What it means to be a First Generation College Student

First-generation college student or first-gen is a term used a lot recently in higher education and secondary schools in the United States. A first-gen is a first in their immediate family or part of the first generation in their immediate family to attend college. This means that their parents do not have post-secondary education or Associate's or Bachelor's degrees. As more and more students enter post-secondary education, the count for first-generation college students is also increasing. The most recent survey I found was from 2015-2016, with first-gens making up 56% of the country's college students (National Postsecondary Student Aid).

This exact definition does not necessarily fit me because my mom has a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from Mariano Marcos State University in the Philippines. However, I firmly believe that I am a first-gen because I share the experiences that other first gens go through pre-college and in college. The experiences of a first-generation college student are a rollercoaster. While I do not speak for the entire first-generation population around the country, nor for those at Saint Martin's University, I would like to think that my experiences are pretty universal and not unique to me. 

Waipahu High School (GO MARAUDERS!) hosts College Readiness and Academic Success Hawai`i, or CRASH nights which "aims to prepare students for college and life after high school." (Cadiz, 2020). The different CRASH night sessions teach students how to prepare for college, opportunities to hear from local college counselors, financial preparation for college, and even applying for jobs. While this is an excellent opportunity for families to learn about college, it was not something my family and I attended because I was intimidated. Some parents joined their kids at the event, and some went without their parents. My mom was a hardworking woman, and I did not want her to miss work because of a school function. I somehow just felt that I would figure it out when the time comes. The hard part about being a first-generation college student in America is that the application process to get into a post-secondary school is a lot. When you are new to applying to colleges or are not exposed to anyone who has done it, it is a very intimidating process. You have to complete an application, answer additional questions about yourself, write essays, send your transcripts/test scores, and ask people to write letters of recommendation for you. Oh, but that's not all. You have to figure out how to pay for college, gather your parents' taxes to complete the FAFSA, complete scholarship applications, write essays, and keep up with deadlines. Did I mention you needed to be on top of your classes as a senior in high school?

To some, it is easy to manage. To others, applying to college is too long of a process to even try. The latter is something that rising first-gen college students face. With little to no support from hardworking parents, the process seems daunting. Lucky for me, I had mentors who knew my home situation; hence they were helpful in my application process. However, I recognize that not all students have that same opportunity to check on them for accountability and support. It makes me think about equity and how many students do not try because of how daunting the application process is. Sometimes, staying afloat in classes and extra-curricular activities is already a challenge. Yes, there are resources on campus, but with little funding from the Department of Education, it's hard to promise enough staff to ensure that students do not fall in the cracks. 

What is worth noting is college expenses. What happens after one receives their financial aid package from their respective schools? They read the words "Pell Grant," "Subsidized Loans," and "Unsubsidized Loans." Then they see "Anticipated Aid," "Anticipated Balance after Aid," and numbers that seem not to make any sense. I get it. It is a lot to handle and think about, and for parents who have never gone through this process but know what loans are could be turned away by just the word "loan" and fear "paying for the rest of their life." I have heard stories where parents told their kids not to go to a specific school or pursue higher education because of loans that will take a lifetime to pay off. When there are additional fear-mongered comments and information from unreliable sources through word of mouth, yes, for sure, it is a scary topic.

However, the challenges do not end at the application process. Instead, it continues to college, where additional challenges are faced. When you are a first-generation college student, you may experience a more challenging transition, especially if you move away from home. While getting settled in your dorm, classes, and attend welcome week events, you have to socialize and familiarize yourself with friends and school. At the same time, you have to figure out how you will be turning in your work because some professors prefer online. But first, you are intimidated with syllabi that are AT LEAST 3 pages long. Yes, they are important information, but students only look into some parts of the syllabus: books needed for class, when things are due, and what expectations for the assignments. From my experience, I was overwhelmed with looking at five syllabi for five different courses. It was information overload, and most of the information in the first few pages is the same. Sometimes, there are additional steps to do with the financial aid office: paying their balance, other forms, or verification. When you are a first-generation college student, your parents cannot help you with your application or explain your financial aid package. You are on your own and have to figure it out. Yes, it is scary but so worth it in the end.

To my fellow First Generation College Students, I have a few tips below that I hope will help you.

• When you are in high school, utilize your resources. It is never too early to meet with your counselor and your college counselor about college and what your plans are. Chances are, the sooner you talk to them, the sooner they can get to know you and be able to write the perfect letter of recommendation for you.
• Go to college fairs and ask questions about their colleges and how they support first-gens in their schools.
• Have a calendar or planner where you can put due dates for applications and scholarships.
• Ask your admissions counselor or the financial aid office for scholarships you could apply for or things you qualify for. The worst thing they can tell you is no. 
• Build relationships in college-- on-campus jobs are your best friend. There you will not only make money to help you, but you will have mentors who will teach you skills that will only propel you forward and up. Utilize it. 
• Going to a Community College to start is not a bad idea. Sometimes, it even saves you and your parents more money.
• Breathe. I know it is daunting, and sometimes you want to give up. Trust me; you will do great. You will succeed. "Yes! You will indeed! (98 and 3/4 percent guaranteed). Kid, You'll Move Mountains!" (Seuss. 1990)

What I am trying to say is, our parents work hard for us and our future. Yes, it seems you are alone navigating through life, and what you will do after high school seems like a lot. But, trust me, you can do it. The biggest thing you need to do is build relationships with people around you both in high school and college. Have mentors who will guide you through it. By having one, someone will help keep you accountable while at the same time helping you stay afloat and cheering you on.

To my high school mentors: Ms. Meryl Matsumura, Ms. Tamra Nakai, and Mrs. Joy Takara thank you for having my back and cheering me on applying to colleges. To my college and transition counselors: Mrs. Lisa Scudder, Dr. Pamela Holsinger-Fuchs, and Mrs. Kacie McPartland Lysne, thank you for helping me transition to college and making sure that I found the best place for me.