Finding Strength in First-Generation Status
This article was originally written for FirstGenerationStudent.com, now a part of ImFirst.org. I was the first in my family to attend college. My parents never…
Your College Success Strategy: 5 Tactics from a First-Gen Student
This article was originally written for FirstGenerationStudent.com, now a part of ImFirst.org. Take it from someone who knows: adapting to college life can be a…
Being a Low-income, First-generation Student at an Elite College
This article was originally written for FirstGenerationStudent.com, now a part of ImFirst.org. I never expected a student like me to struggle in college. I graduated…
College Shopping: Finding The Best Fit For You
This article was originally written for FirstGenerationStudent.com, now a part of ImFirst.org. There are two approaches to shopping: hope something stands out as you browse…
A Simple Inequality: Procrastination < Discipline
Procrastination. It’s a word that we students are all too familiar with. We find every excuse not to do an assignment, study for a test,…
Stay Focused
The last semester of senior year of high school is one of the most fun times ever. You are about to graduate, most people have…
First-Generation Students in Today's College Society: From Disconnect to Engagement
This article was originally written for FirstGenerationStudent.com, now a part of ImFirst.org. I have been reflecting lately on what it means to be a college…
My Panama Trip
Here I am, almost finished with my first year of college as a first generation student and I am shocked with what I have accomplished.…
Planning for Post-College Life and Fighting Senioritis
As graduation gets closer and closer, most seniors just really want to get done with everything and take a breather. I, for example, just want…
Learning Outside the Classroom, Adventures Abroad
Four months ago, I was learning how to cook in Cape Town, South Africa. From June to December last year, I interned and studied abroad…
Enjoy the Struggle
College certainly does provide it’s own pace of things. I thought I knew what stress felt like through out high school. Oh how wrong I…
How Studying Can be… Fun: A Plea to Those Onboard the Struggle Bus
“Who discovered the electron?” my brother asks as we study for our chemistry test. “All I remember is that it starts with a J, but…
Your College Questions Answered by a Graduating First-Generation Student
This article was originally written for FirstGenerationStudent.com, now a part of ImFirst.org. Instead of telling my stories in this blog post, I've taken the initiative…
My Social Wheel
At a recent residential life meeting, we were asked to fill out two sheets of paper. On the first was a circle that asked about…
How to Make Each Day Count: Managing Time and Balancing Your Schedule as a First-Gen Student
This article was originally written for FirstGenerationStudent.com, now a part of ImFirst.org. Are You a Mr. or Mrs. Do-Everything? Chances are, you're a thriving first-generation…
This Semester
When I registered for spring semester in November of last year I was extremely excited. But this semester taken quite a few unexpected turns! The…
Financial Aid Troubles
Once again it is that joyous time of year to reapply for financial aid! I say that hesitantly because this year I have actually had…
On rule-breakers
Some thoughts I had earlier tonight on leadership and game-changers: Lately I've thought a lot about how individuals we now recognize as major cultural icons…
Reporting from the Clinton Global Initiative University
On March 22, I had the privilege of attending the Clinton Global Initiative University conference at Arizona State University on behalf of Center for Student…