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.

Tips for Letters of Rec

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

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...

Choosing a Major

College is all about finding yourself and your passion in an almost endless pool of possibilities. A major aspect of that development is declaring a...

Writing Research Papers

Many of my classes are humanities-based, and most of the time, the way we’re assessed by the end of the semester is through research papers. At...

You Did It! Now, Summertime!

Congratulations! You made it through this semester of college! I want to remind you that you are doing a great job in your academic journey. Whether...

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