The First-Generation Experience and What We Are Doing

By: Eli Gutierrez

In a society where a university education is becoming increasingly necessary to survive in an ever-changing job market, many do not know how to begin this quest. Among those clueless as to how to become educated professionals are first-generation students. 

What exactly is a first-generation student? They are those whose parents have not received any form of higher education such as a bachelor’s or master’s degree making them the first generation in their family to pursue higher education. As a result, these students must learn how to become competitive candidates, how to apply for universities in the United States, how to finance an education and explore the different fields of study. 

These may seem normal worries for high school teens; nonetheless, often first-generation students cannot fathom what college entails as they lack a parent with college experience. Among this determined group of first gen individuals are many whose low-income household outpour additional worries such as whether rent will be paid on time. This gap of knowledge and lack of financial revenue is what The Reach Foundation ventures to address for this first-generation population. 

One of these barriers is that we do not know where to begin. As a first-generation’ student, my mother taught me and understood the importance of education as her aunt, a primary teacher in Mexico, instilled the value of an educated woman. To achieve such dreams I placed myself in programs such as

AVID (a college prep class) throughout middle school and high school to learn the ropes of the college application process. 

It is true that once first-generation students arrive on campus, the adjustment to college life spurs a new set of questions, “We’ve made it to college… now what?”, “What will I study?”, “How do I graduate?”, “What’s a resume?” Guidance throughout the college experience is essential to the success of a rising first-generation professional. 

Studies have shown that first-generation college students are 8.5 times more likely to drop out of college than those who have parents with higher education degrees. In addition, 20% of first-generation college students obtained a four-year degree, compared to 42% of continuing-generation students. This is why The Reach Foundation believes it is crucial that their organization mentors their students through and beyond the college application process, the new college adjustment and ultimately, graduation. 

While attending a university that is far from home, I’ve experienced homesickness, a feeling of being overwhelmed and uncertainty. Those who’ve mentored me while in college such as my first-year peer mentor, my Multicultural Student Services counselor or those in my Church and local community, have taught me there are people willing to help but often enough as first-generation students we do not know where to look. 

We are not alone, Professor Malika Jeffries at Boston University highlighted “As a first-gen student, often you don’t know what you don’t know.” Such trouble is what The Reach Foundation centers its focus on, helping students grasp the “how” and “what” for triumphant college graduates, young professionals and remarkable contributors in an evolving American community. Navigating the path to these students’ dreams, with the help of mentors will invariably teach them to advocate for themselves and shape their road to success. 

Go to The Reach Foundation to find out how you can help a first-generation student.