges, learning from setbacks and finding the strength to continue. Courtesy means recognizing and appreciating the people who help make success possible.

Bales credits his father, aunt and uncle for consistently encouraging his ambitions. At ETSU, he has also found support among faculty, staff, mentors and friends who have helped him recognize his potential and pursue new opportunities.

Among those who have influenced his journey are Lexi Petrek, Timothy Lewis and Dr. Rob Meier, who supported his development through his leadership roles; Dr. Michelle Byrd, Dr. Leah Adinolfi and Dr. Heather Levesque, who have offered guidance and encouragement; and Desmond Pierce and Savannah Dorlan, who introduced him to annual giving and helped him develop professional skills.

Bales also credits Dr. Alex Castle with supporting his graduate school aspirations, Dr. Carson Medley with encouraging him to pursue awards and scholarships, and Jeremy Ross and Ben Daugherty with helping make his study abroad experience possible.

Reflecting on the people who have invested in him, Bales sees their influence as an example of the broader purpose of higher education.

“To me, this is what impact looks like,” he said. “It is people investing in people, creating opportunities, and changing lives in ways that extend far beyond a college degree.”

That perspective has shaped his understanding of what it means to be a first-generation student. Rather than viewing success as an individual achievement, Bales sees it as an opportunity to help others reach their own goals.

“As first-generation students, we rarely reach our goals alone,” he said. “It is through the encouragement of faculty, staff, mentors, friends, and family that we continue to grow. To me, being first-generation means not only achieving your own goals but also helping others achieve theirs.”

As he prepares to graduate in May 2027, Bales hopes to continue his education by pursuing a Master of Public Policy. His long-term goal is to focus on policies that expand educational access and opportunities for students throughout Appalachia.

He hopes to advocate for stronger education systems and help students recognize that higher education is possible regardless of their backgrounds or the paths they choose.

His advice to students considering college is to remain curious, ask questions and embrace opportunities for growth, even when they feel intimidated.

“Never be afraid to ask questions, and if something scares you, it may be a sign that you are stepping outside your comfort zone and growing,” Bales said. “Be curious, seek new experiences, and remember that you do not have to navigate every challenge alone.”

Bales' story reflects the determination, personal growth and community support that shape the first-generation college experience. His journey also highlights the importance of creating an environment where students feel supported as they navigate higher education and discover their potential.

ETSU will celebrate its first-generation students during the First-Generation Student Celebration on Monday, Nov. 9, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at University Commons. The celebration will recognize the experiences and accomplishments of students who are the first in their families to pursue a college degree.

The event will also provide an opportunity to honor the families, faculty, staff and mentors who support first-generation students throughout their educational journeys.

For Bales, that support has made all the difference — and inspired him to help create opportunities for the next generation of students.

“Most importantly, keep chasing your dreams, believe in what is possible, and always lead with courtesy toward others,” he said.