"Rooted in Creativity" is our semester-opening kickback event designed to provide a safe and creative space for first-generation students to build community. We recognize the unique pressure of being the first in one's family to navigate college. This workshop offers a space to express those challenges through the art of crafting jewelry and trinket dishes. As students mold their clay, they are invited to reflect on the legacies they are shaping and the people who helped them get here. Participants can create a personal keepsake or a special thank you gift for someone who supported their journey. By focusing on the theme of being "rooted," we aim to help students forge lasting campus connections and transform the weight of their responsibilities into a shared sense of pride and belonging.