Looking into college is a stressful process. First, you have to find schools that are best for you. Then, you have to submit SAT and ACT scores, an application and transcripts. After getting accepted, you have to figure out how to pay for college. To top it all off, you must learn how to do everything on your own when you get to college. If you are a first generation or low income college student, then you have even more concerns because you and your family are likely unfamiliar with the college process, or you are not financially ready for college. If you are like me, all of the above applies to you. Instead of feeling discouraged, take a look at these 11 reasons why you should be proud to be a first generation, low income student.
1. You receive extra help along the way.
There are great programs both in college and high school to help with everything from academics to financial challenges. I was in Upward Bound throughout high school, and the program helped me with every step of getting to college. In fact, the group picture shows how many future first generation and low income students are helped with a program like this. Some of the college programs even provide book lending programs or help to provide interview clothes.
2. Your story makes you stand out.
When you are asked to write an essay about what makes you unique, you have enough information to write a book about your life and the difficulties you have surpassed. Your struggle just might help you earn a scholarship.
3. You did everything on your own.
While other kids asked their parents for homework help, yours did not understand it well enough. You had to figure it out on your own, which helped you better understand the material. When you wanted to buy something or go somewhere special, you had to save up money from holidays and work to get what you wanted. I promise, it feels really good to know that you worked hard to buy your own car instead of being handed the keys to a car your parents bought for you.
4. You are already fairly independent.
Because you have done so much on your own, you are one step closer to being entirely independent. There are people in college who still have their parents controlling their bank accounts and bills. You should be proud of yourself because you are already responsible for a lot more than you think.
5. You accept everyone for who they are.
You have personal experience about how challenging life can be. You can easily make friends because you understand that everyone goes through difficulties in life, and you know that you cannot judge a book by its cover.
6. You do well under pressure.
You probably have a lot of chores because your parents are often working. You are used to stressing over getting everything done when it seems like there is not enough time to accomplish it all. Your life is a balancing act of activities and the pressure only helps you get everything done faster.
7. You can balance work with school.
Chances are, you have been working through high school or started working the second you stepped onto your college campus. If you are like me, you try to balance multiple jobs with school because you want to pay bills and have leftover money to spare. Because you are used to scheduling out time to study and do other activities, you are ready to take on extracurricular activities without feeling stressed out. You may have a lot on your plate at stressful times during the semester, but you know how to manage your time to get everything done.
8. You are a role model to your family.
Because of all of your success, family members look up to you. My little sister likes to prepare herself for college by taking practice exams with me. Being a role model makes you feel good, and you will want to succeed even more.
9. You have everything to look forward to.
Maybe your past had some awful moments, but you have to look on the bright side of things. You are in college, and you will be able to find yourself a great career. You can achieve anything you put your mind to. Instead of focusing on the past, look forward and work to accomplish all of your goals.
10. Everyone who knows your story is already proud of you.
We already know that your family is proud, but think of all of the people you have met. Friends, classmates and even teachers see all of the great things you have done by working hard. You make people believe that hard work really does pay off. Prove them right.
11. It may not seem like it, but you have the world at your fingertips.
College is your chance to be yourself. It is that one opportunity you have to do just about anything. Travel the world, meet new people, get involved in the big issues you feel strongly about, and make your dreams come true. Luckily for you, the extra connections you made might actually change your life. The world truly is at your fingertips, and you have to take advantage of every opportunity you have. You and I have had the opportunity to be first generation, low income students. How will you take advantage of that opportunity?
