What is a First-Generation College Student? Am I one?
A first generation college is student is one whose parents or guardians did not have the opportunity to attend university as their child(ren) are. This student can face a number of experiences in adversity, most especially during college application season and their first year of college. First Generation and Proud is here to bridge that scary gap that some students are not able to do on their own. Read below to find out the definition of a First Generation college student.
A student qualifies as a “first-generation student” if:
their parent(s) or guardian did not attend high school, college, or receive any standard education prior to becoming a legally considered adult
their parent(s) or guardian dropped out of high school, college, or any form of standard education prior to becoming a legally considered adult
The most challenging process for a first-generation college student is survivor’s guilt. Growing up in a home where little to no relatives pursued higher education can take an emotional toll on the student, contributing to a process called survivor’s guilt.
Though this site is definitely open for all students to use; my focus is on first generation students seeking higher education, most especially pertaining to first gen. students of color and/or marginalized backgrounds (incl. disability, gender, etc). E. recognizes that first generation students come in all races, creeds, and skins, therefore, she has opened this site to those of you who feel you fall under any of the criteria mentioned above. Please be respectful to people’s experiences. E. will try her best to accommodate those of you who feel underrepresented.
