Meet Others Who Are Proud To Be First

Being a first-gen student was really hard. It seemed like everyone else knew something I didn’t. At my college, there were no resources to help first-gen students, so I just muddled through. I’m so happy UB is focused on first-gen students and helping them succeed!

Things I wish someone had told me when I left for college:

1. Don’t doubt that you deserve to be exactly where you are. You were selected to attend UB because you have talent and we saw that in you.
2. Don’t just sit in your room. Be brave. Be bold. Try new things. This is the time for self-exploration.
3. You are NOT alone. Seek out your squad—those people you know have your back. Ask questions and know that there are a lot of people on campus that are here to help you, including your teachers, advisors, coaches, tutors, etc.
4. You have a cheering section. You don’t know you do, but you do. I am cheering for you and I know that you've got this!

Being a first-generation college student was important to me. It provided me with an opportunity to create a path that my family and future generations of children could follow to ensure we obtain college degrees and advance the overall Black community.

I must admit, being a first-generation student was exciting, frustrating and a little intimidating. My high school guidance counselor was of very little assistance to me. My mom did what she could to help me out throughout the process of selecting a school, applying and filling out what seemed like an endless number of forms; we spent hours reviewing information together. However, my mom was adamant about fostering my independence regarding my academics and life in general beyond high school, so I had to figure it out and find my way. And I did well enough to help my younger brother through the process two years later. Being a first-generation student and having to maneuver the various pathways of being a student set the foundation for how I managed life beyond my undergraduate experience. 

Successfully persisting through and obtaining my college degree was an honor for my entire family. I was grateful then and continue to appreciate being able to relate to and connect with other first-gen college students over the years. We learn from one another and lift each other up. I am first-gen proud!