Neither of my parents completed elementary school, and that made me part of the First Generation (FG) students around the world. While everyone in my family faced challenges by far much greater than being FG, it is undeniable that the journey through college could get steeper and complicated for FG students. But at the same time, it brings ample opportunities for growth. In general, the lack of resources helps you develop strengths and new abilities, which otherwise might not necessarily grow to their full potential. [Read more…] about Dr. Jorge Rebaza, College of Natural and Applied Sciences

Although I was an honors student in high school, I didn’t plan on going to college. Instead, I meant to follow in my mother’s and my sister’s footsteps, and along with my AP English and French classes, I studied secretarial science in my school’s vocational program. After I landed a summer secretarial job, however, I quickly realized that I would not be happy in this occupation; so, during my senior year, I scrambled to look into going to college. My family, while supportive of me as a person, did not understand my desire to go to college, but I became determined to pursue a job – a career – that I would find fulfilling. So, with the guidance of my teachers, I took the required standardized tests, I applied for and was accepted into a state college, I won a number of scholarships, and I became a first-generation college student. [Read more…] about Dr. Billie Follensbee, Department of Art and Design

First generation college student. This term was very unknown to me until around my sophomore/junior year at Missouri State. I was so first gen that I didn’t even know what a first-gen college student was. College was always the dream, but it was uncertain. My parents supported all my dreams, but I could sense that there was worry and guilt because they had no clue how to support those dreams. They knew to encourage and be excited for me, but they had no idea how to get me started. Luckily, I had a handful of high school teachers who helped show me the way and helped me achieve those dreams in addition to the support I received from my family. [Read more…] about Katie Sholley, Education Advisement Center

My first semester as a first generation student in a nutshell: I came to college (SMSU) to “get away” from home. I had no clue what I didn’t know. I was an introvert and went home every weekend. I didn’t ask for help. I didn’t get involved on campus. I did not know that I could advocate for myself. I didn’t know how to study. [Read more…] about Kim Roam, Childhood Education and Family Studies

I am a first-generation college student. My parents never went to college and had no idea how to help me navigate going to college however, the expectation was that I would go to college. And if I went, I needed to do so on my own accord. Even now, I remember the confusion of figuring out which colleges I was applying to as well as trying to figure out how to pay for college. In my mind, everyone had a college fund set up and college was magically paid for; this was not the case for me. There were times where I felt as if I was floundering because I didn’t know where to turn for help or that there was even help available for my questions. Looking back now, I never understood the scope of resources that were available to me nor did I ask for help. [Read more…] about Dr. Andrea Weber, Student Affairs/Dean of Students