When I first stepped onto campus, I was equal parts excited and terrified. No one in my family had gone to college before, and while they were incredibly proud of me, I quickly realized that meant I’d be figuring out most things on my own. From filling out FAFSA forms to trying to understand what “office hours” meant, everything felt like a learning curve. Looking back now, I wish I could sit down with my younger self and tell her that confusion is normal, and that every first-gen student is navigating the same unfamiliar road, just doing their best to make their families proud.

One thing I wish I knew early on was how important structure would be. College gives you so much freedom, and that’s both exciting and dangerous. I learned the hard way that saying “yes” to everything, every event, every study group, every late-night outing, leads to burnout fast. Building a routine, using a planner, and even dedicating time for rest became my saving grace. Once I found a rhythm, I started showing up better for myself, my classes, and the people around me.

I also wish I had asked for help sooner. There’s this pressure first-gen students feel to prove we can do it all alone, but the truth is, college isn’t meant to be done solo. Once I connected with programs like TRiO and CBESS, met with advisors, and reached out to professors during office hours, everything changed. I found community within Kappa Delta Chi, the Honors College, the Business Student Council, the Multicultural Greek Council, and through working at the College of Business. Each space taught me something different, from leadership and service to networking and sisterhood, and reminded me that there’s power in surrounding yourself with people who believe in you.

Lastly, I wish I’d known that imposter syndrome doesn’t mean you don’t belong; it means you’re growing. There were moments I doubted if I was “college material,” but over time I learned to trust my work ethic, lean into my story, and celebrate every win, big or small. Whether it was passing a tough class, getting involved on campus, or simply surviving finals week, I learned that being a first-gen student isn’t about doing everything perfectly, it’s about doing things that once felt impossible.

Take a moment today to thank yourself for how far you’ve come. Whether you’re just starting college or figuring things out as you go, remember that you belong here. Keep showing up, you’re rewriting your family’s story every single day.