Tae Brown
Share Your Story
I went to UNC Chapel Hill (in North Carolina) as a first generation college student in undergrad. Although my journey started in 2013, I did not graduate until 2020. I took several breaks from school and often felt ashamed of the time it was taking. However, I finished and God had a plan for me. I am PROUD to say that I am a part of the only Fall graduating class at UNC Chapel Hill in their graduation history (due to the Global pandemic). I share this to say that I learned a lot, my path to success was never straight, and I finished! Regardless if it was the ‘traditional’ pathway or not. Now I take on graduate school here at UMICH in the Social Work program, at the age of 30. After a lot of maturity, healing, and professional experiences, I can say this experience has been phenomenal. 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.
Your advice for other First-Gen students
1) Utilize the resources that the campus has to offer (physical, mental, intellectual, cultural, emotional, etc…) 2) Join 1-3 student groups when you first start. It might change but it definitely helps combat against the negative feelings of social isolation. 3) Remember that you are a student first and foremost! Regardless of the great opportunities and amazing things going on, your job is to graduate, regardless of what it looks like.