College is tough. College for first-gen students is even tougher.
I will be the first of my immediate family to graduate from college. Now don’t start thinking that my family is not successful because my parents do not have degrees. Both of my parents have always busted their, for lack of a better word, asses to make sure my sisters and I have always had the best of the best. However, I will be the first to attend a 4-year university and graduate with a bachelor’s degree.
From the beginning of my education, my parents have always pushed me to do my best and to take my studies seriously. By the age of 3, I could read because my mom helped me. It is because of my parents that I have been as successful as I have been. Whenever I have a test coming up or feeling overwhelmed with schoolwork, I turn to my family because I know they will always provide me encouragement. Anytime I score a good grade on a test or receive a 100 on an essay, my family members are the first I tell. They are my lifelines and I honestly do not think I could have gotten to the end of my junior year in college without their support.
Not all first-gens are as lucky as I to have a supporting family and it breaks my heart. However, just know that I, as well as my family, are rooting you on. Going to college may not be everyone’s path they want to take and that is completely fine but if you do want to go to college but aren’t sure how you will afford it or how you can manage it, pick up the phone and call. Trust me, if you want it bad enough, you can make it happen. No one wants to have to take out a student loan, but if that’s how you have to cover your tuition, then take one out. You will thank yourself for taking out that loan when you have a diploma in your hand and a college degree to your name.
Just knowing that I will be the first from my family to graduate with a college degree makes getting my degree even more rewarding. Knowing how hard I have worked to earn my GPA is that much sweeter. I am a first-generation college student and I am PROUD. If you’re a first-gen college student, I am so proud of you and I believe in you so much. Your future self is already thanking you for your hard work, stress, and sleepless nights. You’re killin’ it!!! And even if you’re not a first-gen and in college or not in college or even just doing something that is out of your comfort zone, you should still be proud of your endeavors. In order to change your future, you have to be brave in your present.
DO NOT GIVE UP.
If you're a first-gen college student or going to be and have questions, check out I'm First's website. It is like an online community for first-generation college students that helps you find colleges, get help and hear stories from other first-generation college students.
