A first-generation student is a person who is in the first generation of their family to attend college. The process of a student going to college can be a lot to handle, even if both parents attended college.

Being a first-generation student has many obstacles that student and their families must overcame. 

“The challenge of being a first-generation college student can be multifaceted with academic challenges, financial challenges as well as social challenges,” said AVID teacher Barbara Madden.

Students trying to go to college especially first generation ones, may feel overwhelmed by the idea of trying to find a college. There are so many to look at and it just makes it harder for one’s family to not have experience with colleges. However, colleges recognize the first generation struggle. 

Just like anyone going to a new school, one can imagine how nervous a first generation-student might be or how uniformed hey may be on campus for the first time.

“I was a first-generation college student and had no idea what to expect when i arrived on campusThe truth is, I didn’t know what i didn’t know and that actually cost me money from not understanding how to manage work-study my first semester,” said Barbara Madden

This is where high-school counselors, AVID programs and the college students willingness to assist students can be helpful to a first-generation student. 

“My teachers have helped me a lot by telling me about college fairs and helping choose a good college,” said senior and first generation student Karley Cardoza.

One of the most helpful things a first-generation student can do for themselves is to just ask questions and ask for help. There are many teachers and counselors are resources for students seeking college assistance.