Saturday, February 20, 2010

First Generation

A privilege or drawback? For those who haven't heard the term before, first generation is what students who are the first in their families to go to college with the aim of earning a degree are called. I'm first generation. A few people in my family have taken a class or two at college but I'll be the first one to go full-time and earn a degree.

Growing up, I knew after high school that you go to college. I blatantly assumed that everyone did. Almost a decade and a half later its brought up that no one else in my fairly large family had. Over the past two years I've had the "fun" of figuring out everything on my own. That's the unfortunate bit about being the first to go; you're on your own. Preparing for college is difficult enough already even when you do have help. Try doing it all by yourself. Don't get me wrong, I've actually enjoyed looking up anything and everything I could about the subject and learning it all. But sometimes it would've been nice if I could've stepped in the other room and asked my mom, knowing she'd have the answer.

People talk about outside sources like the school counselor. Occasionally I feel like asking those people "What school did you go to? Because I have yet to find a helpful school counselor". Seriously, my experience with counselors is listening to them pour out their woes about how the principal expects them to do everything, how annoying parents of students are, the yawn-inducing details of their latest break up or the unintelligible/useless advice they give as they eat their way through a box of chocolates or marshmallow bunnies. Is it just me? Or are there counselors out there somewhere who actually...well...COUNSEL???

One nice thing about being first generation though is the pride it gave my family. My grandparents reactions alone when I was accepted were enough to make me want to do the very best I could. However, this puts alot of pressure on a person as well. What if I don't do well? What happens if I fail? What if for some reason I get kicked out? My family would be so disappointed. My grandma would be crushed! I wouldn't be able to show my face in public. I'd have to move to another country. The world as we know it would come to an end I tell you!!!

OK so maybe it wouldn't be that bad but you get my point. The best thing you can do though in my opinion is read up on as much as you can and try your hardest. I mean as long as you're trying your best then no one can really fault you. Asking friends for help is also a great way to be a little more prepared. For me, I'm really worried about not doing well enough but my family is extremely supportive of me and even if something happens it'll be OK. I mean yeah they are going to be disappointed as hell (*cringe*) but I think the world will keep spinning ya know?

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