Advice for First Generation College Students
Whatever you can do or believe you can, begin it. Boldness has genius magic and power in it. –Goethe
There is nothing easy about being a first generation college student. Let me just say that up front. Honestly, there is nothing easy about being a college student period, but a first generation college student has it a little more difficult.
It’s definitely difficult to look back on my first couple of years of college and wonder what it would’ve been like if I had been more prepared. Truthfully, I’m not sure I’d want to be more prepared because all the little stumbles and difficulties that I’ve gone through these last couple of years, have made me who I am. But I do have a few things that I wish someone had told me:
1. When applying, GET HELP. From teachers, guidance counselors, friends, other adults, whomever. Have them read your essay and double check your application, because no matter how many times you’ve read through it, you will not catch all of the errors.
2. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there, try new things, or meet new people. College is about expanding your horizons; you won’t have another chance like this ever.
3. Just because your parents didn’t go to college, it doesn’t mean they’re completely clueless. Chances are, they’ve learned enough throughout their lives to help you get through the hard times and maybe even make some suggestions when you don’t know what to do.
4. Don’t let other people tell you how to experience college. If you want to join the Chinese club, but your friends think its lame, do it anyway! They aren’t the ones joining, you are.
5. It’s all right to change your major. College is about finding out what you want to do with the rest of your life, so don’t keep with something if you absolutely hate it. There are so many other options available. Chances are, you’ll find something you love.
6. When you apply and get into college, no one ever tells you about all the hard times. There will be times when you don’t know what to do and you just want to crawl under a rock for a week, but you’ll get through them. It’s those experiences that make you a better person.
That being said, I just want to reiterate, there is no mathematical formula that’ll help you get through school. It’s possible that you won’t listen to most of the advice you’re given, but eventually you will learn how to deal with difficulties on your own.
