There’s a lot of social, cultural knowledge that is assumed when you enter college. This can feel overwhelming at times for all students, but especially for first-generation college students. This can also lead, sometimes, to feelings of not belonging, what is sometimes called “imposter syndrome,” something I know all too well.
If I could share some pieces of advice for other first-generation college students, I’d say:
- You deserve to be here and you belong. Don’t let yourself question this.
- Surround yourself with supportive people—family, friends, mentors—who reinforce your confidence and encourage you in your educational pursuits.
- Find good faculty mentors. My undergraduate mentors were instrumental in me going on to a PhD program. Not only did they write me letters of recommendation, but they helped me navigate the application process, read over my materials, and supported me through the whole process (and beyond). A good mentorship relationship doesn’t just happen overnight—I took many classes with those professors whom I enjoyed and admired, including smaller seminar style classes so they could get to know me better as a student, scholar, and person. I worked hard in those classes. I tried to impress these professors, showing up prepared and ready to do the work. This wasn’t always easy. But in the end it paid off.
- Learn to be your own learning advocate. Reach out and ask faculty for help. Ask classmates for help. If you need help with something not class related, but you’re not sure where to go, ask a trusted faculty member, or talk to the Dean of Students office.
- Take advantage of all of the resources and experiences that are available to you on campus. This includes the library and our amazing librarians, tutoring center, Bear Claw, etc. but also Studying Away! I cannot encourage you enough to consider studying abroad/away. I spent a month in Paris while an undergrad and it changed my life. Now I am traveling to Egypt next month by myself to attend a conference—and it is not the first time I have travelled abroad solo. In fact, my very first study away trip as an undergrad was to Paris and I flew there by myself, arrived in Paris with little knowledge of the French language and found my way (pre-smart phones mind you!) to the train and to my hotel. It was scary at first, but it was worth it.
- And finally: Don’t forget about having some fun. Sometimes first-generation college students have this feeling of responsibility to do well on everything. I hope you are successful in whatever you put your mind to, but don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Take a mental break once in a while, enjoy being in college, and have some fun.
Julia Troche, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, History Department