Handling the Pressure of Others' Expectations

by Shantae Edwards

This article was originally written for FirstGenerationStudent.com, now a part of ImFirst.org. Pressure. A single word with a powerful meaning. As a first-generation college student, pressure was a big part of my life. In ninth grade, I felt completely alone. I looked...

Advice for Rural Students on Adjusting to College in Urban Areas

by MyKayla Hilgart

This article was originally written for FirstGenerationStudent.com, now a part of ImFirst.org. I grew up in a small town. To give you some perspective – it is unincorporated, an hour-and-a-half drive away from Walmart in any direction and does not even have a...

How to Turn Professors' Feedback into a Plan for Success

by Shawn Patrick

This article was originally written for FirstGenerationStudent.com, now a part of ImFirst.org. Working in a writing center, I often help students try to understand their professor’s feedback on their essays. The prospect of not being able to figure out what...

Admissions Officers Tell All: How to Stand Out in College Applications

by FirstGenerationStudent.com

This article was originally written for FirstGenerationStudent.com, now a part of ImFirst.org. With the competition heating up for coveted spots at universities around the country, many students worry about their odds of being accepted by their dream schools. One of...

Rethinking What It Means To Be Smart

by Shawn Patrick

This article was originally written for FirstGenerationStudent.com, now a part of ImFirst.org. Growing up, I knew I was smart; I had the test scores to prove it. I excelled in math — so when I enrolled in college, I decided to major in engineering. I confidently...