Written by: Mirella Barrera-Betancourt

College is already difficult enough having to navigate challenges, but it is especially challenging for a first-generation college student with nothing to draw inspiration and general conclusions from. 

I am the first person in my family to attend college. However, the label — first-generation college student and first person in the family to attend college — brought with it a very heavy burden: the pressure to live up to the expectation and become the family pride and breadwinner. 

In the beginning, the label only brought me misery and feelings of self-doubt and loneliness, as well as the constant fear of failure. I wanted to please my parents after the sacrifices they made to give me a proper education — a privilege they’ve never had — but I felt like I was not moving and succeeding at the pace of my fellow classmates. It was a classic instance of “The Imposter Syndrome” and one of many in my college journey.

In the end, I managed to persevere with the help of my family, and as a first-generation college student, I felt it was my duty to share the things I have learned in my three years of college.

Join a community of similar and like-minded individuals — In my first year, I joined the On-Track Program by the Multicultural Student Services and Programs which is committed to guiding low-income and first-generation students throughout their first year in college. This program gave me an excuse to learn about the similar life experiences and thoughts that plagued my own and — albeit done virtually — left me feeling connected with my peers and with a sense of belonging. The program and the guidance it gave me was critical in helping me get on my feet. The key to managing the college experience is to connect with others; other people who are also facing the same obstacles and challenges.

Forgive yourself for mistakes — If one allows themself to ruminate and slowly drown in a sea of all the mistakes and failures one has made throughout one’s journey as a college student, it might just pull one under. It’s college; everyone is learning and starting from the knowledge of a clean and blank slate. It’s okay to make mistakes and the sooner one accepts that, the better.

Forgive your parents for their lack of understanding — There were many times throughout my college journey when I would phone my mother begging for advice on a certain matter relating to college, only to be met with one of three options: silence, a very indifferent — and frankly uninterested — tone, or the usual “No se, mija.” This was frustrating. However, I cannot blame my parents for my own lack of understanding and guidance in university and educational affairs, for their encouragement was always present every step of the way and I really could not have done it without their support.

Take advantage of campus and community resources — In my case, one of the most challenging situations I had to endure as a first-generation college student was being honest with myself and admitting I needed help. One cannot know everything, especially as a first-generation student, and for many students, our parents cannot help much in terms of guidance and comfort, including navigation of topics such as financial aid and graduation. This means that one must take advantage of campus spaces and resources on campus, such as the financial aid office and student support programs.

Contact the author at howlnews@wou.edu