Being a first-generation student has been one of the most rewarding and challenging parts of my life. There’s no roadmap when you’re the first. Every form, every application, every step forward feels like trial and error. I can’t count how many times I’ve thought, “Am I doing this right?” But over the years, I’ve realized those struggles came with some pretty powerful lessons.

Lesson 1: It’s okay not to have all the answers.
When I first started college, I felt like everyone around me already knew what to do. FAFSA? Class registration? Networking? I was lost. But I’ve learned that not knowing doesn’t make you less it makes you resourceful. Asking questions, reaching out for help, and figuring things out along the way is what makes this journey uniquely ours and shapes you into who you become.

Lesson 2: Community is everything.
I wouldn’t be here without the people and spaces that made me feel seen. Mentors, professors, and friends stepped in when I needed guidance most, reminding me that I didn’t have to carry everything alone. For me, community looked like the Business Student Council, Kappa Delta Chi, TRiO, Honors College, Multicultural Greek Council, The College of Business and so many other organizations that became home. Those spaces gave me belonging and taught me that asking for help doesn’t mean weakness it means connection and they even turn into life-long connections.

Lesson 3: Confidence comes from action.
For the longest time, I thought confidence had to come first, that I had to feel ready before I applied for leadership roles or spoke up in class. The truth? I never felt ready. But saying “yes” anyway slowly built a kind of courage I didn’t know I had. Confidence doesn’t appear overnight, it grows every time you push through the fear.

Lesson 4: Balance matters.
There were semesters I tried to do it all—school, work, leadership, family—and ended up completely drained! I thought being successful meant saying yes to everything, but it actually left me empty. I’ve learned that setting boundaries and giving myself time to rest is not selfish, it’s necessary. You can’t pour into others if your own cup is empty.

Lesson 5: Being first-gen is a superpower.
For a long time, I thought being first-gen made me “less than.” Now I see it’s the opposite. The resilience, grit, and adaptability it takes to navigate new spaces has shaped me into the leader I am becoming. Being first-gen isn’t just part of my story, it’s my strength, and it’s the reason I believe others like me can break barriers too.

✨ If you’re also walking this first-gen journey, I’d love to hear what lessons you’ve learned along the way. Share them in the comments. Let’s remind each other that we’re not alone in this.