Have you ever heard the phrase, “College isn't for everyone?"

Have you ever thought that phrase was about you?

Well, I am here to advocate that although that statement may be true for some, you will never truly know unless you try. Let me take you on the journey with me as I too thought that college was not for me. Little did I know that there was a specific college for me that met my needs in all areas; where I could be completely confident in my decision to strive for higher education.

Right out of high schoo,l I went to Cal State Channel Islands but upon arrival, I just knew it was not the place for me. I was not confident in my decision to pursue the environment it offered, although a great school. I did not want to call it home for the next four years because in reality I did not know what I was after. I didn't know what I was fighting for and I didn't actually care to know. My second year of college, I came home and found myself content with not knowing. Although I wanted to quit, I continued my education at my local community college where it turns out I became passionate about possibly studying sociology as a major. You see, if I hadn’t come home I would have never been able to see that I too could strive for better. The next two years, following high school, I was all over the place. Trying to fill a void with every other path besides the one that was right in front of me. Vanguard University, Hillsong College, a Church internship, and Biola University all sounded like great options! I was ecstatic about them all but I was still searching for why I should attend any of the following at all.

Some background on my personality is that if I don't know why I am doing something and if I am not fully in it, I will not put my all. I struggle with pushing through the things I'm not crazy about because either I am in it, or I simply am not. With education I struggled because I was never the straight A student like my sister, school did not come easy to me, like some of us. Projects were a burden and everything else was a waste of time in my eyes. I felt as if I were simply not good enough, not smart enough. So, why bother anyways was my question. I went to Channel Islands because my step mom said I had to or else I would become nothing in life, because society tells us that we have to go straight to a four year our of high school. Here is the thing, if you do not know what major or career you want to pursue, save yourself the debt and finish you general education at a community college. Do what is best for you, not your parents or anyone else, because in the end it is you going through the motions every day not them.

For those who are the first in their family to go to college, I commend you. It is not easy to be the first ones. There are these unspoken pressures upon you to be better, to do better than the rest of your family. There is added stress because maybe your family has no idea how to help you with the process of applying, financial aid, majors, classes and so forth. While that truly sucks, know that you are not the only first generation college student going through these hard times. I wanted to write this article as an incoming transfer student to BIOLA University as a part of their very first FirstGen Program. I too was in need of some advice, some guidance and Biola being such a loving and caring environment, met all my needs and questions one could have.

At first, I applied for the scholarship because who doesn't want or need free money for school! Little did I know that God had a greater plan throughout this program! Upon accepting the scholarship, I became even more eager to be there. We would arrive three weeks early to go through intense workshops, a summer Bible course that would ease us into further Bible classes, and group activities with our peers. Professors and faculty would come and talk to us about the courses we would take, the resources that were available, and reassure us that the Twenty Seven of us were there for such a time as this. Such a time for this season in our life to be the very beginning of the rest of our lives. They prayed over us assuring that we knew they were there as more than professors and faculty but as those who were fighting the good fight alongside us. Our family may be miles away but coming to BIOLA meant that we would be immersed in the family that was for us!

We have an actual chance at making it. The Twenty Seven of us are all fighting for the same thing. To know God, to be like God and to love like God. Through BIOLA and the FirstGen program, we have been given a head start on the very things that will help us succeed.

My point in sharing these details of my life and walk at BIOLA is to share that I too wanted to quit. I too did not see the point in education, nor did I believe I was capable of pursuing it. I am a walking miracle living by He grace of God, able to achieve these goals because I have the heart for not only God, but for the path He wants for me.

Being a FirstGen scholar has been one of the best experiences I have had so far. I have had the chance of meeting others who come from similar backgrounds, who also struggle financially to make it. After just these short three weeks, I can truly say we have become a family within the family at BIOLA. My previous article was on the importance of community so most of you know how important it really is for me. God has provided a community for me everywhere I go. From back home to Channel Islands to even BIOLA where I get to call home for the next however many years to come.

Thank you BIOLA and thank you students and staff for being the very thing I longed for in a school. I could not be any more proud to say that I am now and Eagle ready for the seasons to come.

My encouragement to you as readers is to not only figure out the what but the why as I have learned. It is not enough to know what you are doing the very thing you do, but the why you do it. As I mentioned earlier, I did not know why I needed to pursue education. But in time, God revealed that I need the knowledge BIOLA has to offer for the season after college. And even though I have no idea what career I am going into, I can honestly say I know without a doubt this is where I am meant to be and I will study Christian Ministries and Sociology. Imagine that, a girl who was so eager to quit is now taking on not one, but two majors!

Step out, take chances, ask questions, be intentional and assertive about the very things you are passionate about. Don't just let people or society tell you what you are to do or why. Find it in yourself to figure out your goals and never stop searching!

If I can do it, so can you!

Xox,

Gabriella