Growing up, I did not know if I wanted to attend college. My parents reiterated how important it was to get a proper education, but I thought that because they never went to college, there was always the option of not going. However, I soon realized in order to pursue my passions and accomplish my life goals, attending college was a necessary and unavoidable step. My love for learning influenced me to go to school along with knowing that this opportunity is not easy to come across. Being able to attend college is something I will always be grateful for.

I chose to attend UE because I knew I would be able to find a place where I fit in on campus. I find myself discovering new opportunities and activities to be involved in that pertain to my interests and values, which has made the transition to higher education much easier. I also chose UE because of how much they promote the inclusion of diversity, which is a value I hold deeply within myself, given my background.

I have faced a lot of cluelessness throughout my journey as a first gen student. My parents have been able to support me in most aspects of this chapter of my life, except they were not able to provide me with the same amount of guidance a non-first gen student typically gets. I had to do my own research and fill out forms I have never heard of before; I did all of the paperwork for registration and I had to explain everything that was going on to my parents. I wasn't allowed to be a clueless freshman because I did not have that type of support system.

The faculty at UE have always been the most supportive through my journey thus far. They care so much about their students' success and do everything they can in order to help them get the most out of their university experience. My advisors have given me the type of guidance that my parents were unable to provide for me since they did not have any experience going to college. For that, I am very grateful and cherish the relationships I have been able to create with the faculty.

For me, being a first-generation college student means that I was given an important opportunity that my parents were not able to receive. It means that I need to work that much harder in order to earn my degree to make my parents proud. My parents have always supported my decision to go to college. They were so happy that I was given this opportunity to access higher education and constantly reminded me that I should always do what I love.