Blog
Find advice and follow the college experiences of our current first-gen student bloggers.
Mid Semester Slump
It never fails. In the beginning of the semester, I am focused, determined, and productive. I study every night and make sure I attend every class. For the first 8 weeks I am the ideal college student. Then something changes after spring break. I get a little lazier,...
Scholarships
A general statistics for scholarships is that you normally only receive one out every thirteen scholarships you apply for. This could sound a bit depressing, however, there are thousands of scholarships out there! Please take the time to be aware of the following: 1....
Study Skills Series: How to Become an Ace Test-Taker
This article was originally written for FirstGenerationStudent.com, now a part of ImFirst.org. Part 4 of our Study Skills Series. Whether it's a quiz or an end-of-semester, cumulative exam worth 90 percent of your overall grade, we all suffer from a little test...
Advice for Smart Students on Succeeding in College
Last week, Lionel Anderson's post "Advice for Smart Students on Succeeding in College" on the New York Times The Choice blog offered some important insight for all successful college students to heed. "Seek mentors who will help you achieve your postgraduate goals."...
First-Generation Students are Like Triathletes in Training
This article was originally written for FirstGenerationStudent.com, now a part of ImFirst.org. College often begins with "orientation week" because the rest of your first semester is a series of disorientations. The move into a dormitory was especially disorienting...
Get to Know the I’m First Dashboard
On April 22, we held a Google+ Hangout discussing our new web app for first-gen students and their supporters, the I'm First Dashboard! Chelsea Jones, Student Support Associate, along with Tiare Dunlap, Student Programs Assistant, gave an introduction and overview of...
Study Skills Series: Speak Up! Contributing to Discussions
This article was originally written for FirstGenerationStudent.com, now a part of ImFirst.org. Part 3 of our Study Skills Series. It's a well-known fact that most people fear speaking in front of their peers more than they fear death. There is, then, a good chance...
Introducing I'm First: A Prezi
Check out our presentation to learn how to use the new I'm First web app and join our community of support for first-generation college students. High school students can build a profile, keep track of deadlines and achievements, connect with colleges that care about...
The Liberty
As I hugged my mom one last time at the airport, I took one last look at the scenery beyond the large window panes. “My new life starts now.” I thought to myself. My first year of college was extraordinary to me. It represented the materialization of a fantasy that I...
Academics and Clubs
I came out of my high school with a 4.0 GPA and was one of the valedictorians for our graduation. I thought I was doing alright, balanced and well-rounded academically. I did well on my AP tests, and I thought that meant I’d be okay in college. Right? I was so, so...