Being the only child in my family to get accepted and go to college was a huge milestone in my life but I didn't really see it as one; everyone around me was so proud that I actually decided to go to college and that I was getting away from our small town. I just wanted to get out of Warren County and possibly figure out what I wanted to do with my life.

I started hearing the phrase "first generation" a lot more as my senior year went by and even when I came to NC State for orientation. They talked about the other kids who were the first in their family to attend college and how there were so many opportunities out there for those specific group of students.

Which I'm thankful for. Shout-out to TRIO for supporting me and all other low-income, first-generation students- I really do appreciate you.

Since I fit the first generation category, it was a bit difficult applying to college and figuring out financial aid. One of my parents is dead and the application asked questions that my dad didn't know how to answer so I had to find someone to help me with applying so that I could figure out what I needed and what I should say to get what I needed.

Then my dad died, and the process became even more tedious: I had to send in death certificates and show that I didn't have a legal guardian and that I was in essence, homeless.

I had to find help wherever I could to make sure I was on the right track. Since I am a first gen college student, I was approved to be part of TRIO. TRIO is a federally funded program for low-income, first-generation college students. They have a variety of services they offer to their SSS and STEM students. They provide you with an academic coach, they have workshops, they have graduate school tours, and even social events so that you can make friends and network.

Even after being here for two years going on three, I'm still a little clueless about college. I'm trying to figure out graduate school and Ph.D. programs. I don't have a clue how that works, which is why I'm in a program that's helping me find my way while providing me with the resources to understand the ins and outs of grad school. Being the only one in my family to go to college, has provided me with some obstacles. But it also provided me with opportunities that have and will continue to help me navigate college and graduate as a first gen.