This article was originally written for FirstGenerationStudent.com, now a part of ImFirst.org.
You worked hard, did well in high school, applied to some colleges and got in. Now you are a freshman ready to start your career as a college student. You already chose your classes; you unpacked your things at your dorm and went out to explore the university, possibly going to see where your classes are located to prevent last-minute mix-ups when classes start. This is college, and as a first-generation college student you got over the biggest hurdle: getting in. I also believe you have what it takes to get through the last hurdle of graduating; anyone does if they put forth the effort. The question that you should ask now is what you are going to do in between.
Take Advantage of Opportunities
After going to a few classes and then finishing your homework, you will notice you have some free time. This is when you have to start to realize that being a full-time college student doesn’t just mean going to class and getting good grades. That is what many first-year college students think they will do for their entire college careers, but it would be ridiculous to think that you are paying all that money just to take classes. You are paying that money to BE THERE; in other words, you are paying to make all of the resources at the university available to you. If you are planning on going to graduate or medical school, getting a 4.00 GPA is great, but if you do that and nothing else you will not look very competitive. You are expected to take advantage of all the resources available to you such as sports, clubs, work-study, volunteering, research opportunities and internships.
Improve Physically as Well as Mentally
The freshman 15 isn’t a myth, I came into the University of Illinois weighing in at 150 pounds; by the end of my first semester I weighed 180 pounds. That semester, all I did was study, complete homework and sit by my laptop all day; the most exercise I got was walking from class to class. I also tended to eat a lot in the all-you-can-eat dining hall. Later in the year I began to work out. Aside from weightlifting, I noticed that the university had a tae kwan do group; I had done that for a while in second grade, so I joined. Luckily, I’m now at 170 and steadily going down.
Playing a sport in a university doesn’t have to be a huge thing; you don’t have to be a Division 1 athlete to participate in sports. Most universities have intramural sports groups which are much more laid back and a great fit for those who want to learn a fun new skill or just stay in shape. Make use of your university’s exercise facilities and stay active by doing an organized sport. What you need to remember as a freshman is to strive not only to grow mentally, but to improve physically as well.
Look For Clubs That Interest You
I really like psychology, so just going to the few psychology classes I was taking wasn’t enough. I wanted to get more exposure to it. Everyone has a hobby, an interest or something they want to learn more about. That’s where registered student organizations (RSOs) come in. RSOs are a great way to fill unused time while doing something that you want to do. The University of Illinois has over 1,000 RSOs, more than enough for any student to find a club that he or she would like to join, and many mainstream universities have a large number of RSOs, too. Going through the list at my school, I found the Undergraduate Psychology Association/PSI CHI, which I joined. Be sure to look for a club that interests you and try it out. And, if there is no RSO that fits your interests, make one!
Pursue Work-study
As a first-generation college student I did not hesitate to fill out my FAFSA. I also made sure, as should you, to check the box for work-study. Most first-generation college students from families going through financial hardship qualify for work-study. Getting work-study is a great thing, as it gives you the opportunity to apply to “work-study only” jobs.
To get my job, I went my university’s virtual job board and looked at the jobs available. If you are planning on going to graduate or medical school you will want to try to at least get a job doing something that will teach you a relevant skill. I applied to become a laboratory assistant instead of applying, for example, for dining hall positions. Doing so allowed me work closely with scientists who trained me to use laboratory equipment and increased my understanding in some areas of science. If you can’t obtain a work-study position, then just getting a job is a good thing, the additional revenue will only benefit you.
Volunteer
Volunteering is also important. Giving a bit of time to help your community is a sign of an upstanding citizen. Volunteering does not have to be a chore, and it can be something that fits your interests. If you like animals, you can volunteer at your local Humane Society. If you are interested in a certain organization, you will most likely be able to volunteer your time at its facilities if you ask.
I am a pre-med student, so being exposed to a hospital environment is important to me. After a quick search of the local hospital’s website, I submitted an application to volunteer. If the hospital or other facility at which you want to volunteer at doesn’t have a volunteering application process you can always just give them a call and ask to volunteer. I am now a volunteer in the oncology department of Carle Foundation Hospital, gaining valuable exposure to a hospital environment and giving much-needed help to the very busy nurses. Volunteer if you can, and help your community.
Get Involved in Research
As a participant in higher education you should put some effort into expanding society’s current knowledge. You have the opportunity to do so at a university. Research is not only essential for graduate and medical school applicants, but for society as a whole. Most universities are research-orientated, and getting involved in research is not very difficult as long as you show willingness to do so. It’s likely that research is being conducted in every college within your university, and you can find a research team that suits your interests. If you like plants, look into your university’s plant biology division; if psychology interests you, you can play with lab rats all day.
Usually, large universities have many research teams. The first thing that you should do is look at a faculty roster or something similar. Find out what faculty members are doing and what they are researching, and then email those who are involved in projects that pique your interest. You could even email a professor whose class you took and found interesting: I contacted one of my psychology professors who taught a neuroscience class I found very interesting. Ask that professor about any research that he or she is doing, show an interest in it and then ask if you could do anything to help. Sometimes you’ll need to complete an application process, but usually it is much less informal. Persistence is key; I have heard professors say that they only respond to emails from students who ask a certain number of times. Once you get in, you will likely find it very interesting, and you will gain valuable experience along with helping society grow.
Look for an Internship
Internships are useful for anyone who is preparing for a specialized job, and of course for graduate and medical school applicants as well. In an internship, you gain real-life hands-on experience in a position and get a feel for what it is like, as well as build relevant skills that will help you look like a more attractive candidate for future jobs. Internships are often harder to get than regular jobs as there are many competitive applicants, and sometimes they are not even paid; however, this should not dissuade you from pursuing one. They are very important for gaining experience, and will help you explore your career field.
First, talk to an academic adviser about your interests and ask about available internships. Internships are usually hard to find on the web and your adviser will know about most internships, even some that aren’t advertised publicly. If you cannot find one in your university, ask around. I was able to do a great summer medical internship in Mexico after calling a local hospital near my mother’s former house. The point is that you have to be persistent in looking for an internship. Getting an internship is something that will also require you to be a competitive applicant, which is why you should take advantage of the opportunities your university has to offer early on.
Make the Most of Your College Experience!
As a first-generation student you may be completely focused on just graduating: You got this far and all you want to do now is finish. It is important to not let all the opportunities you have as a student at the university level pass you by! You got this far because the admissions committee believes, as I do, that if you keep putting forth the effort that you did to get into your university, than you have more than what it takes to graduate. This is where you have to grow as a person and increase your effort. Be unsatisfied with just graduating, make the most that you can out of your four years and strive for excellence.