Dear first-generation student,
This story is for you – from one first-generation student to another.
The first day on a college campus can feel like stepping into another world, one filled with endless opportunities and moments of self-doubt. For first-generation college students, that feeling runs deeper. It’s about honoring the sacrifices that helped us carve our own path. This journey is defined by resilience and determination and offers a reminder that success is built with hope, dreams, and courage.
Being First
My parents immigrated from Guatemala at a young age, so every Guatemalan tradition endured within my household. I often found myself unsure of their deeper meanings. We didn’t celebrate American holidays, but I was born in the U.S. So what does that make me? American-Guatemalan? I’m still not entirely sure.
“Sé una cosa de mí misma: no me mido por las expectativas de los demás ni dejo que los demás definan mi valor.”
Sonia Sotomayor
(“I know one thing about myself: I don’t measure myself by other people’s expectations, nor do I let others define my worth.” )
In Latino culture, there’s a well-known phrase often said to those who don’t quite fit in: “Ni de aquí, Ni de allá.” (“Neither from here nor from there.”) It perfectly describes the feeling of being first-generation – caught between learning your roots and creating your own. You strive to honor your heritage while building new traditions that may not always be understood by those who came before you. But maybe that’s what being first-generation is truly about: honoring where you come from while starting your own path.
I Believe in You
From a young age, I knew I wanted to attend a four-year university. What I didn’t know were three things:
• How do I even start applying?
• How do I know if a school is the right fit for me?
• And most importantly, how will I afford it?
My parents have always been my biggest supporters. From the moment I was accepted into my undergraduate institution, to walking across the stage at Gillette Stadium, to receiving my acceptance into my top choice for a master’s program – they have always reminded me of how far I’ve come and encouraged me to continue accomplishing all my goals.
“Nada es imposible en esta vida tuya.”
(“Nothing is impossible in this life of yours.”)
As a first-generation college student, it can be difficult to find “your people” and turn the institution into a home away from home. I remember choosing to go home almost every weekend. Why? Imposter syndrome had a way of creeping in. For many first-generation students, that feeling is familiar. We’re pursuing dreams our ancestors never imagined possible.
Along the way, we meet people whose journeys inspire us – individuals we hope to be like one day, and they remind us why we started. I’ve been fortunate to meet incredible people who have encouraged me to keep pursuing my goals and who have supported me throughout the process, even by answering my (sometimes) silly questions. I’ll always appreciate that.
Yes, it can get hard, exhausting, and sometimes defeating (trust me, I know). But, at the end of the day, you’ll remember why you started – and who you did it for.
As first-generation students, we’re not just accomplishing goals for ourselves. We’re doing it for the people who have believed in us from the beginning. Our families, our mentors, and our communities. The ones who never stopped cheering us on.
Campus Resources
One of the best pieces of advice that I can share is to take advantage of every resource available on campus! They’re there to help you succeed.
Attend that info session. Join that club. Go study abroad.
Make your campus your home – you belong there!
Sincerely,
A first-generation student
Tell us about your experience as a first-generation student in comments section below. And checkout Boston University’s Newbury Center that’s dedicated to supporting and celebrating first-generation students.
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