When Susan Gershenfeld, PhD ’16, (featured on the right alongside Emily Malamud, a 2013 Illinois graduate and former I-Promise student, now in her fourth year of residency in Pediatric Neurology at Stanford) set out to write her new book What If…Why Not?, her goal was clear: to reach more first-generation college students with practical, holistic guidance for entering professional life. The book grew out of her work with FirstGen Ahead, a nonprofit she founded to support first-generation students as they navigate the transition from college to career.

“The title reflects an empowering mindset,” Susan said. “It encourages students to explore opportunities they might not have imagined and to challenge assumptions about what’s possible for them.”

Her perspective is deeply personal. As a first-generation college graduate herself, Susan understands the blend of quiet determination and vulnerability that defines so many students’ experiences. Drawing on 15 years of supporting first-generation students and insights gathered from alumni who have spent up to a decade in the workforce, she created a guidebook grounded in authentic stories and real-world advice.

Susan’s book offers both practical career guidance and reflections on the personal challenges that often accompany the first-generation experience, from imposter syndrome to family expectations. “Being first-generation isn’t just about career steps,” she explained. “It’s also about navigating self-doubt and systemic barriers. Building a career and building confidence really go hand in hand.”

Her time at the University of Illinois played a pivotal role in shaping this work. While leading the Illinois Promise program, Susan began her PhD to examine how fully removing financial barriers—such as tuition, fees, and room and board—affects graduation rates for low-income students. In that process, she noticed a troubling pattern. “Many students followed the spoken rules of getting good grades and finishing in four years but missed the unspoken ones, like networking and building transferable skills,” she said. “That realization inspired me to explore how we can better prepare students for the transition into meaningful and sustainable careers.”

Ultimately, What If…Why Not? is more than a career guide. It is a roadmap for self-belief and possibility. “I hope readers feel seen, supported, and confident,” Susan said. “I want them to feel less stressed about what’s next and more empowered to take bold steps toward the future they want.”