College Visits
DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE THE IMPORTANCE OF A CAMPUS VISIT. I did not take an official visit to my university and luckily I love it. However,…
Things are getting serious
Hey everyone… I hope that your winter break is going swell! I know that I am really enjoying this time to relax and spend time…
Live Life in the Little Moments
I’ve made it through another semester of college – one more and I’ll be halfway done! This all still feels a bit unreal. In just…
Be above the influence and take charge of your life!
First semester of college is one of the most difficult, but exciting times of your life, trying to get your life in order, and get…
The Friends You Can't Even Imagine Yet
In the end, it is people that mean the most in life. No amount of money or successful careers could ever compete with the laughter…
From A "Ghetto" High School to Community College to a University
This article was originally written for FirstGenerationStudent.com, now a part of ImFirst.org. Despite all of the problems I have faced, I still wake up every…
How QuestBridge Changed My Life
This article was originally written for FirstGenerationStudent.com, now a part of ImFirst.org. Note from the editors: We asked Kenny Yim, one of the first participants…
The Struggle of a Freshman
Finally!!! Done with my first semester in college. Definitely, this semester was a learning experience as well as a wake up call. I realized that…
Here’s Your First-Gen Scholarship and Financial Aid To-Do List
This article was originally written for FirstGenerationStudent.com, now a part of ImFirst.org. When I started getting college acceptance letters, I couldn’t contain my excitement. The…
Christmas Countdown and Graduating Early?
Even when you’re not a senior, every final feels like some epic battle to the finish. Tying your hair back, slipping on some sweats, and…
Adulthood, Cliffs, and Criticism
Adulthood, Cliffs, and Criticism Wow. This first semester really flew by. My first semester in college is done. Finito. It’s a very bittersweet joy, I…
Giving My Best Effort For My Biggest Fans
This article was originally written for FirstGenerationStudent.com, now a part of ImFirst.org. I have always been fond of sports analogies because of how accurate they…
Grit and Innovative Thinking: Qualities First-Gens Already Have That Help Them Succeed
This article was originally written for FirstGenerationStudent.com, now a part of ImFirst.org. One of my favorite movies is "I Heart Huckabees." In this movie, one…
Join the I'm First Hangout on Dec. 18th!
December is in full-effect...and so should the completion of college applications! Be sure to join us on Dec. 18th at 7pm ET for the I'm…
How to NOT Handle Finals Week: Lessons from a First-Gen
This article was originally written for FirstGenerationStudent.com, now a part of ImFirst.org. With finals, papers and a litany of other assignments due just around the…
How I Was Shaped By the Challenges of Being a First-Generation Student
This article was originally written for FirstGenerationStudent.com, now a part of ImFirst.org. Considering what it means to be a first-generation college student transports me instantly…
What Size College Is "Right" For You
This article is published in the 2014 I'm First Guide to College. What Size College Is "Right" For You By Karen Gross How can you…
My Adventures as a First-Generation College Student
This article was originally written for FirstGenerationStudent.com, now a part of ImFirst.org. I remember it like it was yesterday: my father had an open-heart surgery…
A Time for Giving Thanks
Hey everyone! It’s that time of year again…Thanksgiving! The one holiday where we all stop and take time to look at everything and everyone we…
Yes, You CAN Study Abroad as a First-Generation Student!
This article was originally written for FirstGenerationStudent.com, now a part of ImFirst.org. Study abroad is on the rise in the U.S. and around the world.…