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!
Raven (UM Alum)
Share Your Story
Finding out I was First-Gen at a social event when some one apologized for assuming my parents went to college was one of the most impactful moments during my time at Michigan. I had never considered what it meant that my parents never attended college and how it might impact my time at college. It influenced me to figure out what First-Gen meant and motivated me to apply for the Sociology Honors Program, where I was accepted and wrote my honors thesis on First-Gen Experiences at Michigan. It’s been over five years, but completing that paper and sharing it not only with my peers, but my parents, has been one of my proudest moments.
Your advice for other First-Gen students
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.