Blog
Find advice and follow the college experiences of our current first-gen student bloggers.
Midterms and Fall Break
It’s November, and I’m tired in that way that doesn’t always show up on your face, but sits in your chest. The kind of tiredness where your brain is full but foggy. Where you’re behind on everything and somehow still doing too much. Midterms came and went, and...
Freshman Year Tips
Hola! I am beyond excited to write my first post! (It's ironic, isn't it, since this is the “I’m First blog"). But, on a more serious note, let me introduce myself. My name is Aurora Sanchez, a sophomore at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C....
Balancing Burnout: How to Catch Yourself Before You Crash
It’s only early October, but I already feel like I’m dragging myself through the days. I feel like this is the part nobody really talks about... like how the semester doesn’t need to be halfway over to feel like you’re already drowning. Everyone keeps saying “pace...
A Summer of Social Connections: How Nonprofit Lessons Translated into Meaningful College Experiences
This summer, I did something a little different. No, I didn’t backpack across Asia or learn to bake the perfect chocolate souffle (although both are on my bucket list). Instead, I took a small break from research and dove headfirst into the nonprofit world through my...
Senior Year Reset: Goals & Reflections
There’s something about August at Susquehanna: the late summer sun lingering a little longer than it should, the birds singing in the trees, squirrels running across the sidewalks with pieces of food or acorns stuffed in their cheeks, the quiet buzz of students...
My 5-9 After My 9-5
It’s summertime and no school! But wait…now you have a full-time job. The hardest part of transitioning from college to a summer job is the abruptness of sitting in classes and being on your own schedule to working at a full-time summer job from 9am-5pm. Lecture...
Navigating Academics in College: Advice for Incoming Students
As incoming students prepare to embark on their college journey, the question of academic preparedness can be quite scary to think about for all students. Will you be ready for the challenges ahead? Drawing from personal experience, here are some insights and advice...
A First Gen’s Guide to Studying Abroad
Okay, okay, I know I said in my last blog post that I wouldn’t post anything until the fall, but I couldn’t hint at my study abroad experience throughout several blog posts this semester and not talk about it! Of course, I have a little guide about studying abroad and...
You Did It! You’ve Completed Another Year of College!
Ah, yes. The time has come for summer break when we all return home and have an actual break from the hustle and bustle of college life. Although this is a time of relaxation and psyching ourselves up for the fall, I think this should also serve as an opportunity to...
Farewell and Good Luck!
My time writing for the "I'm First!" blog has come to an end, but I am filled with gratitude for the past two years of writing for this incredible platform. It has been an honor to serve as a voice for first-generation students and represent St. Edward's University....