Blog
Find advice and follow the college experiences of our current first-gen student bloggers.
Set High Goals: Grandson of Farmworkers Becomes President of Fresno State
This article was originally written for FirstGenerationStudent.com, now a part of ImFirst.org. About a month ago, I was appointed as the eighth president of California State University, Fresno (Fresno State). I am honored, humbled and thrilled to begin my duties on...
How to Figure Out Study Abroad as a First-Gen College Student
This article was originally written for FirstGenerationStudent.com, now a part of ImFirst.org. As a child, I pored over world maps and dreamed about countries I hoped to someday visit. I always planned to study abroad in college and was delighted when I was accepted...
How to Get the Most Out of Your Summer Internship
This article was originally written for FirstGenerationStudent.com, now a part of ImFirst.org. So you've landed a summer internship ... Congratulations! The benefits of internships are multiple. It has been shown internships held during college lead to higher-paying...
The First-Generation College Student's Guide to Student Loans
This article was originally written for FirstGenerationStudent.com, now a part of ImFirst.org. Over the past few years, much has been written and discussed in the media concerning student loans. The following is written to help guide you through the complicated world...
College Partner Newsletter: June 2013
We are pleased to present to you the first edition of I'm First's College Partner Newsletter which features latest updates, tips to maximize your College Partnership, important dates and upcoming opportunities to look out for. Click here to view the full June 2013...
How to Turn Your Work-Study Job Into a Resume-Builder
This article was originally written for FirstGenerationStudent.com, now a part of ImFirst.org. My Introduction to the Work-Study Program In late 1988, I visited Oberlin College as a prospective student and quickly knew that the institution would be an excellent fit...
5 Things Every College Freshman Should Know
This article was originally written for FirstGenerationStudent.com, now a part of ImFirst.org. The looming summer months can seem like one big "happy time" for you as a high school student or recent graduate: no school, no books, no cares, no worries! Yet, the...
Give Your Goals a Makeover
This article was originally written for FirstGenerationStudent.com, now a part of ImFirst.org. What does it take to accomplish your goals? Does it take superhuman strength? Or maybe X-ray vision? If you have difficulty reaching a goal, there is no need to don a...
College Partner News: Boston University Welcomes Class of 2017 First-Gen Students
Boston University's University Service Center (USC) welcomes first-generation students who will be the first in their family to graduate college in 2017. Through First Generation Connect the USC serves as a resource for students to ensure smooth and successful...
My Journey to College: Overcoming Impoverished Thinking
This article was originally written for FirstGenerationStudent.com, now a part of ImFirst.org. Making the decision to go to college can be life-changing, and my decision to go to college was based mostly on the fact that my life had changed, quite dramatically. I...