Graduation is soon approaching. The intensity of graduation is starting to build. I am a bit nervous about the future and what to expect while being in graduate school, but I know that there are good things in store for my future. While graduation is only a couple of days away, I am so excited to walk across the stage! I know that once I see my bachelor’s degree in my hand, the emotions are going to rise! Being a first-generation student that is soon about to graduate from school is a big accomplishment for me! Not only I am able to truly set a standard in my family, but I am able to show my family that they are very capable of achieving great things with education. I am proud to be able to show my family that they can graduate from college, and that they have what it takes to further their education. I know that by graduating, I am able to use this achievement in order to inspire and encourage the people surrounding me that they can not only graduate from college, but they can achieve academic excellence during their college journey! I hope that my story of being a first-generation student not only inspires others who share similar struggles than me, but it even inspires the people around me who have experienced a different path and may have had different struggles that I have experienced.

Even though graduation is right around the corner, I just want to give a last piece of advice to all of the future graduates who will be graduating this year. You are should truly be proud of yourselves, and even if you are uncertain or unsure of the future, everything will eventually work itself out. Understand that this is not the end! You all are made for a time such as this, and you deserve every single celebration to honor you! This is your moment, so definitely take full advantage of it! You all are going to do amazing things in the future! I am very proud to all of you who have made it this far! You are so deserving of this moment, and all of the celebration! If you are nervous or uncertain of the future, do not be! Try to not worry about the unknown and what the future may hold. Only take things one step at a time! I know you may seem nervous about the future, but do not be! You will have everything figured out in due time and eventually you will have time to adjust to the next chapter and phase of your life! Continue to keep a set goal in mind after graduation and remember to utilize any resources that may help you with the transition after graduating college. Continue to work hard, stay organized, and preserve! Always remember the strength that you possess while being the first person in your family to graduate college. You all deserve all of the recognition and should be beyond proud of yourselves! Truly understand that you can achieve greatness not only during your college journey, but in every aspect of your life!