Going to College is Not Like the Movies for First-Generation College Students

By Domonique Brown on June 20, 2017

For many, going to college is the highlight of their life. It’s a time of freedom, enjoyment, and self-discovery. For the next four years, students would have the luxury of the college experience, spring breaks in Florida or Mexico, taking unpaid internships with big companies, frequent eating out, and even exploring events in their college towns.

However, this story is different for low-income and first generation college students. For them, college can be a time of food and housing insecurity, and academic struggle. Unfortunately, only 40 percent of first-generation college students complete and receive their degrees.

First-generation college students are often low-income, and they find themselves worrying about money much before college. They don’t have the luxury of asking their parents to take out loans on their behalf, or even to give a small monthly allowance to contribute to their college experience. More often than not, they are salvaging every penny of their refund checks (if they get any), sneaking snacks out of the dining halls for study breaks, and thriving on dollar menus at fast food restaurants when dining halls are closed. They often turn down reasons to go out with friends because they’re “too busy,” when in fact, they don’t have the money to go out. More often than not, they forego study abroad trips for the same reasons they do not go out: they just cannot afford it.

First-generation college students also often feel disconnected to the culture of their campuses. Most first-generation college students are people of color. In addition to feeling possible class differences, first-generation college students also feel cultural disconnects. First-generation low-income students typically come from ethnic enclaves and find themselves in class spaces with students who can’t relate to their economic or cultural backgrounds. This can lead to psychological alienation among students who identify as first-generation and low-income.

While my parents were very loving, supportive in every way they possibly could be, and always taught me that I could achieve and have anything if I am willing to work for it, college somtimes felt like I was playing catch up with others who came from more privileged backgrounds and always seemed 5 steps ahead. For me, what helped me get through college despite facing all of these challenges was joining groups of first-generation college students; it helps to not feel alone.

I also learned to utilize all that was on my college campus. I didn’t realize how many resources they had, for tutoring, buying cheap textbooks, and even scholarship programs dedicated to students like me, such as The Norman Topping Student Aid Fund at the University of Southern California (my alma mater). Ultimately, first-generation college students need more support, and most universities have many sources to utilize.

Despite all of the struggle, being four years later, and looking at my nicely framed degree on my wall, I’d have to say it has been the best four years of my life, and I only hope that it gets better from here!

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