What Being A First Generation College Student Means To Me

Until fairly recently, I did not know that I was a first generation college student, or even what that meant. I just knew when doing my FAFSA that I checked that my mother had graduated from high school and that my dad had not graduated from high school. 

For a good amount of time I was ashamed of not having parents with college degrees. I hated people asking me what my parents did for a living. I felt like it reflected who I was.

I got an email last semester saying I was eligible for being inducted into the Tri Alpha Honor Society because of my parents not going to college. I was ecstatic that I was being recognized for going to college as someone coming from a line of people who had not done so. I never realized how big of a blessing and deal it was that I made it to college under those circumstances. At the ceremony that year, when I saw all the people being inducted into Tri Alpha, I realized that I was not alone in being a first generation college student. In that context, I was proud of myself for doing something my parents weren’t able to do. I no longer felt ashamed of where, or who, I came from, shame I shouldn’t have had anyhow. Being a first generation college student is something you should be proud of. I am a member of the Tri Alpha Honor Society, and I don’t see that as just a title. It is a title that shows employers and graduate schools that I have a great GPA and in doing so I am starting a new generation, or adding something new to the history of people I come from. 

I was lucky enough to become the president of Tri Alpha through an unopposed run. I am hoping to implement a workshop for incoming first generation students to help their transition to college run more smoothly. Just this Monday the 7th of November we had our second induction ceremony. It was a whole different experience being on the executive side of it. Being able to hand everyone their certificates and getting to shake their hand and congratulate them on their accomplishments that brought them into Tri Alpha was so fulfilling.

 I'm so very proud of making it to college, of making it this far, without such guidance or help. I had no clue how to apply for loans or how to fill out the FAFSA. I actually messed up my FAFSA the first time, and ended up having to take an undesired gap year. I lost a year. If one of my parents had been in college they would have been able to show me how to do it. At least they would have had some history. We were on the outside.

I also had no clue what I was doing with my life, that colleges and universities differed, or what they were there for or how to access them. I can’t help but think that has something to do with why I switched my major from Nursing,  then to Psychology, finally to Literary & Textual Studies.. I didn’t know what a grant was or the difference between subsidized and unsubsidized loans. As much guidance as my mother has offered me throughout the years she had no clue how to help me plan for this future in the higher education space she herself never accessed. 

If I can offer any tips for first generation students, ask questions as much as you can. There are no bad questions, Any question that can help you jump-start your future is a good question. Finally, do not feel ashamed for being a first generation student. It is something that you should absolutely feel proud of. I am. And I am proud of you.