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
First-Generation, is it taboo or an opportunity? I’m First-Gen and I say opportunity! Growing up I faced hurdles but each hurdle contributed to who I am today. Both my parents worked in the factory, more often than not working 6 days a week in all seasons just to make ends meet. If I had shown interest in college I guarantee my parents would see to it the funding would be there but that would mean more hours in the factory. As my high-school years approached I knew college wasn’t an option but that wasn’t a goal for me at that time. I was eager to support myself and, in my eyes, no longer be a financial burden to my parents. Maybe then they wouldn’t have to work the long hours in the factory. My school days came to an end, my friends went off to college, and I kept working my full-time job. [Read more…] about Karen D. Eisman, Department of Information Technology and Cybersecurity
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. [Read more…] about Dr. Julia Troche, History Department
First-generation college students are pioneers for their families in the strange land of higher education. I was the first person in my family to attend and complete college. My parents both have 8th grade educations from a one-room country schoolhouse. [Read more…] about Celebrating First-Generation College Students by Dr. Cindy MacGregor