This article was originally written for FirstGenerationStudent.com, now a part of ImFirst.org.
One thing that my college career thus far has taught me is that the ability to continually cultivate inspiration is a key to keeping yourself driven, focused and resilient. Many of us as first-generation students share stories of parents whose dreams of higher education were pried from their grasps; however, sometimes this inspiration can fizzle when living within the dynamic of university life—the classes, internships, work, activities and so forth. For this reason, I have compiled a few tips on how to keep yourself motivated throughout your college experience.
Healthy Competition
Competition can be a good motivational tool, so long as it is in healthy doses and does not consume you. One way I like to participate in a little competition is actually rather passive: I use LinkedIn.
We have all heard of this “professional Facebook,” and many of us have created profiles and simply left them there to collect dust in the deep, dark corners of the Internet; however, LinkedIn allows you to do something I like to call “collegiate comparative analysis.” LinkedIn is my way of seeing a resume-like snapshot of an individual: their work experience, the activities in which they’re involved, the articles they’ve published, etc. By researching your peers on LinkedIn you can see what others have accomplished and how they are experiencing college.
Without a doubt, you will come across incredibly accomplished people, and that is exactly what you want. Use the accomplishments of these people to inspire you to do more, accomplish more and partake in a more dynamic college experience. Chances are, you will find new opportunities that you never would have come across otherwise, including internship openings, on-campus organizations you can join and even fellowship and scholarship programs that may apply to you.
Now, do not take my advice as a recommendation to mirror someone’s accomplishments. Remember that every person’s college experience is unique; you are a unique individual and you want to capitalize on what makes you one of a kind. However, you can view others’ accomplishments as motivation to excel.
Further, connecting with others on LinkedIn can also be a great networking opportunity. While many of us may think of networking as something more suited for the elite or only for businesspeople, networking is an important part of every career and at its root it is the practice of surrounding yourself with people who will help you grow as an individual.
Find a Cause
Remember, college campuses offer much more than your high school campus. Here, you can find a cause in a multitude of ways.
First, you can take the traditional route of joining of an on-campus organization that works with a charity, group or cause you are passionate about. This can be a great way to build a group of friends, especially if you are having a particularly hard time socializing in your new college environment: we tend to be more open and sociable when discussing or taking part in an activity that greatly interests us.
Another option is the more academic route. Let’s say that you are really passionate about eliminating poverty in the developing world or, closer to home, poverty in the United States. Find out which professors’ research aligns with your interests and look into the possibility of being a research assistant. Not only will this help you gain work experience in an academic setting and build relationships with your school’s faculty; it will also help you continue to cultivate your passion.
Want something off campus? Look into nearby organizations. Anything from nonprofits to think tanks can offer great ways to develop your passions, while also exploring possible work opportunities open to you in the future through such organizations. Whether you intern or simply volunteer your time, your experience can help you learn, grow and interact in a more professional manner.
By engaging in your passions, you will help create a positive environment around you that will allow you to focus on your school work and have a positive college experience. Not to mention, for many, finding and cultivating a passion is the beginning of discovering a career!
Keep your experience personal
As alluded to earlier, as first-generation students we often have personal stories that have carried us through childhood with a desire to pursue higher education. Keep your story intimately close and make it part of your experience.
I became involved with First Generation Student as a way to help those who may find themselves in need of assistance because of their first-generation status. I find doing this incredibly important, as often in today’s society student after student is cycled into college with a generic desire to obtain a degree to “get a good job.” As first-generation students, our experience is something more: it is the manifestation of hard work, resilience and a desire to do what others before us could not for various reasons. Remember that and let it continue to motivate you to accomplish all that you possibly can.