You are Not Alone, No Matter Your Situation

I taught 6^th graders in 1995, my first year of teaching.  I taught in a small farming town in Idaho with a large migrant population.  It was here that I met my first beloved, bright Latina student with Spanish-speaking parents.  During the parent-teacher conferences, the supportive Mexican family came and my student acted as the language-broker, who is a child who translates for parents.  My student was eager to learn and she rose to the top of the class.  At the end of the year, at a little class banquet we created, my student arrived in her finest dress with beautiful ribbons in her hair.  She proudly brought her parents so they could see some of her completed work.  Her mom approached me with a plate of homemade goods and gave me a tearful hug of gratitude.  Dad gave me a huge smile and shook my hand with all of the energy of his soul.  That was it.  I fell in love with first-generation Hispanic students who worked so hard to create successful lives for themselves and their families, taking nothing for granted.

In fall of 2016 I had the privilege to teach Izzy in my MCC public speaking course.  Izzy is an older student than my first Latina, but her zeal and commitment reflect similar cultural values.  She has overcome many of the same struggles that other first-generation Hispanic college students have encountered, and she happily volunteered to share her inspiring story: 

So often it feels like no one could really understand what you are going through, the struggles as well as the celebrations.  Perhaps you have similar thoughts to some comments below:

1)      I’m stuck; there is no way out of this situation

2)      I didn’t take the SATs or ACTs in high school

3)      I haven’t earned/saved any money to pay for college

4)      I didn’t graduate from high school

5)      I can’t stop working to enroll in school because not only do I need the job to pay for school, much of the money I earn goes toward helping the family.  I can’t afford to work less

6)      I’m too old to go back to school, and I didn’t do that well in high school anyway

7)      I need to have income tax returns to apply for financial aid, and that is difficult for my family

8)      My parent(s) are working so much, it seems wrong to add another layer of stress to the home

9)      I don’t want to be one of the few Hispanics at such a big school

10)   My parents don’t know anything American college, so I would have to figure it all out on my own

11)   I know I can’t do labor, but I don’t know what I would study in school

12)   There are so many degrees and certificates, and I don’t even know what it all means

       I'm First! is an online community for first-generation college students—and their supporters. Hear inspiring stories and share your own, find answers to your questions about college, and receive guidance on the road to and through college.

      Watch the following video from an ASU Latina student whose mom did not speak English and who fought homelessness and alcoholism.  “There is a future, so don’t get discouraged and go out and apply for scholarships, because you never know!”  I’m First!: 

      First-generation college students extend beyond the Hispanic community.  Our former President and First Lady, The Obamas, were I’m First!

      You are not alone, and there are many who can help and support you.  Check out some of the 105 I’m First! videos, and you can view other Phoenix students who have successfully overcome many of the situations you face: 

       I have loved connecting with my Latino population one student at a time, and now I am reaching a little further.  I know that education will change your life and the life of your family – all you need to do is take the first step.  Ask for help.  Reach out to a professor/teacher or a school counselor.  The fear will vanish as you see your goals come into view.