A list of 5 things that I have learned going to college as a first generation student from a small rural town.
1. It is okay to move away
So many times we often are guilt-tripped into staying home and going to a community college. I am here to tell you that it is okay to move away and attend school away from home. It is okay to attend a college in a different county, state or even country. Moving allows you to experience ideas, cultures, and groups.
2. You will learn to save money
As everyone knows, college is extremely expensive. As a first generation student from a small rural town, most of the people live below average when it comes to wealth. Do not be afraid and do not let money keep you from attending college. There are thousands of scholarships for those in high school still and for every imaginable idea. There are specific scholarships and grants such as athletic, disability and individual preferences and experiences. On the other side there are local, state and national scholarships for crazy and artistic experiences. In fact, there are scholarships such as creating a superhero name and describing why you created it. The possibilities are endless.
3. You will meet extremely diverse people
Shania ( top row second person in from the left), Marlee (bottom right) and myself (bottom middle) participated in our Shippensburg University Act V's One Act festival and were supported by our friends all whom come from different backgrounds.
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Growing up in a small rural town you are exposed to very limited diversity. Most colleges get students from across the state and even international. You will be surprised exactly who you become friends with. Some of your best friends may be the complete opposite. There are extremely conservative Christians, high-end Liberals and people who come from cities like Philadelphia, Pittsburg. People will come from different backgrounds and ethnicities. Be open-minded and do not judge a person based on their persona. You will be surprised just exactly whom you befriend!
4. Do not be afraid to try new things
Fear stops us from doing so many things. At college you will be exposed to an abundances of different clubs based of hobbies, majors and likes, different sports, intramurals, sororities and fraternities. Yes you can immediately join the club that you know that you will love but do not be afraid to try out a club that sounds interesting. It is okay if you join a club and find that it doesn't seem to work with you. Take a leap of faith and join a group that you wouldn't be able to join at home or that you normally wouldn't join. You won't regret it!
5. Do not quit!
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Do not quit. Being a first generation student from a small town you aren't always exposed to college life. You will learn that your advisors, professors and residential assistants are always there for you and want you to do the best that you can. If you find yourself struggling in a class, visit the professor's office hours, that is their job- to teach and help you. Finales are going to leave you exhausted and drained but do not give up. Reach out for help, it is okay! It is okay if you have to withdraw from a class. Whatever you do, do not give up!
As I finish my first year as a first generation student from a small rural town, I realized going to a bigger school and not staying home and going to a community college was one of the best decisions I ever made. I have learned more about myself in ten months than I had in twelves years of school back home. I had been born with a seed waiting to blossom and college allowed me to break out of my shell and blossom.
man running in forestPhoto by 
