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Isabel
Student
Batavia, Ohio
1
Question
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How do you navigate college while being a first-gen?
I find it difficult to navigate school sometimes, as the rest of my family has no idea what I am talking about or doing.
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2 answers
Michelle M.
Actress
2450
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Isabel !
I appreciate you reaching out for advice. You will navigate college the same way that second and third generation students have ! We've all had our first days on campus ! Staff at colleges are very helpful and supportive.
So, I went to college many, many moons ago. Although I was second generation, everyone I knew at college except one, was first generation - it was that long ago ! LOL ! But it wasn't a thing. Even back then, if a parent didn't go to college, they read about what needed to happen or the high school would guide the student about everything. Being from that distant generation, I find it sad that people attach the generational label to it. You're you. Your parents had other plans and goals and there's nothing wrong with that to feel different or in a category.
Guess what ? As a second generation college student, I had to navigate the whole system on my own as I reached out to staff at the college. I was 3,000 miles away from my parents, so being second generation meant nothing. Yes, I had the benefit of hearing college lingo when I lived at home and delighted in getting a preview of reading college textbooks laying around the house, but that still didn't make much difference.
I attended an orientation and discovered all the sections and buildings of the campus. Where the financial aid office was, the admissions office, and my major department. I also found out and saw where the support offices were and at that time, they just started having Women's Centers on campuses. I also read everything in the college catalog which explained everything to me as websites can do for students today.
If your family is not familiar with college or "what you are doing", you can explain it to them. Just tell them what things mean and why you're doing a particular thing. My mother's degree was in education and trust me, she had no idea about my path which was for a Bachelors in Theatre, plus at a West Coast college where things are different than the East Coast.
Parents are huge great supports, but no one can be expected to know everything. Try not to label yourself or think there's something strange about being the first in your family to go to college. Do things that will encourage you to be more independent and recognize that you are right in the middle ground of personal growth. Enjoy these days because they will once become a beloved memory.
I hope this advice helps a little and that you don't need to feel so separated that you need to label yourself. I wish for you continued success at college and always know that you can do this. Have an awesome day, Isabel !
I appreciate you reaching out for advice. You will navigate college the same way that second and third generation students have ! We've all had our first days on campus ! Staff at colleges are very helpful and supportive.
So, I went to college many, many moons ago. Although I was second generation, everyone I knew at college except one, was first generation - it was that long ago ! LOL ! But it wasn't a thing. Even back then, if a parent didn't go to college, they read about what needed to happen or the high school would guide the student about everything. Being from that distant generation, I find it sad that people attach the generational label to it. You're you. Your parents had other plans and goals and there's nothing wrong with that to feel different or in a category.
Guess what ? As a second generation college student, I had to navigate the whole system on my own as I reached out to staff at the college. I was 3,000 miles away from my parents, so being second generation meant nothing. Yes, I had the benefit of hearing college lingo when I lived at home and delighted in getting a preview of reading college textbooks laying around the house, but that still didn't make much difference.
I attended an orientation and discovered all the sections and buildings of the campus. Where the financial aid office was, the admissions office, and my major department. I also found out and saw where the support offices were and at that time, they just started having Women's Centers on campuses. I also read everything in the college catalog which explained everything to me as websites can do for students today.
If your family is not familiar with college or "what you are doing", you can explain it to them. Just tell them what things mean and why you're doing a particular thing. My mother's degree was in education and trust me, she had no idea about my path which was for a Bachelors in Theatre, plus at a West Coast college where things are different than the East Coast.
Parents are huge great supports, but no one can be expected to know everything. Try not to label yourself or think there's something strange about being the first in your family to go to college. Do things that will encourage you to be more independent and recognize that you are right in the middle ground of personal growth. Enjoy these days because they will once become a beloved memory.
I hope this advice helps a little and that you don't need to feel so separated that you need to label yourself. I wish for you continued success at college and always know that you can do this. Have an awesome day, Isabel !
Racheal Noble, Ph.D., LMFT, LPC, NCC
Mental health, education, research, care coordinator
115
Answers
Oakland Park, Florida
Updated
Racheal’s Answer
Hello,
Thank you for your question. This is so important. I too was first generation, and have earned my bachelor, master, and PhD. I consider the importance of balance when trying to navigate college.
First thing you need to ask yourself is what are your internal values. If you struggle with internal values, then, I would say take a step back with college. Internal values such as commitment and discipline are so necessary. Not to the detriment of your health, but to the level of your trust. You should know what is and is not a difficult course to take and the consequences of taking it or dropping it (before the due date). This is extremely important. Review the curriculum and sit down with your academic advisor and ask as many questions as possible to help you navigate your career path.
Secondly, determine if you need to work or want to work, option include a work study or a job that is tax exempt, because it will take up your time. Consider your priority (college- if you plan to finish).
Third, joining an organization. You need to be part of something, because if not its hard to show you can engage in activities that are team and community effort, and life doesn't operate based on good grades and a degree, this is how you learn to network and meet people who can "give you a hand, even when you question yourself !"
Lastly, take a break! No that you may need to sit down and do nothing, feel your emotions, say no to going out, say yes to going out, sleep in, crave "bad food", exercise, and engage in solitude.
I really hope this helps and feel free to reach out if needed.
Thank you for your question. This is so important. I too was first generation, and have earned my bachelor, master, and PhD. I consider the importance of balance when trying to navigate college.
First thing you need to ask yourself is what are your internal values. If you struggle with internal values, then, I would say take a step back with college. Internal values such as commitment and discipline are so necessary. Not to the detriment of your health, but to the level of your trust. You should know what is and is not a difficult course to take and the consequences of taking it or dropping it (before the due date). This is extremely important. Review the curriculum and sit down with your academic advisor and ask as many questions as possible to help you navigate your career path.
Secondly, determine if you need to work or want to work, option include a work study or a job that is tax exempt, because it will take up your time. Consider your priority (college- if you plan to finish).
Third, joining an organization. You need to be part of something, because if not its hard to show you can engage in activities that are team and community effort, and life doesn't operate based on good grades and a degree, this is how you learn to network and meet people who can "give you a hand, even when you question yourself !"
Lastly, take a break! No that you may need to sit down and do nothing, feel your emotions, say no to going out, say yes to going out, sleep in, crave "bad food", exercise, and engage in solitude.
I really hope this helps and feel free to reach out if needed.