Self-Drive: A Proactive Path To Academic Success
As a first-generation student, the journey of higher education can sometimes bring feelings of self-doubt or a sense of not belonging in academic spaces.
While these challenges are real, they should not hold you back from pursuing and thriving in higher education. With determination and a proactive mindset, you can overcome obstacles and achieve your academic goals.
You are not alone, and your unique experiences and perspectives are valuable contributions to the academic community.
In this resource we will discuss acknowledging challenges as a first-gen student, taking a proactive approach to your goals, reasons to pursue a graduate degree, and you will be provided with guidance and insights from first-generation professionals to inspire you to overcome challenges.
Acknowledging Challenges
Acknowledging the challenges of being a first-generation student is important. Oftentimes, first-generation students are faced with unique challenges outside of their academic life. These might include:
Imposter syndrome: feeling like an imposter in academic settings may create an internalized doubt that can make you question your abilities.
⭐️ Remember that your unique perspective and experiences enrich academic settings. Actively seek support from mentors and peers that build confidence in your abilities.
Financial pressure: many first-generation students juggle financial responsibilities, including supporting themselves and their families, which can add stress and limit time for academic opportunities and studying.
⭐️ Explore resources such as scholarships, grants, job opportunities and financial aid workshops to alleviate financial stress.
Limited academic familiarity: without family members who have navigated higher education, understanding academic spaces, requirements and expectations can be challenging.
⭐️ Seek out campus resources, such as academic advisors or tutoring centers, to gain a better understanding of expectations and requirements.
Balancing multiple roles: managing the responsibilities of being a student, employee and possibly a caregiver can be overwhelming.
⭐️ Practice time management to maintain focus on your academic goals.
A Proactive Approach
Adopting a proactive approach to your academic goals is important.
Focusing on doubts can be detrimental to your self worth and abilities. Focus your attention to the accomplishments you have achieved. This approach does not mean to neglect your mental health and simply "think positively", but rather take active steps to seek resources that will support you and help you achieve your goals.
Look for others who are on the path you want to pursue and surround yourself with a supportive environment, including family members, peers and mentors who encourage and uplift you.
Here are a few actionable strategies I've implemented during my academic journey.
Applying To Graduate School
Reach out to first-generation peers/friends who are currently pursuing a graduate degree.
When searching for potential graduate programs to apply to, you can often find students who are currently enrolled through the department website. This may include their professional contact information (e.g., email, LinkedIn). Contact them for guidance/questions you may have.
If you will be financially supporting yourself through graduate school, begin to create a financial plan for yourself.
Attending Graduate School
Seek out mentorship: check in with your mentor, discuss your goals and actionable steps you need to take in order to accomplish them and discuss how you can best be supported.
Peer mentorship: connect with more advanced students or alumni who have successfully navigated the program. They can offer insights and tips based on their experiences.
Utilize campus resources: take advantage of writing centers, tutoring services, and academic workshops offered by the university.
Financial management: research and apply for funding opportunities (e.g., travel grants, scholarships) specifically for graduate students and those aimed at first-generation students.
Advocate for yourself: communicate with your advisor/mentor regularly about your progress, challenges and goals. Don't hesitate to ask for help or clarification when needed.
Reasons to Pursue a Graduate Degree
While there are obstacles along the way, there are long term reasons and benefits to pursue a graduate degree. These may include:
Expanding your professional network: graduate school offers opportunities to build a network of peers, professors and professionals in your field of interest.
Increasing your salary potential: individuals with graduate degrees earn higher salaries on average.
Developing your skills (personal, professional): graduate programs offer specialized training and education, allowing you to develop expertise in a specific area. Some individuals also pursue a graduate degree out of desire for personal growth.
Research opportunities: for those interested in research, graduate degrees provide the necessary skills and resources to conduct high-level research, including opportunities for conference presentations.
Professional Licenses and Certifications: Some professions require a graduate degree for licensure or certification (e.g., Marriage and Family Therapist; MFT).
First-Generation Perspectives
¡Si Se Puede!
Each of us has our own reasons for pursuing a graduate degree. These may include breaking free of generational cycles of poverty, fulfilling a goal, or creating a path for future generations.
Below you will find perspectives, insights, and guidance from first-generation professionals to inspire you to take a proactive approach in overcoming challenges in your academic journey.
Alma P. Olaguez, Assistant Professor at Cal State LA
My name is Dr. Olaguez, I am currently an Assistant Professor at Cal State LA and my research focuses on the intersection between Psychology and the Law. I am specifically interested in juror decision making.
What motivated you to pursue a graduate degree as a first-gen?
I wanted financial stability. Although my parents are some of the hardest working people I know, we experienced significant hardships throughout my childhood. Growing up in a poverty-stricken neighborhood meant there was a lot of instability, crime, and a consistently high level of stress. I was desperate for a way out and education was my best option. I recognized that my parents emigrated so that I would be able to maximize the opportunities here and I was so grateful I had options. I pursued a career that could provide me with a stable income so that I could finally feel at peace. I am do proud to have achieved a safe space for myself and for my future kids, all while loving my job!
How did you establish self-efficacy (your individual belief in your capacity to reach your goals)?
I kept going. There have been a million moments where I doubted my abilities to achieve something but over time, I began to accumulate the evidence that I was capable and competent. When the doubt would arise, I would reflect on the previous events and recognized that although I was doubtful then- I actually did well. I started compiling evidence that I could reference and it was motivating to be able to add things to my evidence pile!
What is a piece of advice you would share with first-gen students who are facing obstacles/challenges to pursue a graduate degree?
It is undoubtedly harder for a first gen student to enter the professional world and we will always see things we feel we lack. BUT it is our responsibility to make it less so for future generations. Our struggle will make it easier for the folks who arrive after us. Our struggle makes us resilient and strong enough to overcome obstacles other people who "may have had it easy" cannot. This approach is not for everyone- I have a resiliency mindset because of my upbringing and it is rougher around the edges than most- but it fuels me to know that every challenge I have had allows me to help others navigate their own challenges.
Is there anything you want first-gen students to know in their academic journey?
You are never alone! Find your community everywhere you go- that may be across disciplines or in other professional settings. First gen students are the first in their family but are not the only to engage in this pursuit, there are so many of us out there!
Fernanda A. Castellon, PhD- UC President's Postdoctoral Fellow
My name is Fernanda Castellon, I am a current Postdoc at UCR who's research focuses on autism among Latinx families and their trajectory with services and path towards a high quality life.
What motivated you to pursue a graduate degree as a first-gen?
I always felt like there was information missing. I never felt like the solutions offered to families like mine worked, I wanted to learn about child development, psychopathology, disabilities, and the systems that oversee and "support" all three such as public health, education, and family dynamics- all in hope of creating pathways to better quality of life for all.
How did you establish self-efficacy (your individual belief in your capacity to reach your goals)?
As a first-gen immigrant, it's hard to not believe you can do something when you've witnessed your parents give up everything to give you the opportunities they never had. Seeing my parents and sharing with them the bumps in the road revamped my self-efficacy, if they could move countries in hopes of a better life for me and my siblings, I can do this.
What is a piece of advice you would share with first-gen students who are facing obstacles/challenges to pursue a graduate degree?
Remember your why. When you feel unmotivated, take a break and take time to draft your "dream bio". Who do you want to be? If you could have that dream job/position, what would your bio say?
Is there anything you want first-gen students to know in their academic journey?
Take pride in your journey, even when you don't see anyone else like you in the room. You are the first but you won't be the last.
Julio Salas, Sociology PhD Student and Chancellor's Fellow at U.C. Berkeley
Centering immigrant families, Juilo Salas's research interests lie at the nexus of immigration, race & ethnicity, emotion, social stratification, and health. Since coming to Berkeley, Julio has been thinking a lot about how immigrants are racialized and the embodiment of said racialization and their implications for the inequality they experience. Before coming to Berkeley, Julio was a researcher at the Income and Benefits Policy Center housed at the Urban Institute. At Urban, his research- highlighted in popular media outlets like NPR, Associated Press, THE Hill, and The Counter- foucsed on the social safety net, immigration, and food insecurity. Prior to Urban, Julio was a Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute Public Policy Fellow at the House of Representatives and a research aid and assistant for the Figueroa Interdisciplinary Group and the Affect and Cognition Lab at Cornell University.
Julio received an associate's degree in health sciences from Queensborough Community College and a bachelor's degree in human development from Cornell University. Personally, Julio is a second-generation Colombian and Mexican immigrant born and raised in Corona, Queens, NY, who could have never imagined entering the spaces and accomplishing the feats he has. Because of his profoundly non-traditional paths and the unlikelihood of being where he is, Julio implores other first-generation students, immigrations, and any other person encompassing an identity that society marginalizes to reach out if he could be of help with applying to graduate school and talking about Berkeley Sociology.
What is a piece of advice you would share with first-gen students who are facing obstacles/challenges to pursue a graduate degree?
Speaking in general and not thinking of the multiplicity of obstacles and challenges that first-generation students face due to structural reasons, I would tell first- generation students to do their best to ask for help, even if it's uncomfortable or awkward. So, become comfortable as time passes with asking for what you need, about what you don't know, or even what you're curious about. Some people may help, others may not, and others may offer something in between, but no matter what, continue to ask. You'll be surprised how many folks will help you. Additionally, although in practice, different academia (like professors or guidance counselors) may seem like they don't help certain folks or you've heard horror stories, always remember that part of their jobs includes helping students. Professors are supposed to write recommendation letters and offer academic advice, for example. So are guidance counselors. So, ask for help, stick around those who help you in a welcoming way, and be gracious with those folks. Additionally, brush off the ones who don't for whatever reason, whether it was a malicious decline or one where they were just too busy at the time, and don't take it too personally. I say don't take it too personally because it can be easier said than done.
Is there anything you want first-gen students to know in their academic journey?
Beyond reminding yourself and being surrounded by people who tell you that you deserve to be where you are and being supported by those people in tangible and intangible ways, remind yourself that your voices, perspectives, and way of being are desperately needed in the spaces and places you enter. Whether you realize it or not- and it can come with pressure- others like you are watching and being inspired by your journey. More than being inspired, as you gain newfound privilege, you can then also tangibly help these people, and the more collectively all first-generation students, among other students, work together, the more people are likely to have better outcomes. So, operate not from a place of wondering if what you have to say matters even if you're unsure, and instead, operate from the place of "This needs to be said. What I have to say has to be heard." And operate from this place with grace, never forgetting where you come from and always helping others as you prosper. Even thought the first-generation college student journey can feel lonely, we can think of many folks who graciously offered us time, resources, advice, etc. As you go along, be that person for others.
Jacqueline López, McNair Scholar, 1st Year Clinical Psychology Ph.D. Student at the University of Nevada, Reno
My name is Jacqueline López, and I am an undergraduate in the Cultural Psychology Lab, the Koegel Autism Center and the Sharkey School Psychology Lan at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB). I will be joining the DICE Lab, also known as the Research Center for the Dissemination and Implementation of Culturally Sensitive, and Evidence Based Psychological Services at the University of Culturally Sensitive, and Evidence Based Psychological Services at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR). My research interests focus on Latinx Mental Health, Implementation & Dissemination Science, Evidence-Based Practices, Bilingualism in Therapeutic Interventions, Destigmatization of Mental Health, Community-Based Research, Integrated Care, as well as working with Children and Families.
What motivated you to pursue a graduate degree as a first-gen?
What motivated me to pursue a graduate degree was the field I wanted to go into, as well as having the ability to break down barriers when it comes to higher education. To become a Clinical Psychology, and in order to perform assessments, do research, become a professor, do clinical work and diagnose other people, I need to obtain a PhD. Once navigating my career interests, I learned about the McNair Scholars Program and their commitment to helping first generation student and underrepresented students get into doctoral programs. As a first generation student, I know obtaining a bachelor's degree, let alone a doctorate degree, is something that no one in my family has ever done. However, my commitment to breaking cycles and reducing the mental health stigma within the Latinx population is my push to doing the work that I love doing.
How did you establish self-efficacy (your individual belief in your capacity to reach your goals)?
I established my self efficacy by advocating for myself, asking questions and reaching out for help. My greatest support in seeing myself become the graduate student I want to be and a future doctor doing research, joining a lab and connecting with other first generation graduate students also navigating the hectic world of academia. I know reaching my goals will be hard. However, even if I know I am not where I want to be yet, I am far away from where I started. This allows me to see the growth, investment and push I have given myself, which makes me want to continue learning everyday. Having a support system will also be very important when wanting to reach your goals. My best friend has been my strongest support system and I know I can always talk to her about anything.
What is a piece of advice you would share with first-gen students who are facing obstacles/challenges to pursue a graduate degree?
A piece of advice I want to share, especially for first generation students struggling and are wanting to pursue a graduate degree is not being afraid to ask for help, or to ask any questions. Self-advocacy will be your friend in college. That is how you will learn so much more about your interests, and how to navigate this hectic space. Your career and they way you will get there is unique to YOU! Knowledge is something no one can ever take away from you. Find your community and establish those relationships. In an individualistic setting like university, building and having community will be your greatest support.
Is there anything you want first-gen students to know in their academic journey?
You will have so many highs and so many lows. However, what you do with that will make you the scholar you are deserving of being. College will be hard, but there are so many resources to help you make your mark on campus. Join clubs, work a campus job, go to tutoring, volunteer! Comparison is the thief of joy. What you do in college cannot be compared to anyone else because you are creating your path. Reach out to peer mentos, and use as much as the support you have as you can!
Rita Butrus, M.A. Psychological Research
My name is Rita Butrus, my research is on family gender socialization among diverse families.
How did you establish self-efficacy (your individual belief in your capacity to reach your goals)?
I established self-efficacy by overcoming my fear and actually doing the things I did not initially believe I was qualified for. I struggled with feeling overwhelmed with certain things like presenting at conferences, it seemed like a big deal to me at first especially being in spaces where I was supposed to be an expert. Despite the fears and feelings of imposter syndrome, I did the things that I did not feel qualified for. After various experiences of that sort, I became much more confident in my self as a scholar. I had confidence in myself as an expert in my field of research.
What is a piece of advice you would share with first-gen students who are facing obstacles/challenges to pursue a graduate degree?
YOU BELONG AND YOU ARE CAPABLE!! As a first-gen student and an immigrant, being in higher education is so foreign to me. It is not something that any of my family members have done and very little people in my community have pursued. When I first began my Master's program, I remember a professor told us students that we were scholars. I simply did not see myself as a scholar, it felt like everyone else was but not me. After some time, I realized this was my imposter syndrome and it was far from the truth! The biggest advice I'd say is not to compare yourself to others. I've found myself comparing myself to classmates who I later found out they were doing "better" simply because they had much more resources and less responsibilities outside of school. Comparison led me to feel inadequate and like I was not doing enough or doing "good enough" when in reality I was doing great.
Is there anything you want first-gen students to know in their academic journey?
Feelings of imposter syndrome and prevalent among us but just remember it is all in your head and you belong here!
Kameron Stout, Graduate Student, Psychological Research
My name is Kameron Stout. I am a current graduate student whose research focuses on implementing and disseminating evidence-based practices. I hope to use implementation science to promote higher-quality care for Latinx and other historically minoritized communities.
What motivated you to pursue a graduate degree as a first-gen?
After working in the ABA field, I wanted to help this population. Still, I felt like my excitement for science would lend me well to help individuals with intellectual disabilities better than I could by providing ABA services. I had always been fascinated by science and its process, but I was not yet qualified to pursue science at a doctoral level, nor did I have the guidance or direction to do so. I found that a master's program would give me the knowledge to learn how to pursue my dream.
How did you establish self-efficacy (your individual belief in your capacity to reach your goals)?
That is still something I am trying to accomplish. As a first-generation student, you grow up believing that academia wasn't made for you. However, during my master's program, I am slowly but surely realizing my worth and value in academia. For the first time in my life, I am starting to believe that my voice is valuable and that I can make valuable contributions in science. As I continue to grow and learn more, I realize that I have the capacity to reach my goals. It's a process, and for most first-gen students, we don't have the luxury of having self-efficacy but trust in the process, and you will eventually get there.
What is a piece of advice you would share with first-gen students who are facing obstacles/challenges to pursue a graduate degree?
It takes persistence and not allowing your mistakes and failures to define you as a person. First-gen students are learning these skills at a stage in life that is unstable and certain making it 10x harder to persist through these barriers. However, if you persist, you will be valuable, wise, and strong graduate candidate who can handle any obstacle. A lot of the time, you feel like all of these barriers, mistakes, failures, and obstacles are something that only you are going through, and that can be lonely. Talking with your peers and venting about these obstacle can make this experience much easier.
Is there anything you want first-gen students to know in their academic journey?
You are worth it, you can do it, you are capable, we need you.
Ivan Cobian, Masters Candidate at Cal State LA
My name is Ivan Cobian and I am a masters candidate at Cal State LA. My research interests include underserved LGBTQIA+ and Latine communities, emotion regulation, and suicide ideation.
What motivated you to pursue a graduate degree as a first-gen?
My family was my greatest motivation for pursuing graduate education. Both of my parents' highest level of education in Mexico was middle school. They were huge advocates on staying in school and pursuing a career so that I would not be struggling to pay bills. I would always hear anecdotes of jobs that my dad had to take on just to live from check to check. In my childhood, I was always taught to prioritize school because that was the most important thing. Now, I'm happy to say that my greatest achievement is being the first in my family to graduate from college. I'm able to be the success story that makes my immigrant parents proud.
How did you establish self-efficacy (your individual belief in your capacity to reach your goals)?
There have been many times where I doubt my own self efficacy and I think that I'm not doing the best I can. In times like those I remember to reset and take time for myself as well as remind myself what my ultimate goals are. Self doubt can sometimes creep up so you have to remind yourself that you have made it this far because of your talents.
What is a piece of advice you would share with first-gen students who are facing obstacles/challenges to pursue a graduate degree?
It is going to be worth it. Academia, at times, may seem like it is not rewarding but it is important to remember that our goals take time. Even with all the resources offered to you, setbacks are bound to occur so you have to remind yourself that this is not a sprint it is a marathon.
Is there anything you want first-gen students to know in their academic journey?
There are so many resources available to first generation students! They may be hidden and take work to find but there is lots of funding for people like you. Don't be afraid to ask for help!
Thank you to everyone who contributed their valuable perspectives to this resource, helping to empower and guide first-gen students on their educational journey.