With the rise of college enrollment in this day and age, so increases the amount of students who enter identifying as the "first generation college student." Being the first in your family can be extremely challenging, but also rewarding. As a "first generation college college student" myself, there are many things I find myself struggling with, wondering about or being extremely grateful for.
1. I have wondered what it would be like to not go to college.
Looking at my family history, I can't help but wonder what my life might be like had I not gone to college. My family has always done valuable work, and that is something that can be instilled and obtained regardless of a degree, although when I think of my interests and what I want to do with my life, I realize that I need to go to college.
2. At times, I have negative feelings about my actual ability to graduate college.
There are certain moments when I will be going about my everyday routine and self doubts will creep into my mind. These self doubts remind me of things I can't do, but doesn't remind me of things I can. I have had to call my attention to those thoughts and turn them off as soon as they pop up in my head. It doesn't mean they won't come back, but I can control how long I let negative thoughts consume my time.
3. Sometimes, I don't feel like my family understands me when I talk about college.
This is true for both sides of the conversation. To be honest, it would be unfair to expect them to understand. This is not something they have experienced, so how could I expect them to know the ins and outs of college? It doesn't make my situation any easier, but I have had to consider their side and not just mine.
4. I feel less educated when it comes to navigating through college compared to students whose parents did go to college.
Honestly, and to be completely real, I have felt like a fawn stumbling through the woods, like the movie "Bambi," when it comes to my first year in college. I have made so many mistakes and failed numerous times, but without that I can't grow. Something I have realized is that the biggest step to success is rising from your downfalls and using it as a force to propel you upwards.
5. I feel pressured to do well when I realize that I am first generation.
This term "first generation" carries a heavy weight and responsibility in my mind. I feel pressured to make sure that this concept doesn't fade away in time, but that I actually set out to achieve this dream. I want my children, their children and so on to look and think, "If that girl could do it, so can I."
6. I feel like I don't have as many resources as those who are not first generation.
Sometimes it can be hard to find a person to turn to when it comes to the struggles of college or questions that I might have. I could ask my family, but they would have no clue as to what answer to give me. Thankfully, I have learned to turn to my friends. They don't always have answers, but they're going through college just like me and there's a special bond and connection within that.
7. I question my success.
On occasion, I have questioned what I am even doing in college. No one else has done it in my family, so what could make me any different? Is there even a point to this, or could I get just as good of a job by not going to college? Then I realized that it's not about a quick fix. In high school, I didn't just expect every college I applied to to accept me without doing hard work beforehand. My entire four years of high school, I devoted a large chunk of my time to preparing for my future. Some may say I even spent too much time studying and could take a break, but I always told them no, and I had to be ready for college. I look back at that girl in high school and I couldn't be more proud of her.
8. Being a first generation gives me a drive to succeed even more.
The fact that I am the first person going to college in my family can be a lot of pressure, but I can't help but think to myself, "Hey, you did it!" With the pressure comes a drive to success. It gives me more inspiration to not let others or myself down, and to set a good example for those to come in my family who may also want to go to college.
9. I am proud of the path I have taken and the hard work I have done to get where I am.
While some days feel like more of a challenge than others and I could easily give up, I don't. I always felt like this was my path. As soon as I entered high school, I made sure I set up the prep work to help me get where I am today. Of course I had my stumbles and missteps, but I kept going. I was always waiting for my chance to break away and enter uncharted territory... college.
10. Pros and cons come with being a first generation college student. Regardless, I know it will all be worth it when I walk across the stage and receive my degree.
There are always negatives and positives with being a first generation college student. A con may be not having as much help or experience as those who aren't first. A pro that comes with being a first generation student though is the fact that you are getting a degree and setting an example that will hopefully inspire those down the line who want to attend college as well.
From one first generation college student to another, don't give up. Remember you are first, and don't forget how much that will be worth one day when you walk across that stage to receive your degree.
