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As a first-generation student, how do you navigate taking risks, trusting yourself, and stepping into an uncertain future without a map to follow?

I am 19 years old and a sophomore in college, my favorite subject is English and I find joy in reading books that allow me to dive into different worlds and perspectives. I carry with me the hopes and dreams of my immigrant parents and grandparents, seeking to honor their sacrifices by doing my best every day. I'm focused on living one day at a time, appreciating the journey, and staying true to the values ​​they've given me. #Spring25

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Sadie’s Answer

Hi Mariana! Big congratulations on taking this important step for you and your family. As a first-generation college student myself, I know how tough it can be. You want to make everyone proud, including yourself. My advice? Dive into everything college offers. It's a unique chance you'll remember forever.

You'll make mistakes, and that's okay. They're part of learning and growing. Mistakes help us become stronger and smarter.

Wishing you and your family all the best on this exciting journey. You can achieve anything you aim for. You've got this!
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Nancy’s Answer

Mariana, congratulations on your achievements and for starting this journey as a first-generation student! I am also a first-generation Latina, so I understand your experience. It's important to be around people who lift you up and share similar paths. Together, we are stronger, and having support makes facing challenges easier. I know asking for help can be tough, but you've already made the first move, so keep going!

Remember, those who seem confident didn't always start that way. They practiced, put themselves out there, and kept track of their achievements. You deserve to be in every space, and even if you don't always see us, we believe in you and are cheering you on!
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Jazhel’s Answer

Hi Mariana,

Congratulations on taking this important step for yourself (and your family). As a first-generation student myself, I understand some of the challenges you may face. Staying true to yourself and exercising your own agency are among the most empowering choices you can make. Embrace different perspectives, and don’t be afraid to share your own voice along the way.

Remember, while you carry your family’s hopes and dreams with you, this is your journey—you are the one who will live it. Mistakes are part of the process; don’t let them hold you back. Learn from them, grow, and keep moving forward. You've got this.
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Skylar’s Answer

Hi Mariana,

My simple advice is to build a reliable group of advisors around you. When you attend courses and events, take the chance to meet people from different backgrounds. Their diverse views can guide you through challenges that your family might not be able to help with.

As a first-generation college student, I found support from professors, professionals, friends' parents, and fellow students. They offered valuable perspectives whenever I faced tough decisions.
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Stacy’s Answer

What a brave journey you are on! In my experience, finding a friend who has a similar situation (immigrant parents) is helpful. They may not want to go into the same field of study as you, but they can provide moral support and keep an ear out for other people that might be able to help. To your question about stepping into an uncertain future without a map to follow, that is something a lot of us feel in any field of study – you are not alone. Relationships are very important and useful. Find people who can serve as informal mentors to you. Even if it’s just 1 or 2. Ask them to meet with you (30 minutes, no more than 1 hour) to genuinely find out how they are doing, share your interests, see how you might be able to help them with something they might need, and ask them to help you based on what you shared. Just as the future is uncertain, it’s also uncertain (and exciting) where relationships can take you.
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Isabel’s Answer

Hi, Mariana! I completely relate to this being that I am a first-generation Latina. My first year in college was extremely difficult for me as the environment was a culture shock to me and all the different changes around me while trying to build a future for myself and my family. My biggest advice is to work hard towards your dreams and always shoot for the stars. I still struggle to trust myself and my dreams, but ultimately hard work will always be appreciated in the end. I also like to listen to different podcasts about imposter syndrome and it really helps me build a stronger mindset and also daily affirmations. Ultimately, you do belong in all the different environments you are in and always chase your dreams!! You are capable of things you would never imagine :)
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Airam’s Answer

Thank you for sharing, it's clear you carry a deep sense of purpose, and that's extremely powerful. Carrying the dreams of your family can feel like a heavy responsibility, but it's also a source of great strength and resilience. Keep taking it one day at a time, stay grounded in your values, and don't be afraid to dream boldly for yourself. You're already honoring their sacrifices by showing up with intention and heart. Stepping into the unknown without a clear map is both scary and courageous. Remind yourself that because you're the first, it does not mean you're unqualified; it means you're paving the way. Lean on mentors and advisors, you are not alone. You're writing a new story, and it's okay if it doesn't look like anyone else's. Uncertainty doesn't mean you're lost; it means you're exploring, and that's where discovery and growth happen. Breath, enjoy every win, you deserve to celebrate every accomplishment, do not minimize any single one, and remember you deserve it.
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