FIRST GENERATION

How has being a first generation student affected your early college experience? How do your experiences differ from your classmates’?

As a first-generation early college student, my early college experience has been a learning process. I'm the first in my family to pursue higher education, so this world is new. Unlike many of my classmates with college graduate parents, I need that built-in guidance to navigate the college application path. Simple things like registering for classes, applying for college, figuring out scholarships, and other opportunities to ensure I have the best success have been a whole new learning experience for me and my parents. It hasn't been a negative experience but a significant achievement.

Did you feel added pressure being the first in your family to attend/ graduate from college?  Explain?

As the first in my family to apply to college, the process felt incredibly scary. My parents have been by my side as they try to help me navigate applications, essays, financial aid, and choosing a school, but it was all foreign territory for them, too. The pressure was on my shoulders as much as it was theirs to figure everything out how to do this without the benefit of my family's experience. Every detail, from crafting the perfect application to securing scholarships, felt stressful at times, knowing I was the trailblazer setting expectations for my younger brother. While the pressure was intense, it also gave me motivation. I learned how much it would mean to my parents to see their child accepted to college, and when I was accepted into many colleges, they were incredibly proud. I was determined to make them proud and bring my family hope by getting in, especially when the odds felt stacked against a first-generation student like me. My hard work was fueled by the desire to achieve something no one in my family had done.

What colleges are you considering?  How are you navigating the college search and your future career path?

I applied to all my schools at the beginning of the school year because I knew I wanted to be ahead of the game. So far, I have gotten into some colleges, such as Campbell University, The University of Mississippi, and University of North Carolina at Pembroke. I am considering Campbell because they gave me their Scott Elliss merit-based scholarship and administrative housing scholarship; both scholarships are annual. I navigated my college searches by looking at what schools had precisely what I was interested in for my career: Exercise Science. I also narrowed down my choices by who would offer me the most money in scholarships. 

How does your first-gen background make you a better student?

Being a first gen makes me a better student because it pushes me to do my best for every assignment. It's taught me that being on top of my work and making sure I am thoroughly completing my work will help me significantly in the long run. 

Who are your biggest supporters? How do they motivate you? 

My parents are my biggest supporters and motivate me in so many ways. When I doubted myself, my parents reminded me I could achieve anything I set my mind to with dedication. They taught me the value of hard work by their example, working tirelessly to provide for our family. Even when exhausted, my parents attended my brother's and my school events and academic milestones. Their beaming pride motivates me to keep reaching higher. We may not have shared the same educational background, but my parents instilled in me a love of learning and a growth mindset. Whenever I feel overwhelmed by setbacks now, I remember my parents' journey and how their resilience, optimism, and care have profoundly shaped who I am today. They are my ultimate mentors and heroes.

What piece of advice or words of wisdom do you have to WYWLA students who will be the first in their family to attend/ graduate from college?

1. Believe in yourself - you've already accomplished something remarkable just by attending college. Have faith that you deserve to be here and can succeed.

2. Be bold and ask questions - you have so much to navigate, so lean on on-campus resources like academic advisors and teachers. Asking for help is a strength!

3. Make connections - build relationships with professors and peers who can support you along the way.

4. Celebrate small wins - recognize your progress, whether passing a challenging class or finalizing college applications. Give yourself credit.