Our Stories - First Generation Students

U-M faculty, students and staff who are first-generation students and graduates proudly share their stories. We’d like to hear from you too. What has your experience been like as a first-gen at U-M?

SHARE YOUR STORY

We are collecting stories from first-generation college students who have a connection to the University of Michigan. If you are an alumnus/alumna, faculty, staff or student from U-M, we would love to share your story.

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Hear Our First-Gen Stories

Click on profiles to read their entire first-gen story.

Brandon Reyes Parra (Undergraduate Student)

I want to share my favorite quote. I actually have a sticker of it. 'If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair' by Shirley Chisholm. Yes, we might experience imposter syndrome, and I still fight it, but I always remember that I brought my own folding chair to every table because I didn't care if I failed I just wanted to be there like anyone else.

Delaney Christy (Staff Member, UM Alumni)

Your skills are a commodity. You have a unique and extraordinary blend of talents, not only as a first-gen student, but as a first-gen student who will graduate from *the* University of Michigan. Your process might look different from your peers. Your results may take a different shape than the norm. Don't let anyone tell you that your differences are weaknesses. You are more than a score out of 100. Stop scrutinizing your place on the bell curve and keep your sights set on your passions and your purpose. You are a trailblazer. You've got this, and the UofM First-Gen Community has your back. Go change the world.

Claire Oven (Undergraduate Student)

Don't fall victim to imposter syndrome!! It's important to remember that there is a place for you at this university. It can take time to figure out exactly where you belong, especially at an age when a lot of things are changing, and a lot of growth is taking place. There are so many people here who share your interests and values, even when it sometimes feels like you are alone. There are so many people looking forward to seeing you shine, whether it be people from back home where you are from or the people you have yet to meet.

Lucy Mikhail (Undergraduate Student)

My advice for other first-gen students is to remember that you do not have to figure everything out on your own. Ask questions, go to office hours, and connect with people who can support you. You belong here, even when college feels unfamiliar or overwhelming. Be proud of your family’s journey, but also give yourself room to explore your own interests and make mistakes. Your family’s sacrifices can motivate you without becoming pressure to be perfect. Celebrate your progress because you’ve worked hard to get here.

Bryanna Voss (Undergraduate Student)

My advice to first-generation students is to put yourself out there, take advantage of campus resources, and never be afraid to ask for help. Attend campus events, explore different organizations, and talk to your professors to discover opportunities you may not have known existed. Do not feel like you have to find your place right away. Keep trying new things until you find a community where you feel supported and can grow. Take advantage of the opportunities in front of you, trust yourself, and make it a great one!

Lexie Romero Luna (Undergraduate Student)

It's easy to compare yourself to others and convince yourself that you don't belong at Michigan, but never forget that your success isn't luck---it's the fruit of your efforts, sacrifices, and talent. Never allow others to dim your passion or diminish everything that you've built on your own. We first-gen students are deserving and capable of absolutely everything. There is nothing that hard work and dedication can't reach. Continue to surpass expectations and pave your path as you wish it to be.

Cesar (Graduate Student)

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...

Izabela (Undergraduate Student)

Diving head-first into a rigorous university by yourself with nobody’s guidance is brave. However, your bravery is a valuable asset in an environment like Michigan, your bravery is how you succeed.

Natalie Rodriguez-Valdivia (Undergraduate Student)

Struggling or facing setbacks doesn't mean you're incapable; on the contrary, these are the moments that make you stronger and more resilient. Keep breaking barriers and exceeding expectations 💙.

Anjalis De La Cruz (Graduate Student)

Being the first comes with a lot of complex feelings, but you are paving the way for someone else, and you should take pride in that. You are here because you are supposed to be here.

Marissa Rivas Taylor (Graduate Student, Staff Member, UM Alumni)

Marissa writes "First-gens are magic makers. They care for their families work to make ends meet volunteer to give back and still pursue education. Putting their studies first probably feels very selfish at least for me it did but as I rise so did my family and loved ones. And I take my blessings to pour them back into the students who come after me. They all do something like this; first-gens are community changers. Institutions should prioritize making their paths to success commonplace because the future should be in the hands of their most capable and passionate people. And while waiting on institutions first-gens will still be making magic happen where they are."

Perla (Undergraduate Student)

Don't limit yourself or be afraid to step out of your comfort zone; opportunities await you.

Ka’Marion Blocker (Undergraduate Student)

Ask questions even if you feel your peers know the answers before you; communication is clarification. The University of Michigan has a plethora of resources that are available to students, and they may never know. Lastly, you are not alone here. At times college can seem intimidating, but this is a welcoming environment for everyone to thrive in, so find your community. As a first-gen student, always know your fellow first-gen peers are moving along this journey with you, so reach out and form a community.

Shanel Baxter (Graduate Student)

This opportunity made me realize that being first generation is not an obstacle, it’s not a burden— it is my superpower. It is my opportunity to share my experience, honor the sacrifices of my family, and support those who are also first generation. While being first generation can cause you to narrow in on just “graduating”, recognizing your strength and passion can allow you to realize your ability and determination to achieve anything.

Mariah Stewart (Undergraduate Student)

My advice for First-Generation college students would be not to be afraid to speak your mind and take up space. You are just as smart, deserving, and hardworking as any other student.

Mirna Baalbaki (Undergraduate Student)

Being first-gen means more than being “the first.” It means learning to navigate everything on my own while building a future that my family once only dreamed about. At Michigan, I’ve found not just opportunity, but community and belonging.

stephen rush (Faculty)

"Hang in there" sounds so trite - but it's not that bad as advice goes. Realize that life is hard - maybe harder for you because you are blazing new trails - really - for your family. But also know that it's okay to be proud of your accomplishments - just to GET IN to U-M is not nothin'!

Jailia Yang (Undergraduate Student)

Being one of the very few Hmong students from my community to attend the University of Michigan has taught me to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. My hope is to be a role model for the younger generation and show them that although we come with a challenging history, we can pursue higher education at one of the top universities in the world.

Jennifer Zamudio (Graduate Student)

The best way to figure out what it is that you’re interested in is to try new things! The worst that can happen is you end up not liking something, but now you’ve learned a little bit more about yourself.

Karina Landero (Undergraduate Student)

Believe in yourself first, because if you don’t, you give others nothing to believe in when they see you. And don’t take no for an answer when your dreams are on the other side of a yes.

Amanda Pickering (Staff)

Don't let anyone tell you that you can't, and don't be afraid to take a pause to figure things out if you need to.

Beth Dutridge-Corp (Staff)

Embrace not knowing as an essential part of learning. Support others by sharing your questions and lessons learned; you never know who else might be feeling the same way!

Tae Brown (Graduate Student)

The struggles from undergrad have resulted in the resilience that I utilize to ensure my success here has a graduate student. I know the journey is going to apply pressure AND I also know (from undergrad) that I am going to come out like a diamond after the pressure wears off.

Mary Schlitt (Staff, Alum)

Don’t hesitate to seek support—your professors, GSIs, advisors, and support staff are here to listen, connect you with resources, and help you successfully navigate your college journey.

Madison Jeffrey (Staff, Alum)

College isn't just about graduation. It's about growing into someone you want to be. So, give your future self a support net of people who will be there for them through good and bad. Give yourself the ability to say that you're proud of your work and how you got there.

Kylee Lary (Graduate Student)

The connections that I was able to make with other first-gen students, and especially my professors who were also once first-generation students, truly changed my whole experience.

Rose Sickrey (Staff)

Absolutely know that you truly belong in any and every academic space!

Nikky Blochowski (Graduate Student, Staff)

Put yourself out there and get out of your comfort zone by attending events or engaging with those outside your network!

Kari (Graduate Student, Alum)

Take advantage of university resources and don't let your fears stop you! You are AMAZING, UNIQUE, and oh so capable of doing anything that you put your mind to.

Whitney Bayer (Staff, Alum)

If I could go back and talk to my younger self, I would tell her to be vulnerable and ask for what she needed. The University would have been there for me with open arms and might have made it all just a little bit easier!

Paul Barron (Staff)

Celebrate the unique strengths you bring to any team and any discussion. But also take the time to figure out what you need support with. Ask what do I need? Then who's the best person on campus to ask to help me with that? Ask around to find out and go with the people who seem invested in your success.

Farah Pitcher (Graduate Student)

Ignore that imposter syndrome. Ignore the impulse to compare yourself to everyone around you particularly when they had parents and family members to guide them through college based on their own experience. You did the work to get here and you should be proud of what you have and will accomplish. Go Blue always!

Dwight Lang (Faculty)

Never forget where you’ve come from. Don’t be afraid to acknowledge your class heritage to others throughout your life. If you try to forget your past, your present and future are incomplete.

Crystal (Undergraduate Student)

First-Gen students, make sure to look for and apply to every scholarship you can. In addition, make sure to say "yes" to new experiences and opportunities here at U-M! You never know who you might meet, or what you might learn. Keep your chin up, you are doing great!

Jasmyne Short (Staff)

Remember, it's okay not to have all the answers, and seeking help is a strength, not a weakness. Your journey is a narrative of determination and possibility, and your voice, as a first-gen trailblazer, has the power to inspire and shape the future for those who follow in your footsteps

Nancy Lucero (Graduate Student)

YOU BELONG!! Never doubt your worth or question whether you should be at UM (or anywhere else for that matter.) You didn't take anyone else's seat, it is YOURS.

Matt Sullivan (Faculty, Staff)

When I look back, I am profoundly grateful and humbled by all of the people, like Dr. Nader, who took the time to see my potential and to help me develop it. My whole purpose in SOUL is to do the same for first-gens here at UM - to give a little back of what was given to me.

Cassidy Brimer (Undergraduate Student)

Prioritize taking care of and getting to know yourself in college- you don't have to 'prove' you belong. Tust in yourself and your capabilities, try your best, and everything will fall into place.

Sally Pham (Undergraduate Student)

College is a time of learning and growth, and everyone's journey is different. Do what feels right to you. Don't be afraid to be vulnerable because there is power in your story.

Jill Charbonneau (Undergraduate Student)

I am proud to be a First-Gen student! I know that I am making my family and friends proud. I am incredibly thankful for my Michigan education and cannot wait to use what I have learned when I go to law school.

Shantaris Brown (Graduate Student)

My advice for other First-Gen students would be never lose sight of your goals and don't stop until you achieve them. Build community while you can, it will make the journey a lot more fun and easier! You are meant to be here, never doubt yourself or your abilities. You are a trailblazer.

Tabi Cain (Undergraduate Student)

Ask questions. If you don’t know who to ask, keep asking everyone around you and you’ll be pointed in the right direction.

Raven (Alum)

Don't let your education get in the way of learning. To elaborate, your formal education at one of the top institutions is important, but don't forget to focus on the other happenings on campus- get involved, join a club, make friends! I spent way too much time focusing on my studies because I didn't want to disappoint my family, and while I thoroughly enjoyed my academics, I didn't spend as much time involved on campus.

Joseph Ballard II (staff)

My advice to any first-generation college student is to not let anything (imposter syndrome, environmental or societal influences, people, life circumstances, etc.) deter you from accomplishing any goals you have set for yourself.