Dear First-Gen

Dear First-Generation College Freshman, 

Welcome!

Welcome to one of the hardest and most rewarding times of your life!

You are:

special,

brave,

and strong. 

You chose to go through the journey of academia. 

As one who has been in your position,

I know that this is not always an easy decision. 

Your friends are getting jobs, starting families, and having fun. 

Your family is struggling, you will have to get another job

and pick up extra shifts.

Your parents will constantly remind you that

family

comes before schoolwork. 

But you are determined,

you want to get an education!

As you embark on this journey,

please do not do it alone.

It gets

lonely,

hard,

and there are times when you question why you ever chose to go to

college. 

These are the times when you have to remind yourself why you’re here. 

Is it because of your dreams and desire to become a doctor?

Is it because of your family, and their circumstances? 

Is it because you are a

badass individual

who is ready to show the world what you’re made of? 

No matter your reason, it is valid. 

YOU ARE VALID!

From one first generation student to another,

know that things will not be easy.

You will question your decisions,

your coursework,

and whether it will all be worth it.

Please listen to me.

It is,

and will be worth it!

These next few years will fly by.

You will turn in assignment

after assignment,

after assignment

as you learn and grow.

You will meet amazing

friends and professors

who will teach and show you

the ropes of life.

You will find yourself encountering opportunities.

Ones that you thought were not an option for you. 

I cannot wait to watch you grow,

and to eventually walk on stage and receive your diploma!

I believe in you,

I hope you believe in yourself!

Best, 

Your First-Generation College Peer