March 6, 2026
Written by senior elementary education & special education K-6 major, Jenny Castor.
Being a first-generation college student is something I carry with great pride, but it is also a role that comes with a lot of learning curves. When I first arrived on campus, I did not have a clear picture of how college was supposed to work. There was no handbook waiting for me at home or someone who could walk me through every decision. Instead, my college journey has been shaped by curiosity, trial and error and a willingness to step into the unknown.
Over time, I have realized that being first-gen is not just a part of my story. It has shaped how I approach opportunities, relationships and my future career. These are the five lessons that have meant the most to me along the way.
1. Take advantage of every opportunity this campus has to offer
Coming into college, I knew I wanted to make the most of my experience. I did not want to look back and wonder what might have happened if I had just tried something or stepped outside my comfort zone. That mindset pushed me to stay open and curious, even when opportunities felt intimidating or unfamiliar.
By the end of my freshman year, I walked into the Global Experiences Office and said I wanted to study abroad. I did not have a plan or know how it would all work, but I knew I wanted to take that step. That moment taught me that opportunities rarely come when you feel completely ready. Growth often happens when you decide to trust yourself before you have all the answers.
That decision led me to spend my sophomore spring semester studying abroad in Barcelona for four months, an experience that completely changed my perspective. During that time, I was able to immerse myself in a new culture, step outside of my comfort zone in ways I never had before and gain independence in a completely new environment. While living there, I also had the opportunity to visit ten different countries, each one teaching me something new about the world and about myself. It pushed me to be adaptable, open-minded and confident in navigating unfamiliar spaces. Taking advantage of what our campus offers has helped me grow not only academically but also personally. It has built my confidence, broadened my perspective and allowed me to see what I am capable of. Instead of simply moving through college, I have been able to truly experience it, and that has made all the difference.
2. Getting involved can change your life
Getting involved on campus is what truly made this place feel like home. It gave me a sense of purpose and helped me discover passions I did not even know I had. Through involvement, I found spaces where I could grow, lead and make meaningful connections.
My job with New Student Enrollment has been life-changing. It has given me confidence in my voice, helped me build leadership skills and connected me with people who have supported me along the way. Being part of the Innocents Society showed me the impact students can have when they care deeply about their community and the legacy they leave behind. Best Buddies reminded me why relationships and inclusion matter so much to me, especially as a future educator. Future Teachers of Color provided a space of encouragement and belonging that affirmed my path and reminded me why representation and community are so important. Through each of these experiences, I learned that involvement is not about filling your schedule. It is about finding spaces that challenge you, support you and help you grow into the person you want to become.
3. Finding your people changes your entire experience
College can feel overwhelming, especially when you are navigating it for the first time and figuring everything out as you go. One of the most meaningful parts of my journey has been finding people who made campus feel welcoming, supportive and inspiring. The friendships, mentors and professors I have built relationships with here have shaped my confidence and reminded me that I am never navigating challenges alone. They are the people who celebrate milestones with me, encourage me when things feel uncertain and remind me to keep going when I doubt myself. My professors, in particular, have gone above and beyond to guide me academically and personally. They have helped me get involved in research, offered advice about my career path and continually challenged me to grow in ways I did not know I could. Their mentorship has shown me the value of having people in your corner who not only believe in you but also invest their time and energy into your growth. Having a community creates a sense of belonging that makes a huge campus feel smaller and more personal. It transforms college from a place you attend into a place where you feel seen, valued and supported. Knowing you have people who believe in you changes the way you approach challenges and opportunities, and it makes the entire experience more meaningful. The combination of friends, mentors and professors has been essential in helping me feel like I truly belong on this campus and in this community.
4. It is okay to ask questions because you are not supposed to know everything
One of the biggest adjustments to college was realizing how many things are not explained outright. There are expectations, resources and systems that can feel confusing when you are encountering them for the first time. At times, it felt like everyone else understood how things worked while I was still trying to figure it out. Over time, I learned that asking questions is not a sign of being behind—it is a sign that you care about learning and growing. Whether I was reaching out to professors, meeting with advisors or leaning on peers for advice, every question helped me feel more confident and informed. Being first-generation taught me how to advocate for myself and how important it is to seek support when you need it. It reminded me that college is not about already knowing everything; it is about being willing to learn, ask and keep moving forward.
5. Your background is a strength that shapes your perspective
There were moments when being first-generation felt overwhelming, especially when I felt like I was figuring things out on my own. But over time, I began to see how much strength comes from my experiences and the path that brought me here. Being first-gen has given me resilience, determination and a deep appreciation for education. It influences how I connect with others and the empathy I bring into every space I am part of. It also reminds me why I am passionate about becoming an educator, because I understand how powerful support, access and encouragement can be.
Instead of seeing my background as something that sets me apart, I have come to see it as something that gives me purpose. It is a reminder that my journey matters and that the challenges I have faced have helped shape the person I am becoming.
Final Thoughts
Being a first-generation college student is both challenging and incredibly empowering. It means stepping into unfamiliar spaces and figuring out how to navigate them, but it also means creating your own path and discovering opportunities you might never have imagined. Every opportunity you take, every question you ask and every connection you build—whether it’s with friends, mentors or professors—becomes part of a journey that is uniquely yours and deeply meaningful.
You do not have to have everything figured out to belong here. Growth happens along the way, and it often comes from the people who support and guide you, from experiences that challenge you and from stepping outside your comfort zone. Each step forward, whether big or small, is something to be proud of. Your story has value, and the perspective you bring matters more than you might realize. By embracing the opportunities, relationships and experiences available to you, you not only shape your own journey but also leave a lasting impact on those around you.