First-generation (FG) college students, or students whose parents have not earned a four-year degree, face unique challenges. Nearly half of the FG student population is low-income. Many of them belong to a racial or ethnic minority group. They are also susceptible to feelings of guilt, isolation, and distress when they make a decision to break away from family tradition and pursue higher education. Moreover, they may feel unable to forge meaningful, supportive relationships with their peers in the college community. As a result, the drop-out rate of FG students is four times higher than students from educated backgrounds.
Teachers and counselors can help prepare and equip them to cope with these challenges if they understand what motivates and discourages these students.
They Suffer From “Breakaway Guilt”
Leaving family behind to attend college far from home isn’t easy for any freshman student, but for first-generation students, homesickness and loneliness are often intermingled with guilt. Especially for students from immigrant families who are sometimes the sole English speakers in their households, there can be the unnerving and difficult feeling that they have abandoned their families. Their decision to break away to pursue academic dreams is not always welcomed by families who perceive it as a sign of rejection.
- They Yearn to Belong
First generation students sometimes perceive themselves as “different” at home and at school. They struggle to fit in. Their financial woes may not allow them to participate fully in the social activities on and off the campus. Whether it is vacationing with friends or participating in clubs or societies, many activities are out of reach of low-income students. The situation can be worse in smaller colleges in remote locations where alternative activities are not available.
- They Struggle Financially
At many schools, tuition, room and board are often covered by scholarships, grants and other sources for first-generation students. But there are other expenses like books and travel home that may be stressful on their families since 50% of all first-generation college students in the US are low-income. These students frequently must enroll in co-op programs, find a part-time job or work all summer rather than participating in non-paying internships. They can’t afford to work for free.
FG students looking for guidance and tips about the complicated college application process can benefit from downloading the easy-to-use apps listed in our blog “Top Five Mobile Apps to Keep Your Students Organized During the Application Process.”
- They Aren’t Prepared for College Life
The difference in expectations and challenges that students face in college is often a shock to the system for freshmen. Students whose parents or guardians have been through it and can provide guidance and reassurance can have a leg up on those whose parents have not.
For FG students, college tours can be pivotal in introducing them to college culture and opportunities. They can investigate if there is an active first generation student support system or organization on the campus.
- They Lack Family Support
Although families of FG students may take pride in the academic accomplishments of their children, they are not always able or willing to provide emotional, financial, and professional support during the transformational college phase. When things get rough, other students can turn to their families for advice or help, while these students struggle to cope on their own. Mounting student debts, strained peer relationships, academic pressure, limited professional guidance, and many other stressful factors can make these lone souls feel abandoned and demotivated to stay on course.
How can you help?
The good news is that educators and counselors can provide help at a very practical level. Identifying high potential FG students as early as possible and encouraging them to take AP and Honors classes can improve their chances of getting accepted in a college. Helping them take self-assessment tests and guiding them on the federal aid statement (FAFSA) and the college application process can be pivotal.
In addition to these, consistent emotional support and morale boosting can be invaluable for these students. Read more about encouraging these students in our blog “How Parents of First-Generation Students Can Encourage Them to Go to College.”
It’s an admirable and challenging task to inspire students with mixed motivations and limited resources to complete their higher education and shape their careers. Fortunately, teachers and counsellors can draw on many tools and programs such as college tours. Visits to actual campuses and their neighboring communities will provide students insight into the unique learning and earning opportunities that will become available to them when they are in college and after they graduate. This can be a catalyst in their decision-making process and a motivator to work harder in their classes and extracurricular activities.
Our meticulously-planned college tours for middle- and high-school students are designed to help counselors inspire students. We customize tours according to geographic regions, college size and type, educational concentration, culture, and age group of students.
Kathie Boozer is the founder and president of Explore Colleges, a premier college group tour operator. Explore Colleges’ customized tours help students experience the unique cultures, environments, and opportunities on each campus and inspire them to follow their dreams. Contact Kathie at kboozer@explorecolleges.org
