For first-generation college students, new and unexpected challenges come almost every day. When I faced adversity as a first-generation student, I got frustrated and was incredibly hard on myself. Then, I heard one of my favorite quotes that I now apply to most areas of life. It is from American poet Maya Angelou, “Do the best you can until you know better. Then, when you know better, do better.” First-generation college students are often unaware of what they don’t know and, therefore, are required to make extra effort to accomplish tasks their peers may find easier.

Now that I have achieved a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree and am now in a doctorate program, I am familiar with the extra effort it takes to succeed. As a junior, I remember not knowing how to access an online e-book and being too timid to talk to my professor. I thought they would find me incompetent and didn’t understand why I couldn’t do what the rest of the class seemed to find so simple. I missed all my book quizzes that semester and had to study harder for exams to make up the points. Ten out of ten do not recommend.

My advice to first-generation students is to build grit and embrace newness in their lives. We live in a challenging time in history, but our choices and actions create the life we individually lead. Choose to ask the question or find the answer instead of giving up. Be the first one to say hello in a new class. Overall, don’t let your education happen to you. You are in control of and responsible for your own educational experience. Missouri State faculty and staff are here to help, but ultimately, how your four years go here is up to you.

Katelyn McCoy
Instructor of Agricultural Communications
School of Hospitality and Agricultural Leadership