Vol. 5 No. 1 (2025): Stories in Motion
In the Summer of 2025, California State University, Los Angeles hosted the second half of a transatlantic writing exchange connecting first-generation students from Cal State LA and Durham University. During the month-long program, students explored the creative and cultural heart of L.A.—from the colorful streets of the Downtown Arts District and the tranquil gardens of the Huntington to the sweeping views from Griffith Observatory and the iconic shores of Venice and Santa Monica. Drawing inspiration from these experiences, students collaborated on multimedia projects in a writing workshop focused on first-gen identity and the navigation of institutional and international landscapes. In layered, experimental, and deeply personal digital works, the contributors to this volume reimagine what first-gen storytelling can look like in the twenty-first century. Spanning oceans and institutions, their narratives trace shared experiences and transformative journeys—reminding us that every first-gen story is, by nature, a story in motion.
Acknowledgements
This summer’s transatlantic exchange was made possible through the collective efforts of educators, staff, and students whose dedication transformed an idea into a living community of writers. At Durham, we are deeply grateful to Katie Stobbs, Principal of Stephenson College, for her continued partnership and steadfast support of this exchange, and to the Durham University First-Generation Scholars Network, whose mentorship and commitment to widening participation have been vital to sustaining this collaboration.
From Cal State LA, our sincere thanks go to Matt Walters, Director of International Programs, whose advocacy helped secure the Cyril Taylor Scholarship, providing crucial support for the Durham students’ travel. We are equally grateful to Kristopher Arceo and the Cal State LA Housing and Residence Life Student and Guest Services team, who provided our guests a home away from home, and to the Cal State LA students who volunteered their time and energy this summer to ensure our Durham visitors experienced the city through local first-gen eyes. Special appreciation goes to Katie Rocio Luna, graduate co-facilitator of the writing workshop, for their creativity and leadership in shaping the curriculum and guiding students’ multimedia storytelling. We also thank the Cal State LA English Department for its unwavering support of this partnership and for continuing to champion first-gen writers across borders.
This year also marked the expansion of our collaboration to include Dr. Rich Shivener and his Digital Authoring students at York University, who led a dynamic social media campaign for the First-Gen Go Global Instagram account promoting this new issue of Text & Type. Their creative engagement exemplifies the spirit of global partnership that animates this project.
Finally, we wish to recognize British Consul General Paul Rennie, who graciously welcomed our group to his residence for a conversation on international education and its role in fostering global understanding.
Together, these individuals and institutions have made possible not just an exchange of students, but an exchange of stories—stories that continue to cross borders, disciplines, and forms.
