This article was originally written for FirstGenerationStudent.com, now a part of ImFirst.org.
Growing up, my parents dreamed that my siblings and I would become college graduates. Although I worked very hard toward this goal, there was no way for me to do it on my own. As a first-generation student, I know I would never be where I am today without the caring support of dozens of family members, friends, teachers and mentors. With their guidance, I was able to attend and graduate from Carleton College, an experience which completely changed my life.
I have been able to use my college degree for more than I ever could have dreamed: the organization I founded, College Possible, has grown to help thousands of low-income students like me be on track to be part of the first generation of their family to earn a college degree. The hard work of our students and AmeriCorps coaches, and their ability to work together to surmount so many barriers on the path to a college degree, inspires me every day.
Drawing off my own experiences as a first-generation student and with College Possible, my biggest piece of advice to offer to today’s first-generation students is this:
There is nothing more important to your success than finding your own support system, made up of the people who are committed to helping you make your dreams a reality.
It could be anyone: your family, friends, student groups, professors, staff, co-workers or other mentors. The key is to find the people who can offer advice and serve as sounding boards when you encounter challenges, help you when you need to navigate unfamiliar situations and, in difficult moments, remind you why you’re working so hard to become one of the first in your family to earn a degree.
Looking ahead, I cannot wait to see what today’s first-generation college students achieve! I know you all will change the world!