Being the first in your family to attend college is a huge feat that I’ve realized is often not acknowledged as such by first-gen college students. Imposter syndrome can play a huge role in the way people perceive themselves, and I’ve had to actively make it my mission to take moments when I feel overwhelmed in school to credit myself.
Navigating unfamiliar spaces can be scary, and I’ve learned that the college experience isn’t meant to be navigated alone. To other first-generation college students, self-advocacy will get you much farther than you’d expect. Utilizing various resources on your college campus will make the experience much less daunting.
I’ve had to learn to humbly accept the fact that asking for help or guidance is not a deficit in my strengths. Colleges are filled with a plethora of resources intended to be utilized by students, so take advantage of them. This could be anything from utilizing peer tutoring services to frequenting the career or professional development center on your campus. Remember college is an investment, so maximize your time there by utilizing whatever resources are available to you!