Courage Through Support: My First-Generation Story at Merrimack

by Megan Packard | May 28, 2014

This article was originally written for FirstGenerationStudent.com, now a part of ImFirst.org. The Beginning Throughout my life sports always came before anything else, including school. My dad was always there, taking me to practices and games and staying for the...

Finding Strength in First-Generation Status

by Marybeth Gasman | May 21, 2014

This article was originally written for FirstGenerationStudent.com, now a part of ImFirst.org. I was the first in my family to attend college. My parents never had the opportunity, but made sure that I did. They couldn’t support me financially, but my mother in...

Your College Success Strategy: 5 Tactics from a First-Gen Student

by Qwanesha Smith | May 14, 2014

This article was originally written for FirstGenerationStudent.com, now a part of ImFirst.org. Take it from someone who knows: adapting to college life can be a real challenge! Not only does studying go from a 30-minute task to a three-hour feat, but sleep can become...

Being a Low-income, First-generation Student at an Elite College

by Lynda Lopez | May 7, 2014

This article was originally written for FirstGenerationStudent.com, now a part of ImFirst.org. I never expected a student like me to struggle in college. I graduated in the top five percent of my class, had been awarded a Questbridge Scholarship to attend the...

College Shopping: Finding The Best Fit For You

by Sarah Corley | April 30, 2014

This article was originally written for FirstGenerationStudent.com, now a part of ImFirst.org. There are two approaches to shopping: hope something stands out as you browse the aisles or know what you need beforehand. This was especially true when I recently tried to...