Being a first-generation college student is more than just a descriptive term to describe one who is first in their family to go to college. It means struggling as a high school student while navigating college websites, filling out financial aid forms, completing college applications, and submitting scholarship essays. It means struggling as a college student while figuring out what to study and finding your place within the college universe. It means celebrating taking advantage of the support system and resources available to you to help you reach your educational goals. It means learning to find the strength within yourself to persevere and keep pushing forward in your education, not only for yourself but also for your family.
As a first-generation college student, I have felt an immense pressure to excel in school. I feel like there are eyes constantly watching me. I grew up in a single-parent household with constant reminders that I had to go to college and better myself, or as my father likes to say, I need to “chase the American dream.” My top priority was and still is to make my father proud and repay him for all of the sacrifices he has made for me. I understand that getting an education and earning a degree in a Mexican household holds a lot of value, not just for my father but also for my family as a whole. This is a lot of pressure for one person, and I had to remind myself that in order to excel, I needed to relieve myself of the weight I was carrying.
I had always envisioned myself going to college, but I realized in high school I was lacking the resources and guidance I needed to navigate this complex system, especially since no one in my family had ever gone through it before. In high school, I was fortunate enough to find resources (one of those being CAP) that helped me get a better sense of how getting into college worked. But that didn’t take away the doubt which sat at the back of my mind. My first year in college wasn’t the smoothest. It was an instant culture shock for me. It was a bit intimidating because other students seemed to have had everything figured out, whether it was what they were majoring in or just how easy the transition to college was for them. Not having the personal sense of reassurance made me feel small and confused. My sophomore year hit me the hardest. I felt completely defeated that fall semester. I had declared a major that I didn’t really enjoy, and I wasn’t sure how to move forward with my college career. I was afraid to reach out for help or even talk to friends for advice or guidance. I thought I had to figure it out on my own. The pressure was slowly coming back again; the unpreparedness and the uncertainty were creeping up on me to the point where I was ready to give up on school. It felt like I was sailing with no direction or destination.
I took that winter session break to analyze my situation and identify all of my options. This was a pivotal moment for me because that’s when everything changed. What did I do? I simply asked for help. I met my mentor/counselor, Anna, and she was the one that guided me back to the path I should have been on from the start. Soon after, everything started to fall into place. I declared my new major which is Political Science: Law and Society, and I started to excel in all my classes. In the past, I tended to do things on my own, and I disliked asking for help, but one thing I learned is that you can’t get very far if you don’t ask questions and seek guidance. This is especially true if you are the first in your family to go to college. You’d be surprised to see how far you can go by asking for a little help.
So far, my overall college experience has taught me not only how resilient I am but also, and more importantly, it’s taught me to appreciate a process that my 13-year-old self would have never imagined going through and thriving. My best advice for any of you who are entering college as first-generation students is to trust the process. At times, it might feel like the whole world is crumbling down. Those are just obstacles testing your strength. If you are having difficulties, whether it involves academics or your mental health, reach out for help. There are always resources available, but they will not come to you. You have to look for them. Lastly, remember that this journey is something new to you and your family, so be kind to yourself. And remember to celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small they might be!
***
Veronica graduated from Pasadena High School in 2018. She is a third-year at California State University, Northridge. She is a first-generation college student and is majoring in Political Science/Law and Society. She is currently volunteering at a law firm. After getting her bachelor’s degree, she plans on going to law school and completing her Juris Doctor degree and becoming an immigration attorney. Veronica came to CAP because she was very confused about the whole college application process. Luckily CAP was there to help. She hopes to help other students achieve their goals and find ways to help their communities.
