How do you feel being first-generation has shaped your college experience so far?
With being first-generation, there鈥檚 a lot more to college than I initially expected. Some of the information and perception of how college is, sometimes there are some disparities. I felt out of place at first but I eventually found people with common interests that helped me feel like I belonged.
Did you have any mentors or people who might have inspired you to take that step into higher education
Mostly my high school counselor. I liked some of my high school classes such as math and science. I did well in those classes and my counselor asked me if anyone in my family went to college. None of my family went to college - I grew up on a dairy farm where I helped my parents do tasks and eventually worked in high school. My counselor told me that I was suited for college and that it would be great and beneficial for me. I took their advice and worked towards that path by getting involved in activities to help prepare myself.
Do you have any other figures to help guide you now that you鈥檙e here?
Friends, particularly upperclassman friends help me sometimes. They often provide reassurance and offer different advice on how to think about problems. Usually general tips for class. Some of my coworkers are juniors and seniors and they help me out a lot.
Is there anything you wish people understood better about being first-generation?
You鈥檒l be introduced to a lot of new things. It鈥檚 going to seem like a lot at the beginning. I think that鈥檚 also true for any freshman going into college, but with first-gen, sometimes you can feel out of place since you鈥檙e introduced to a new environment and more people than you're used to.
What kind of advice would you like to share with other students in your position?
Be talkative and make sure you introduce yourself to others. Get involved and just be yourself.
