Can you tell us a short summary of your background as a first-generation student?
Being a first-generation college student means that neither of my parents went to college before me. Despite this, my parents and the rest of my family valued the importance of postsecondary education and encouraged me to pursue this path.
Was higher education always in consideration for you as you grew up?
I most definitely considered college when I was growing up because it seemed to be talked about frequently throughout my courses. In high school, however, I became torn between choosing between a college and a vocational school. This is because college is a big investment in time and money. Ultimately, I chose college because it will allow me to pursue the field I want, give back to my family, and continue to learn and connect with my peers.
Do you have any mentors or influential figures in your life that you could confide in? How were they able to make an impact on your educational journey?
One of the most influential figures in my life is my dad. He has worked a blue-collar job for his entire life. I can see the effort he puts into his work each day. My dad has always encouraged me to do my best and pursue a college degree despite any monetary or academic worries. He is definitely a prominent figure throughout my college journey.
What are some aspects of college that surprised you?
Something that surprised me was learning about paying for college. As a first-generation college student, I have noticed that there is a huge educational gap when it comes to knowing the ins and outs of funding tuition. However, I have also discovered that there are so many people on campus dedicated to these important matters.
Another thing that surprised me about college is that there is so much to offer. In high school, it seemed like I was capable of doing it all. Extracurriculars in college take much more commitment so one person can only participate in a few. It is good to know I have access to all of these different programs if I want to try things out.
Do you have any advice for other people in similar situations?
Do not be afraid to use resources on campus! There are many programs at 麻豆精品视频 designed to help students. ASAP has been one of my go-to resources on campus this semester. My ASAP advocate has helped me tremendously through my first year of college by making me aware of the resources and processes previously unknown to me. I am looking forward to the next few years here!
