Working with first-generation students presents educators and counselors with unique challenges and potentially great rewards. While the enrolment rate of first-generation students in the U.S. is rising gradually, their retention and graduation rates are dismal and stagnant. Nearly 90% of low-income, first-generation students don’t graduate on time. The dropout rate of these students is also alarming- almost a quarter of them leave after the first year.
It’s a challenge for colleges and teachers to keep these students motivated enough to complete their degree. The very fact that they try to defy societal norms and family systems to pursue their dreams is commendable. But, they need an extra dose of encouragement and inspiration to remain on course.
Sharing the following stories may provide direction and hope to these students:
BA, Organizational Studies; MA, Higher Education Management, University of Michigan
“As soon as I realized I was struggling, I asked for help. I feel grateful for all opportunities.”
This young Latina is a perfect example of quiet resilience and determination. Her Mexican ethnicity and working class background made her different from other students at school. Laura didn’t know much about the college application process except that she wanted to make it through. She wasn’t fortunate enough to have supportive mentors or guidance in her school, so she took it upon herself to secure the resources to become college-ready. She studied hard and her efforts paid off when she was accepted at U-M with a generous scholarship. When she entered college, she realized her difficulties weren’t over. While other students had families to rely upon for support, she struggled alone.
She was fortunate to find a nurturing student organization on the campus and a few motivating educators. She feels her undergraduate experience has sparked her inner activist. She is motivated to follow a career in which she intends to help underrepresented first-gen students. She feels grateful for this opportunity to get a degree as well as a full world of opportunities that have enriched her life. She has completed her Masters in Higher Education Management and plans to work towards making the education system more receptive towards first-generation students.
Bachelor’s Degree, Political Science and Government, Pomona College
“My education gave me confidence in myself and my intelligence.”
Joseph, a Black Latino graduate from Pomona College, is the first member in his family to complete college. In his freshman year, Joseph struggled with feelings of inadequacy and inferiority more than ever. The college didn’t have a big black or Latino population and the other colored students mainly came from upper or middle income groups.
Gradually, he came to terms with his differences and started working on his strengths. Besides helping Joseph to complete his educational requirements with excellent mentorship programs, his college was very gracious with their financial aid. They paid for plane tickets, voice lessons, school books, and even a tuxedo for choir. Joseph claims, “I was able to develop my political and global consciousness and my life has never been the same. My education gave me confidence in myself and my intelligence. I came out stronger, smarter, and more empowered.”
BFA, University of Texas; MFA, University of Illinois
“Education completely changed my life.”
Daniel was the first male in his family to graduate from high school and college. When he first thought of pursuing higher education, he had no idea what college would be like. He remembers being more anxious about money than grades. When he graduated from college, his parents were visibly moved. He says education completely changed his life. He says, “I became totally upper-middle class and married a woman who was of a background I had sort of resented. I became a homeowner and I can afford to put my kids through college without having them work or worry for money.”
Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Texas A&M; currently pursuing Master’s degree from A&M
“The biggest was the looming fear of failure.”
Reaz is a Muslim immigrant and a first-generation college graduate. Belonging to a minority community and a low-income family, Reaz faced discrimination all his life. Instead of feeling defeated by his circumstances, he resolved to change them by pursuing higher education. During his college years, his biggest struggle was the looming fear of failure that if he were to fail, he would be left with a huge unpaid student debt and no support whatsoever. After completing his undergraduate degree, Reaz took up part-time employment at his university and started pursuing a graduate degree in Engineering there. He works hard to pay off his student loans by doing what he loves most, engineering solutions. He says, “I feel I garnered the ability to think critically and develop solutions in college. Some people take away a lot from a university education, while some learn nothing at all, with the rest of us falling somewhere in-between.”
College Tours Can Be Transformational
College tours are another effective tool that can motivate students to pursue higher education. Campus visits make students aware of each school’s financial assistance options; student organizations and mentorship programs to support them; unique learning opportunities at each college, and the culture and communities in and around the schools.
Our meticulously-planned group college tours fit into most budgets and can be customized according to student age group, and college size, academic concentration and culture. Contact Explore Colleges to get a productive and inspiring college tour planned for your middle- and high-school 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
