THE IMPACT OF BEING A FIRST GENERATION COLLEGE STUDENT 1

The Impact of Being A First Generation College Student

Karla Altamirano

Los Angeles Leadership Academy

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THE IMPACT OF BEING A FIRST GENERATION COLLEGE STUDENT

Abstract

Low, middle, and high-income families will always have first-generation children.Their

economical status does not matter. This might come to a shock to some people because of how

first-generation college students are mostly stereotyped as coming only from low-income

families, but that is wrong and it doesnt matter what your background might be. Also, with

attending college and or university, first timers will face obstacles and challenges along the way.

However, these obstacles and challenges wont affect first-generation students.

Keywords: First-generation, College, Breaking Stereotypes, Determination, Scholar,

Proud, Family, All races

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THE IMPACT OF BEING A FIRST GENERATION COLLEGE STUDENT

The Impact Of Being A First Generation College Student

How would you describe a first generation college student? Are you aware of what

students go through in becoming first-generation college students? There is a vast majority of

people who will have different definitions of what a first-generation student is. According to

Chapman University, A first-generation college student is defined as a student whose

parent(s)/legal guardian(s) have not completed a bachelors degree. This means that you are the

first in your family to attend a four-year college/university to attain a bachelors degree. Being

first-generation is a very proud accomplishment.(2017)

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THE IMPACT OF BEING A FIRST GENERATION COLLEGE STUDENT
What Its Like Being a First-Generation College Student/ How Can you Help?

Being a first generation college student in your family may be overwhelming and nerve

racking. Especially if you come from a latino background and have plenty of standards to live by

and surpass. To continue, you want to make your family proud , however, you have no idea how

college life will be for you. Nonetheless, first generation college students strive to be the

absolute best and overcome complex circumstances that get thrown their way. For example, as

stated by John Korsmo from Educational Leadership, When asked about their most important

motivating factors, respondents consistently selected factors related to a sense of self-efficiency

and personal drive, with the number-one response being to fulfill a strong personal goal.

According to the College Board, first generation college students come from low-income,

middle, and high families. There isnt just one specific group of first generation college students,

however, low-income families are the first ones to be thought of as being the only first-

generation college students. The website College Board also demonstrates steps to help out first

generation college students, such as : explain what college would be like, help with financial aid,

how to fill out college related paperwork, and informing them about some organizations, just to

name a few. To continue, Working successfully with the families of first- generation students

may take different strategies. You will encounter a wide range of attitudes about college, from

supportive to obstructive. You may have to explain college basics or make the case for the value

of higher education. (College Board, 2017), There is a variety of families who believe college is

a waste of time and money, however, that is not the case with every single family, as stated

earlier in a quote from College Board.

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THE IMPACT OF BEING A FIRST GENERATION COLLEGE STUDENT

Benefits and Outcomes of Attending College or University

According to edsmart.org, College grads agree that a college degree is worth it. Nearly

out of ten college graduates state that college is or will be worth the investment. With that being

said, college students will most likely receive a higher income than those who do not attend

college. Also, you may have more resources and options in the future after receiving your college

education. The cost of not going to college is rising. Compared to earlier generations ,

Millennials with only a high school diploma are suffering more economically.( edsmart.org ) As

the years past by, the work field will become very competitive and having only a high school

diploma will not make ends meet. To earn more money and not work a labor intensified job you

would most highly have to have some sort of college education.

One of the most important and obvious benefits of college and reasons to earn a college

degree or even an advanced degree (Masters, Phd) is to increase your earning potential.

(CollegeAtlas.org, Beckstead, 2017). Those with a higher education earn a yearly salary of

40,000-80,000, depending on what degree level you have chosen. Compared to earning 40,000-

80,000, students who have a high school diploma or lower receive 20,000-30,000 a year. If you

look closely at the numbers, you can see that not attending college is not a recommended choice

to make. College might be difficult. but your outcome will be great and you will have more

opportunities and resources. Such as, while applying for a job you will most likely be chosen

over someone who doesnt have some sort of college education.

Impact of Being a First-Generation College Student In a Latino Community/ Household

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THE IMPACT OF BEING A FIRST GENERATION COLLEGE STUDENT
As stated by Boden, Typically among FGS there is a strong sense of familial obligation,

and students often express an aspiration to pursue careers that will increase their ability to

become financially independent and assist their families. (2011). Latino families are always

united and with one another. assisting your family financially will not only make them extremely

proud but take a big weight of their shoulders. Latino families know what struggling looks like,

due to the fact of coming to a new country and working environment. Our family want the

absolute best for us and nothing less. With a college education, what else will make them proud

of us?

Not only will attending college help your family out financially, you will also break down

stereotypes about your race and/or community. Stereotypes of latinos and latino communities are

absurd yet they still exist. With a college education you are lessening that stereotype people

imply on us. Education is the single most powerful tool to help people pull themselves out of

poverty and change their life trajectory -Eva Longoria.

Conclusion
In conclusion, first generation college students go through many obstacles due to the lack

of information they receive from their family and school. Nonetheless, while being determined to

attend college, they become successful within their family and community. They make an impact
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THE IMPACT OF BEING A FIRST GENERATION COLLEGE STUDENT
little by little one first-generation student at a time. Education is important and will benefit you

drastically in the future. Working hard and being aware of resources available will help you out

alot.

References

1)Beckstead, R. (2017). Benefits of College and College Degree. Higher Earning Potential.

Retrieved from https://www.collegeatlas.org/earn-a-college-degree.html

2) Boden, K. (2011). Perceived academic preparedness of first-generation Latino college

students. Journal of Hispanic Higher Education, 10(2), 96-106.

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THE IMPACT OF BEING A FIRST GENERATION COLLEGE STUDENT
3) College Board. Education Professionals. College Guidance. Preparing Students for College.

First - generation Students. Retrieved from

https://professionals.collegeboard.org/guidance/prepare/first-generation

4) Falcon, Lauren. (2015). BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS : FIRST GENERATION

COLLEGE STUDENTS AND SUCCESS. Volume: 10. Number:6. Retrieved from

https://www.league.org/innovation-showcase/breaking-down-barriers-first-generation-college-

students-and-college-success

5) Korsmo, John. (2014). EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP.When Schooling Doesnt Matter at

Home. Retrieved from http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-

leadership/jun14/vol71/num09/When-Schooling-Doesn't-Matter-at-Home.aspx

6) U.S Department of Education. (2015). Fact Sheet: Focusing Higher Education on Student

Sources. Retrieved from https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/fact-sheet-focusing-higher-

education-student-success