First Generation: Navigating the Contexts of Higher Education Systems

Last week, we observed National First Generation College Celebration Day. I’ve been thinking about the impact of being first generation makes on my experience. When you’re a first-generation student, navigating the complexities of the higher education system takes longer—you spend so much extra time trying to figure it out. The parents of first-generation students did not attend college, so we learn to navigate higher education on our own. And so navigating systems within higher education (financial aid, program requirements, course registration, etc.) easily becomes a barrier to learning.

Being first-generation means making blunders—real or imagined. It’s asking questions about something and then receiving stares when everyone thinks the answer should be obvious. It’s feeling behind your peers. 

And yet, it’s also being exultant when things go right—and knowing it’s worth the challenge. It’s taking new opportunities to learn. It’s meeting mentors who truly care about your well-being.

My first-generation student experience

As an undergraduate student, I faced challenges understanding and navigating higher education. My parents provided tuition reimbursement (through their work), free laundry, gas money, snacks and hot meals, toilet paper (so important!), and allowing last minute late night arrivals to get away from the dorms. However, I was responsible for paying tuition and figuring out my path.

Luckily, I received good advice and support. I attended community college for two years rather than starting at a big name university (and saved so much money). I transferred the credits to a small college. I worked part-time to reduce my need for loans.

And I made mistakes. College always seemed like the right choice, yet I did not have specific goals—I just wanted to learn, and college certainly allows for that. Goals make higher education more valuable (and help you get a well-paying job rather than describing what interdisciplinary means yet again). After a semester in a master’s program, I learned what I did not want my goals to be. 

Even without the right kind of goals, I made the right decision to attend college. I encountered new ideas, learned to think critically and creatively, and met people who enriched my life. It’s taken several forks in the road to find the right path.

Over 16 years later, I’m nearly done with my first semester of a different master’s program—one that aligns with my goals as a learning designer and writer. I already see where this goal enriches my design journey. And I’m lucky to have a network of mentors, colleagues, family, and friends to lean on in this endeavor. 

Bridging the first-generation gap through relationships

Mentors can make all the difference for first-generation students. With their support and guidance, you learn to recognize milestones and experience opportunities for growth. I value the mentors who’ve shaped my education experience.

First-generation students rise to a challenge, which only makes it more meaningful when we succeed. And when it comes time for the next generation to follow in our steps, we should act as guide for those starting to find their way.

What relationships helped you overcome the challenges of being a first-generation student?