I think it’s safe to say college can be compared to a never-ending stair case. It’s an exhausting bitter-sweet experience that seems to go on forever. Whether it’s pursuing a hard (sometimes multiple) major, searching for internships, or planning life after graduation, college students are constantly struggling to succeed as they travel on their academic journeys.
First-generation college students, or students whose parent/s (or family members) did not earn a four-year degree, share different struggles from the typical college student.
It’s common for first generation students to feel unhealthy amounts of pressure to succeed academically and beyond college. The pressure to not only obtain an excellent academic standing, but to have a successful career after graduation.
Will you go to grad school? Will you have a respectable, well-paying job? Will your parents be proud?
As a first-generation student, going to college was a huge milestone in my life. College is supposed to be the key that unlocks a successful future, but it can feel like a weight on your shoulders as the first person in your house to pursue a degree. Now don’t get me wrong, college has been a crazy beautiful challenging experience, but nevertheless, hard. To my family, I’m off doing this great thing, yet they don’t see just how much I’m facing.
I carry the milestone with pride, but I feel the sting of isolation, pressure, and stress that comes with the responsibility. I know that my family wants nothing but the best for me, and they don’t want me to struggle in ways they have. I am very grateful for my family’s support, but sometimes I can’t help but to feel a lot of pressure and stress because they expect more from me than anybody else.
It’s tough being first. But it’s crucial for first generation students to remember that our worries are valid but nonetheless discouraging. Remember, you are setting a positive example for younger family members. You can be that person you didn’t have to give insight on what to expect freshmen year. Enjoy college because you want to make a change in your lives or the world, not because you are pressured to satisfy your family. Instead of wasting energy to question if you’re living up to your family’s expectations, use your energy to optimistically work towards your education.
Be patient with your journey towards success, you got this!