Cesar
Share Your Story
When I submitted my undergraduate application to the University of Michigan, I believed my journey as a first-generation Latino student would distinguish me from other applicants. Not simply because of my cultural, financial, or academic background, but because of the work ethic, perseverance and dedication that brought me to that moment. Attending Michigan was not always financially possible for me, even after receiving my first acceptance. Yet, despite these obstacles, I remained determined to pursue an education at a university I believed would provide me with the opportunities and resources to succeed. That determination led me to a community that would shape my college experience in ways I could never have imagined. At Michigan, I found a welcoming Latino community, lifelong friendships with people who shared my interests, and a network of hardworking students who valued academic excellence. Each of these connections has played an important role in shaping the person I am today. My story is unique, but my determination is not. When I look around campus, I see students from all walks of life, each overcoming their own challenges, pursuing their ambitions, and working toward a future they can be proud of. In many ways, I see reflections of myself when I first arrived at Michigan. Someone new full of hope, ambition, and determined to make the most of every opportunity. Being a first-generation student has taught me that success is not measured by the doors we are presented with, but by the resilience we demonstrate, the relationships we build, and the ways we uplift those around us. I am proud to be a first-generation Latino student at the University of Michigan, not only because of how far I have come, but because I now have the opportunity to help others recognize just how far they can go.
Your advice for other First-Gen students
Four years pass in the blink of an eye. Throughout your college journey, you have two choices. You can leave behind everything you’ve learned, experienced, and achieved, only to look back on it later in life, or you can take that hard-earned knowledge and apply it to your future endeavors. You are going to mess up, a lot. There will be moments when dropping out feels like the best decision for yourself. There will even be moments when past failures will still linger behind you. But I want you to remember something… How happy were you when you first got accepted into this prestigious university? How proud were you when you received your acceptance letter? Remember that feeling. Hold on to that flame, and let it fuel your ambition. It will get hard. It will rain on Fridays. There will be days when everything feels overwhelming, and sometimes, it may even feel hopeless. But remember how far you’ve come. You worked hard to get here, and you deserve to be here just as much as anyone else. Never let a difficult semester or a bad grade convince you otherwise. And remember, asking for help or changing your path doesn’t mean you’ve failed. One piece of advice I cannot emphasize enough is this: Don’t go through college alone. Surround yourself with friends who genuinely care about you. These are the people who will celebrate your achievements, support you through your struggles, and make even the most ordinary days memorable. Just as they become part of your college experience, you become part of theirs. They will remember you years from now, just as you will remember them. Most importantly, don’t forget to live your life outside the classroom. Stay active. Go for that run. Buy that outfit you’ve been wanting. Be confident in yourself, even when you’re still figuring things out. Join that club, attend that event, introduce yourself to someone new, and take opportunities that push you outside your comfort zone. Success doesn’t come without risk. You won’t always know whether something will work out, but sometimes the experiences that scare you the most are the ones that help you grow. Make the most of your time here. Don’t base your entire college experience by your GPA, your accomplishments, or how quickly you reach your goals. Measure it by how much YOU have grown, the relationships YOU have built, and the memories YOU have made.