Essay On Becoming A First Generation College Student

This was especially made more evident to me whenever my parents explained their backgrounds and the dreams they had for me. The highest education my father ever achieved was high school and my mother managed to make it to college. However, both of them were not able to achieve their educational dreams. There were many factors in which played for them not being able to fully realize their goals; such as money and family. Because of this they both wish for me to be able to accomplish my dreams and they were adamant that there was no place better to do that than the United States. They instilled in my brain that education is the key for success and happiness, which has always made me try my best in all of my educational pursuits. I do this not only to show appreciation for what my parents have done for me, but for my own sake as well. I am fully aware that there are countless people all over the world that would give anything just to be able to be apart of this country. This gives me the motivation to always push myself to achieve the highest education possible and to go above and beyond to make something out of my

As a first generation college student, I have the desire to not only make my parents proud of my academic achievements, but to be the first person in my family to receive a college degree. At a very young age, I was always expected to receive A’s and B’s in my school assignments, as well as my final grades. However, I was never rewarded or congratulated whenever I did receive those grades because it was already expected of me to achieve them. Hence, a time in which I have experienced failure but also felt like I let my family down was when I received a D in my Critical Thinking course I was already retaking for the second time.

My family has always been the center of my universe. They’ve taught me the importance of being united and taking care of one another—because in the end, all we truly have is each other. My parents have raised me to be a good daughter, sister, and citizen. They’ve shaped me to be respectful, responsible, and virtuous, knowing these values will last a lifetime. But above all, my parents have instilled in me an appreciation and eagerness for education.

Being a first generation student in my family has always motivated my desire to succeed academically. So, I was always encouraged to put my education in front of everything else. I believe that going to college will help me figure out my hidden skills and develop my full potential to adjust in the real world. I want to be a psychologist, helping and counselling people. For this, I need to earn a doctorate degree. Besides, college will help me to meet new people, gain experience and skills to get a decent job.

The American dream, is dreamt by many, but achieved by few. The road to prosperity and success is tough, but with hard work and dedication, the dream is soon to become reality. In many cases, people plant their seed in a community college close to home; where they’re able to stay with their family, while keeping the American dream alive. Personally, I believe Community colleges benefit in many ways like; saving you money, offering more time to decide your future and it allows your voice to be heard. In the article, “Bridges or Barriers”, the writer tells the readers that “Community colleges have a critical role to play in providing access to the American dream.” Community colleges do have a critical role in achieving the American dream, but in order to achieve success you’re going to have to want it.

A change within my life that helped me grow was getting a job. My first job, was as at Little Caesars as a shaker-boarder. My motivation was to help pay my family’s bills. I had to perform tricks, dance, and wave a sign on the corner of Holgate and Division. Eventually motivated I moved up the ranks from shaker-boarder, dish washer, to preparing dough, all during my last term of high school. However, my parents worried that I may dismiss my education for money. After discussing the matter though, it was agreed I would keep my job to pay for college.

My parents didn't have the opportunities that we have. Both my parents had to quit school at a young age, they had to find a job and help my grandparents pay for bills. My mom wanted to have an education she wanted her diploma but she wasn't able to achieve that goal. To her and my father is important for us to get an education for us to finish high school and go to college because they want all their kids to have a better life and be able to support our children in the future. From day one when I started kindergarten my parents push me to do my best and I don't plan to let them down.

When high school seniors choose to not go to college, it frees up so many jobs for people that have college degrees. For example, when a senior in high school goes to college, that can wreck another person’s dream of becoming an accountant, for instance. When that one person doesn’t go to college, they will get an entry level job that can give them valuable skills to take into life.

Growing up, for most people, going to college is not an option- its an expectation. In our society, going to college has become a fundamental part of our education, becoming an adult, and for most people just simply part of our lives. However, as people grow up and experience reality, the realization hits that college may not be as simple as once thought. As much as attending college is expected from the majority of young people, dropping out of college is not. Even with the idealization of the college experience, some students are forced to cut their education short due to a plethora of issues. Every person has individual problems they have to face such as family, money, or mental issues, but there might be multiple reasons and levels of

“There are so many accountants but it’s so difficult to get somebody, who is a new graduate, but already knows [the job]. [Their] college education should have prepared them for that.” – Lucy Tarriela, Asst. Treasurer, Employers Confederation of the Philippines.

As I look back on my journey to college, I faced many different problems and disadvantages even before taking my first steps on campus. In Linda Banks-Santilli’s “Guilt is one of the biggest struggles first-generation college students face” many first generation students view being the first one in the family as a major flaw before entering college (Banks-Santilli, 2015, Par. 4 &7). The lack of self-respect makes it difficult for students to achieve success without help or motivation. The students have to change their viewpoint about being the first to go to college in their family as a weakness and make it a strength to help motivate them to be better students. At the beginning of college, I viewed being a first-generation college student

How exciting you’re an incoming freshman at Langston University! I’m here to tell you about my first year at Langston. I wish I had someone to tell me to share the dos and don’ts of being a first time college freshman and what to expect. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when trying to survive your first year of college.

The world is a constantly changing place, just 50 years ago, it wasn’t customary or even expected, to go to college. So what makes people feel like college is expected of them now? Just because the majority of people agree on something doesn’t mean it is right. People continue to do what everyone else wants when in reality, what they want may be completely different. College is an individual decision for people to make on their own. What they decide is incredibly important, because college is a huge stepping stone in a person's life and he or she should consider every side before making a decision. Going to college has

I was a good student during my time in elementary, middle, and high school. My grades were A’s, B’s, and a C every now and then. I really did not struggle in grade school with work. My mother was a single parent and did not play around with me about school. She stayed on top of me about making good grades. When I finished high school, my mother was proud of me for graduating without making some of the mistakes she made. When I started college, I was all on my own when it came to making sure I was making good. I would not say that my mother did not care about my education. She just eased up on me so that I can make my own choices. I believe this is where my learning in college begins. College was so hard for me because, I did not feel smart. I hated to go to class and sit around the other students, I thought was understanding everything the professor would say the first time because no one ever asked questions. I can relate to David’s situation because I knew what my problem was but I kept it to myself and would not ask for help or dare to raise my hand to ask a question. I

My family is very inspiring to me. I am very thankful that my parents brought me into this world. Growing up my parents always showed me how exactly things work in life. One of the hardest things that I had to accept was that I could not have everything I wanted. There were times when my parents spoiled me but I was always taught to be thankful of the things that I had and to not be so selfish. Having two other siblings helped me prevent the want of being selfish. I do not know what I would do without my family. My family is very inspiring because they show me all aspects on how I should live my life through their experiences like education, parenting, and work ethic.