I'm First! |

There is something special about being the FIRST…

…especially being the first in your family to attend and graduate from college. I’m First!, an initiative of UStrive, is an online community celebrating first-generation college students.

Check out video stories from first-gen students, read student blogs and discover colleges that have special programs to support their first-gen students. We feature YouTube video testimonials from first-gen students and graduates from across the country. Watch some below or share your own story.

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What Being a First-Gen Student Means to Me

by Toni Momodu | November 8, 2023 | Student Blogs | 0 Comments

When I sat down to write this, I had to reflect on the term that has shaped a significant portion of my education, especially my college journey....

POV: You are a First Generation Student

by Irelyn Rogan | October 26, 2023 | Uncategorized | 0 Comments

My name is Irelyn Rogan, and I am a first-generation college student. This is a fact that many do not know about me, including some of my closest...

Balancing Extracurriculars in the New Academic Year

by Tiffany Zhu | October 20, 2023 | Student Blogs | 0 Comments

As we dive into a new academic year, one of the hardest parts is readjusting to the study grind after the summer. Whether summer means hanging out...

Tips for Letters of Rec

by Catherine Ferro-Manzanares | May 30, 2023 | Student Blogs | 0 Comments

Asking for a letter of recommendation can be intimidating, especially as a first-year. Most classes are larger, and there isn’t quite a strong...

Financial Aid Frenzy

by Catherine Ferro-Manzanares | May 30, 2023 | Student Blogs | 0 Comments

College applications will have you looking everywhere, and one of the most complex parts of it can be the financial aspect of it. Nearly three years...

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I'm First!

@ImFirstGen

Catherine, #firstgen student at @WUSTL, has some tips on getting letters of recommendations for college admissions, scholarships, etc.!: imfirst.org/tips-for-lette… pic.twitter.com/ctD4oHOYxy

8:00 pm · June 12, 2023

I'm First!

@ImFirstGen

It's so exciting reading about the commitment and dedication institutions are showing to their #firstgen student population! Way to go, @OhioWesleyan! twitter.com/OhioWesleyan/s…

7:30 pm · June 8, 2023

I'm First!

@ImFirstGen

This week's College Partner Spotlight goes to Texas Tech University. You can find more information about the school on UStrive at: app.ustrive.com/colleges/texa…. Thank you for being our College Partner @TexasTech ! pic.twitter.com/8s3Zz89lNE

7:23 pm · June 7, 2023

I'm First!

@ImFirstGen

We'd love to get some stories from recent #firstgen college grads, expressing what it means to have accomplished such a big personal feat!: imfirst.org/stories/ pic.twitter.com/vegSEPdhfJ

8:00 pm · June 2, 2023

I'm First!

@ImFirstGen

For those of you starting your first year of college this fall, deciding on a major is a HUGE decision. Our #firstgen blogger Hailey, current junior at @stedwardsu, give some advice on making the right decision for YOU!: imfirst.org/choosing-a-maj… pic.twitter.com/HwF2lPGvs4

7:00 pm · May 30, 2023

Follow us @imfirstGen

What Being a First-Gen Student Means to Me

POV: You are a First Generation Student

Balancing Extracurriculars in the New Academic Year

Tips for Letters of Rec

Financial Aid Frenzy

Buy the I'm First! Guide to College

Looking for guidance in applying to college?

Check out our blog written by first-gen college students

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