Advice for Going to College as a First Generation Low Income (FGLI) Student

I am a first-generation low income college student.

Two years ago, if you had told me that I would be beginning my college experience in Chicago, I would laugh. In fact, I never explicitly had a conversation with my parents about whether or not I would go to college; it was always expected of me, insisting that an emphasis on education was my “way out” and necessary to “break the cycle.” Having to grow up in an environment of little financial security, it was my key to an independent, secure and successful future.

As I wrap up my freshman year of college, I realize that my parents had forgotten something; the importance of what I learned inside the classroom (or should I say on zoom) was similar to the significance of what I learned beyond academics. One of my proudest milestone moments is, without hesitation, independently packing up to attend a college across the Atlantic ocean. Growing up within close proximity to my relatives, most of whom have lived in the same place their entire lives, leaving was never something that I had considered. I never grasped the endless possibilities the world had to offer until college. I had also never grasped the endless possibilities that I had to offer to the world. Leaving for college has allowed me to start becoming my own person; free from any influence that would have previously swayed my decision-making

Here is my first piece of advice: know that you are not the only first-gen student. Say that over and over.

I wish I’d realized how many of my fellow classmates were exactly like me and found them sooner. A lot of colleges have staff members and orientation programs dedicated to making sure that first-gen students feel like they are a part of campus. Luckily, I participated in these programs and reached out to fellow students and felt far more involved as a result.

Another piece of advice is to speak to advisors, fellows and any other resources and personnel available to you. As first-gen students, we have a tendency to doubt our abilities and not believe that there are people at our institutions that care about us and want to help us. Speaking to others can reassure you that you’re cared for, not alone, and more than capable of studying at your respective institutions. Furthermore, there are a multitude of academic resources to help you with your classes. Office hours are a great resource with a number of benefits. You don’t always need to have questions to go; you can always go and listen to questions other students have. If you experience difficulties in a professor’s class, they are more likely to be flexible and work with a student who shows continued effort and dedication outside of class time.