First Generation College Student
Being one of the first out of your family to leave home, and live the American dream is absolutely petrifying. First you have to convince them you’re capable of doing it, and then you have to convince yourself you’re able to.
With no help at all, you feel the need to try something new, you feel the need to escape, you feel like going to college is the way out, however you have no idea how to work the system.
Do I have to take out loans? Do I have to work? What’s it like to be in college? What’s it like to be far from family? Will I always have to study? Will I be exhausted?
As I am currently helping and answering a incoming freshman’s questions, I see myself.
I remember asking so many people about their experiences. I remember feeling excited and yet scared. I remember feeling like there were so many obstacles that I had to overcome.
As I am answering these questions it hurts me to see how clueless we are as a first generation college student.
Being a first generation college student is not easy. Expectations are built and pressure begins to rise.
You start to compare yourself with others, you start to feel like you’re not smart enough, you start to question your ability, you start to doubt yourself, and you start to lose yourself.
Dear All First Generation College Student,
Don’t you ever put yourself down. Don’t you ever let failure determine your future.
Life is not meant to be easy. Everything happens for a reason, you are strong and you are capable of doing anything you wish to do and be. Keep asking, keep learning, and keep growing.
With Love,
Annie Xiong
