First-generation college student: a phrase that means so much to me and is a part of who I am. Being a first-generation college student means that neither of my parents completed or received a four-year degree. However, they provided me the opportunity to accomplish what they could not.
Growing up, the idea of attending college is always what you’re taught to strive for in school. You’re supposed to study hard for good grades and participate in extracurricular activities. That way, when you apply to college, you stand out amongst other applicants. As I went through school, my mom and dad always pushed me to do my best and strive for what they knew I could achieve. If I struggled, my mom was the first to get a tutor or find a way to help me understand what I was learning. I always liked school and loved learning new things. Reading and writing came easy to me, while math and science were a struggle.
When applying to colleges, the application asks if you are a first-generation college student, as these are important statistics that colleges analyze. I marked these boxes knowing I fell into that category but never understood the importance of what I was marking. As I experienced my first semester of college, I received many emails about opportunities for first-generation students. These emails were filled with tips and tricks or places I could go if I needed help with something.
Entering college was a terrifying experience because I had no idea what to expect. I went through sorority recruitment listening to other girls talk about how their mom was in this sorority or their dad was in this fraternity. They had so much knowledge and I knew nothing. This was actually an advantage for me during this process, as I met each chapter with an open mind. The first day of class was more nerve-wracking for me than for most because of the complete unknown. My parents helped me navigate everything including applying and moving in, but once they left, it was my responsibility to succeed in college.
Now that I am a sophomore, I realize the special gift I was given that some may take for granted. I was given an opportunity that my parents and many others were not. I am able to attend college and pursue a four-year degree. To others, this might seem like the natural step to take after high school but to me, it means so much more. As I walk through campus every day, I send my parents so many pictures and call to tell them how my classes were that day.
I feel so incredibly lucky to attend Florida State University. I view being a first-generation college student as such a blessing because even though it can be hard to find your footing, it’s extremely rewarding to push yourself to achieve something so great. I am beyond thankful to my parents for helping me along the way and pushing me to strive for education at a higher level. I look up to my parents in ways they will never know, as they are incredible people who have achieved so much in their lives. Being a first-generation college student pushes me to work even harder when I am struggling because I want to succeed. I want to strive for what my parents could not have, to not only earn a degree for myself but to honor them as well.
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