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What advice do you have for first-generation college students?
I'm a first-gen student and it often feels like I don't have anyone to turn to or ask questions about college or my future. any advice is appreciated!
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Neal’s Answer
I was a college student from a non-traditional background. Here are some tips:
1. Your school will almost definitely have resources available for first-generation college students. You should take advantage of them and use them. You completed the hard part of getting into college already and using those resources will help a lot.
2. Your background as a first-generation student will help you in specific areas such as problem solving and life experience. These are advantages many of your classmates won't have. Use them.
3. Be persistent. Things that might not make sense or seem difficult during your first year of school will be the easiest things in the world when it's graduation time.
1. Your school will almost definitely have resources available for first-generation college students. You should take advantage of them and use them. You completed the hard part of getting into college already and using those resources will help a lot.
2. Your background as a first-generation student will help you in specific areas such as problem solving and life experience. These are advantages many of your classmates won't have. Use them.
3. Be persistent. Things that might not make sense or seem difficult during your first year of school will be the easiest things in the world when it's graduation time.
Updated
Lady’s Answer
I am a first-generation college graduate and I know just how overwhelming the process can be, often times made even more confusing and overwhelming by the vast number of responses you can find to any question online. There is no right answer in the end, but I'll tell you what helped me.
1. I'm starting here with what I believe is the MOST important advice I can give anyone who is wanting to pursue higher education. Do not overlook the value in attending community college! There is SO MUCH negative opinion tied to the very idea of community/junior college. Especially so if you aren't 100% sure what degree you're going for. Community college is an excellent space to try things outside of your intended major (if you have one), without having to worry too much about the financial strain. Just be sure to speak to an advisor about what/if there are any specific classes you need to transfer. I am not sure about other states, but in California, depending on where you want to transfer, you could be looking at guaranteed admission (search the UC Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) for more info).
2. Utilize your libraries!! Yes, plural. Even if your public library isn't particularly close; make a trip and go get a library card. It gives you immediate access to so much material beyond physical books: audiobooks, e-books, comics, movies, LinkedIn Learning (varies by library), free online courses, and so much more. And make sure you are taking advantage of your school library too! If your school books are not being paid for (by scholarships, grants, or other means) , save your wallet and see if you can borrow or even rent it!
3. Socialize. This one was so hard for me, and to be honest I hated hearing it as a new student. I'm not saying you have to make lifelong friends in your classes (though that is definitely a possibility!), but make it a point to trade phone numbers (or social media or even just your email) with at least a couple of students. You never know when you'll need to reach out to someone to compare answers, ask a question, or just have another source to go to. Professors are not always available, even if they try to be, and they usually won't have notes you can see if you have to miss a class.
4. If you find yourself in a class you love, talk to your professor!! Two of my best academic references come from professors that I often came to class early or stayed late to talk to. It is so important to have people who believe in your abilities and see your successes, even when you sometimes can't. And if you're ever debating grad school, you'll need these kinds of people in your court.
5. College is not high school. I know most high school teachers throw this saying around like it's confetti until it means nothing, but I'm not talking about strict professors or insane amounts of homework. I'm talking about YOU. Do you know how well you function or how self-motivated you really are? From my 6 years of college experience, I've found that many professors are understanding. College students today have tons going on: for example, I worked full time while also taking more than a full load of classes per semester. I am not encouraging any person to take advantage of the generosity of their professors. But if you need help, ask for it. I know this can be especially hard for first gen students who have worked themselves to the bone to get where they are, but there is no shame in asking for an extension or meeting with the professor to discuss ideas, if you need it.
6. Find out who you are. Certainly a heavy topic to end on, but I don't mean you have to sort out your whole life by the time you have a degree in your hand. I mean, think about where your motivations and goals come from. Are you pursuing a certain degree because someone said you should or because you really love it? Are you attending a specific school because it's a family member's alma mater or because it has the hyper-specific degree path that you've been dreaming of studying. You can make a thousand study schedules and devote hours of your time to learning a topic, but I think that passion and love for a topic is what really carries you through to the end.
I hope my long winded response was helpful. I think I could write a book about all the things I wish someone had explained to me before I started thinking about college (or even while I was still attending). Closing remark: Learn to be okay with changing things. There's no shame in realizing that the you from a year ago wanted something different than the you now. And no matter how difficult it gets, you can succeed in it if you just keep going.
Consider Community College (or trade school)
Find your school & community resources
Ask for help when you need it.
Figure out what makes you excited to learn.
1. I'm starting here with what I believe is the MOST important advice I can give anyone who is wanting to pursue higher education. Do not overlook the value in attending community college! There is SO MUCH negative opinion tied to the very idea of community/junior college. Especially so if you aren't 100% sure what degree you're going for. Community college is an excellent space to try things outside of your intended major (if you have one), without having to worry too much about the financial strain. Just be sure to speak to an advisor about what/if there are any specific classes you need to transfer. I am not sure about other states, but in California, depending on where you want to transfer, you could be looking at guaranteed admission (search the UC Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) for more info).
2. Utilize your libraries!! Yes, plural. Even if your public library isn't particularly close; make a trip and go get a library card. It gives you immediate access to so much material beyond physical books: audiobooks, e-books, comics, movies, LinkedIn Learning (varies by library), free online courses, and so much more. And make sure you are taking advantage of your school library too! If your school books are not being paid for (by scholarships, grants, or other means) , save your wallet and see if you can borrow or even rent it!
3. Socialize. This one was so hard for me, and to be honest I hated hearing it as a new student. I'm not saying you have to make lifelong friends in your classes (though that is definitely a possibility!), but make it a point to trade phone numbers (or social media or even just your email) with at least a couple of students. You never know when you'll need to reach out to someone to compare answers, ask a question, or just have another source to go to. Professors are not always available, even if they try to be, and they usually won't have notes you can see if you have to miss a class.
4. If you find yourself in a class you love, talk to your professor!! Two of my best academic references come from professors that I often came to class early or stayed late to talk to. It is so important to have people who believe in your abilities and see your successes, even when you sometimes can't. And if you're ever debating grad school, you'll need these kinds of people in your court.
5. College is not high school. I know most high school teachers throw this saying around like it's confetti until it means nothing, but I'm not talking about strict professors or insane amounts of homework. I'm talking about YOU. Do you know how well you function or how self-motivated you really are? From my 6 years of college experience, I've found that many professors are understanding. College students today have tons going on: for example, I worked full time while also taking more than a full load of classes per semester. I am not encouraging any person to take advantage of the generosity of their professors. But if you need help, ask for it. I know this can be especially hard for first gen students who have worked themselves to the bone to get where they are, but there is no shame in asking for an extension or meeting with the professor to discuss ideas, if you need it.
6. Find out who you are. Certainly a heavy topic to end on, but I don't mean you have to sort out your whole life by the time you have a degree in your hand. I mean, think about where your motivations and goals come from. Are you pursuing a certain degree because someone said you should or because you really love it? Are you attending a specific school because it's a family member's alma mater or because it has the hyper-specific degree path that you've been dreaming of studying. You can make a thousand study schedules and devote hours of your time to learning a topic, but I think that passion and love for a topic is what really carries you through to the end.
I hope my long winded response was helpful. I think I could write a book about all the things I wish someone had explained to me before I started thinking about college (or even while I was still attending). Closing remark: Learn to be okay with changing things. There's no shame in realizing that the you from a year ago wanted something different than the you now. And no matter how difficult it gets, you can succeed in it if you just keep going.
Lady recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Layla’s Answer
As a first-generation college graduate and professional, I've learned that many people are willing to help you along the way. You're not alone, even if it feels that way sometimes.
The key is to be clear about what you want to learn, what you need help with, or the type of support that can make a difference. Once you know this, it's easier to communicate with others and find the help you need. People want to help, but they might not know how unless you tell them exactly what you need, like information, funding, connections, or opportunities. If you remove the guesswork for them, it increases your chances of getting the support you need.
For example, I wanted to work in corporate America, in a place where people wore business suits and traveled for work. My parents didn't have experience in this area, so I needed to find people who could help me understand these jobs. I asked myself, "Who can lead me to information about corporate jobs?" This helped me realize I needed information and connections. With this clarity, I reached out to people, asking, "I'm trying to learn about corporate jobs where people travel for work. Do you know where I can get more information or someone I can talk to?" This made it clear how they could help, and most people were willing to share information or connect me with others.
This approach creates a cycle of discovery, connecting you with people and opportunities. Everyone has needed help to learn something new, so remember, you're not alone. We've all been there, first-gen or not.
The key is to be clear about what you want to learn, what you need help with, or the type of support that can make a difference. Once you know this, it's easier to communicate with others and find the help you need. People want to help, but they might not know how unless you tell them exactly what you need, like information, funding, connections, or opportunities. If you remove the guesswork for them, it increases your chances of getting the support you need.
For example, I wanted to work in corporate America, in a place where people wore business suits and traveled for work. My parents didn't have experience in this area, so I needed to find people who could help me understand these jobs. I asked myself, "Who can lead me to information about corporate jobs?" This helped me realize I needed information and connections. With this clarity, I reached out to people, asking, "I'm trying to learn about corporate jobs where people travel for work. Do you know where I can get more information or someone I can talk to?" This made it clear how they could help, and most people were willing to share information or connect me with others.
This approach creates a cycle of discovery, connecting you with people and opportunities. Everyone has needed help to learn something new, so remember, you're not alone. We've all been there, first-gen or not.
Updated
Eliza’s Answer
Hi Cheryl! Being a first-generation student myself, I have some advice for you: don't hesitate to ask questions and seek help, especially from on-campus resources. For instance, career advisors can be a great support as you begin college. When I started, I felt overwhelmed by all the choices. Talking to a career advisor helped me understand my options for choosing a major and navigating college life. I could ask lots of questions too!
Also, be sure to look for scholarships for first-generation students. There are many financial resources available that you might qualify for as a first-gen student!
Finally, get involved! Join clubs and organizations that match your interests. I joined a first-gen club, which helped me build a network and find a mentor who was a senior. I also love volunteering, so I joined service clubs. This helped me feel connected, make friends, and do what I enjoy!
Best of luck! Remember, you're not alone, and you can do it!
Also, be sure to look for scholarships for first-generation students. There are many financial resources available that you might qualify for as a first-gen student!
Finally, get involved! Join clubs and organizations that match your interests. I joined a first-gen club, which helped me build a network and find a mentor who was a senior. I also love volunteering, so I joined service clubs. This helped me feel connected, make friends, and do what I enjoy!
Best of luck! Remember, you're not alone, and you can do it!