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!

Being first has never been just a title for me; it has been a responsibility, a source of courage, and a promise to those who come after me. I am a first-generation college student, the first woman in both my family and my husband’s family to pursue a doctorate, and the first in my family to leave India for higher education abroad. From Delhi to Canada and now to the University at Buffalo, I have journeyed across borders, cultures, and unfamiliar academic spaces without a family roadmap to guide me. No established path existed for me to follow; I had to create one. As a mother of two young children (ages 7 and 2) and a doctoral scholar committed to inclusion, educational equity, justice, and safer educational environments, I hope my journey shows that where we begin need not determine how far we can go.

I am proud to be first, but I do not want my story to end with me. I want to turn the doors I have opened into pathways for others, making higher education feel possible for those who have never seen themselves in these spaces. Finally, I firmly believe that courage and determination can change one’s life. 

I hope my journey inspires others to keep moving forward, regardless of difficulties or origins, and to uplift each other while creating opportunities for others. I am first-gen proud!