Being accepted into UCSB is a tremendous victory, and if you’re a first-generation college student, for your family as well. Having to leave your family is a burden we all carry, but for some, it’s more than just that – departing ways with our families may also mean leaving the only people who truly understand how victorious it is to be a Gaucho.
As first-generation college students, not many people can relate to the idea of sharing victories and failures with our families. Our victories are their victories, and unfortunately, our failures are theirs as well.
The ladies at Her Campus UCSB want you to know that you are not alone!
Here are the top 10 struggles of First-Generation College Students!
1. Trying to find someone who understands your cultural background.
It’s not that you don’t appreciate people from different backgrounds; it’s just that it would be fun to have someone you can relate to when it comes to your upbringing and native tongue.
2. Being asked by your new college friends and classmates to say words “in your language.”
Don’t get me wrong, I am happy to help you out with your language homework, but do you really need me to tell you how to say “fuck?” Uh, I was raised in a very strict, VERY PG household, so idk, sorry!
3. When you’re asked “Where did your parents go to college?”
Not that we’re embarrassed that our parents didn’t go to college, but how many times do I have to say “they didn’t?”
4. Explaining Greek Life to your parents.
They’ll never understand the sisterhood bond!
5. Answering our favorite question: “Where are you REALLY from?”
Can we all just take a moment to realize how absurd that question is?
6. Not being able to complain about your college struggles to your parents without having them bring up their immigration hardships.
“Mom, I’m taking 16 units this quarter AND I’m working, this is so hard!”
“Oh is it? Do you remember how your dad and I migrated to this country? We worked two jobs, each, and had to raise you and all of your siblings? So you can have the opportunity to take those 16 units!?”
Thanks, Mom…
7. Getting into UCSB was a HUGE deal…but not really, because you were already expected to go to college.
Not being given any extra points for getting into a top-level university because that was expected of you…feels nice, doesn’t it?!
8. Having the immense pressure of not making any mistakes because you don’t want to bring any shame onto your family.
You got into UCSB, now the next step? Graduating! Good luck!
9. Your parents expect you to land a huge job once you graduate, because after all, isn’t that why you went to college?
10. You’re going to college, not because you’re following in someone’s footsteps, but because you’re paving the way!
At the end of it all, nothing can stop you from achieving your dream because your loving, crazy, and unique upbringing made you the flawless superwoman you are today!