First-Gen Students | Alumni

One of the many hurdles I have faced as a first-generation student has been stepping outside of my comfort zone and attempting new things. However, I think I can say that rising to that challenge has only had beneficial effects on me. I want to say to any fellow first-generation students: don't be afraid to try new things and step outside of your comfort zone. You could be surprised by your own abilities!

Being president of the first-generation organization at TAMIU, Gen One, I have been at the forefront of seeing how impactful it is when students with similar mindsets come together to accomplish something big. As a college peer, I would like to share that it is okay to feel like there are many obstacles that inhibit a path. We all go through it at least once in our life. It is what we do with situations like these that make us resilient and stand out from others.

Also, as student and child of immigrants we are highly expected to continue our studies to be able to succeed in life and have a career. Having a career was something my family was looking forward to for me to obtain. I’ve been trying to maintain high grades in my classes, obtain good grades on my exams, and pass my classes. I’ve done everything mostly by myself since elementary because my mom was not able to help me out due to not knowing English or sometimes not being able to understand the questions given on my assignments.

Since most of the time I would struggle with some of my assignments, I would ask for help either with my classmates or my professors. My professors informed me about all the assistance that was available at my institution such as tutoring being offered for free to students. I really didn’t know about all the resources the schools had for students, if it wasn’t for my professors who informed me. Now I’m taking advantage of these resources to be able to understand better the material and receive better grades on my assignments. Tutoring has helped me build up great learning skills and overcome the challenges I face with my school assignments.

My advice as a first generation student myself is to always seek academic help if you feel that you are struggling with any material in school. Sometimes it might be difficult to be able to do things on your own, especially if your parents are not able to help you out. If you don’t feel comfortable with talking to your professors, you can always ask for help with your classmates. You can seek group studies or group partners who are also willing to learn and understand any material in which they are struggling with too. Help will always be available and no one should be afraid to ask.

To overcome these challenges, I attended different study sessions and tutoring that TRIO provided us first-generation students to be successful. TRIO is a second family which helped me feel at home and I feel like I had their full support from the beginning. My advice for first-generation students is to keep motivated. Motivation leads to success and will have a great outcome at the end. Also, seek different opportunities that are offered on campus or outside of campus. Be open-minded with everyone you get to meet and create special bonds because those bonds can lead to lifelong friendships.

It is very easy to accidentally procrastinate and feel the pressure of college life, especially when you are attending all the classes everyday and paying attention and still not being able to understand the lesson. It can be very stressful and it can make you feel dumb.

First I acknowledged that I was struggling in my classes. Then I went out to seek help anywhere I could in TAMIU. The TRIO program office, the Counseling center, and Dr. Barbara Hong helped me navigate through my transition, always being there for me when I needed it. Then from what they taught me I started a new study habit to better learn in class: ask questions, take notes before, during, and after class, read the book before class so you have a somewhat understanding of what you are about to discuss, and most importantly do not get burnt out, take small breaks. I now feel like I am truly learning in my classes and I have gotten more involved in class lectures, asking many questions and taking notes on what the professor has said.

My advice to other first generation students is simple: don’t give up. You will fall, you will break, you will cry, you will regret, but not throwing in the towel is the key factor in meeting your goal. Failing up is what Dr. Barbara Hong has taught me in her book and I take that to heart because all my life I have literally been failing up. You can fail many times, but I rather keep failing than giving up completely.

So, when I began the transition from high school to college, it was rough! I had to rely on my counselors and some close teachers and older cousins. My mom tried to help me as much as she could, but she did not understand about where to apply, scholarships, and all that good stuff. So, learning how to manage my time and learn new study skills and manage stress and my whole life all at once was difficult. It was trial and error all through my first semester! The transition was a bit smooth because I took some college courses in college, so I was a bit used to it. The only thing that mainly threw me off was the number of readings professors assigned, and the length of essays and exams was challenging initially.

Furthermore, when it came to money, I had to look for scholarships and grants on my own and decide on the school that would offer me the most help, and for me, luckily that was here at TAMIU, so I was able to stay home with my mom and save money. I had gone through times when I wondered if I would have enough, but now that I am in TRiO, I know they will help me look and apply for more scholarships. The good thing about being first generation is that you get to experience something no one in your family has, so it will be a new journey for you and your family.

My advice to any first-generation would be not to be afraid to ask for help from anyone. Go out there and look for opportunities to help you get closer to your goal. Even if there are many steps to find those opportunities, it will be worth it! Also, programs like TRiO would be one of those programs that helps you in your college journey!

However, I went on to receive my associate's degree in 2019. Then I transferred to TAMIU where Covid-19 and virtual learning affected my mental health. This is when I received some of the lowest grades of my life, but with the support of my family and friends I overcame this hardship. I finished that semester on the Dean's list.

In fall of 2021, I found out I was going to be a mother to my first child. This didn't serve as an obstacle and instead served as an inspiration to be the best educated version of myself. I became a full-time college student and finished with honors. Once again, the support and love from my family is the reason I will be graduating. 4 years ago, I never imagined I would be finishing my bachelor's degree with my 7-month-old.

After all my accomplishments, it was love and encouragement from loved ones that served as the backbone for my success. Essentially, I am here today because of those that helped me along the way.

I was born in Saltillo, Mexico and I have been living in Laredo for over 8 years. I am a first-generation student hoping to graduate this fall semester.

As a first-generation student, the biggest challenge was finding the best study routine to be able to work and at the same time, be a full-time student.

Through my years at TAMIU, I have learnt that by keeping my same downer mentality, I was setting an unconscious limit to my true potential and remained within my set boundaries. When I began being my own supporter, I accomplished things such as interning at a big company and networking with many potential employers.

For this reason, believing in myself has been and will continue to be my biggest battle. Just like in my case, first-gen students, or really any person, should start believing they are capable of anything. When one does that, the limit actually doesn't exist.  

Coming from Miguel Aleman Tamaulipas, I never would have imagined that I would be graduating from TAMIU this upcoming December. Having to learn English by myself has made me proud of my effort and achievements.

While in college, I was able to contribute to many organizations such as Student Government Association, STAR Club, TRiO and even worked as a Peer Mentor for University College. To everyone that I had the honor to work with, thank you for always supporting me and keep me motivated through my years here.

Gracias a mi familia por todo el apoyo.

Not only having some difficulties with academics, but also trying to balance my mental health, physical health, and relationships outside of school. A way on how I was able to balance or overcome these hardships with lots of stress behind them was by taking it step by step. Planning out my weeks day by day, time by time helped me stay organized and on track.

Although there will be many more bumps to come, that does not prevent me from keeping on trying and moving forward with the desire to complete my STEM degree.