Perspective: First Generation College Students and the Importance of Education
On Being a First Generation College Student
I was a first generation student in my family and am glad I made the decision to go to college. Two dates in my life put me on a track to success. Dates I will never forget.
Having graduated from high school, I thought I was ready for college, but was later proven to be very wrong. I decided to takes some time off from college after high school, and try my hand at earning a living first. I entered the workforce, beginning with entry-level positions with a few small businesses. I thrived and climbed the ladder of success. My skills and talents took me to increasingly prestigious and financially rewarding companies, including a few Fortune 500 corporations.
I enjoyed the work, and my employers and co-workers valued my contributions. Then on September 26, 2010 my life changed.
Out of Hardship, a New Opportunity Emerges:
Be the First in My Family to Go to College
With the economic downturn, the corporation I had been working for more than three years began to look at business restructuring, and downsizing options. As clients began to become scarce, revenue began to dry up and the company had to make decisions on the best way to move forward. Ultimately, the company-wide judgment was made to layoff the least qualified or experienced people in each department.
As an operations manager for three years with the firm, I certainly had the experience and know-how to do my job well. What I lacked, however, was a college degree. While others who had less experience or responsibility than me were able to use their college education to secure their position, I was let go.
I quickly realized I had to do something and decided the only way to avoid such a disaster in future positions was to ensure that I received a college education. So I immediately enrolled full-time in classes at Houston Community College. My intention was to do two years at Community College then transfer to University. As a student at Houston Community College, I completed the majority of my basic core courses. It was a sprawling college with people from a range of backgrounds.
Community College Paves the Way to a New First: A Bachelors Degree
When it came closer to accomplishing my Associates, I applied to various universities in Houston. As scholarship and acceptance letters came, I began to feel a weight lift from my shoulders. It was then that I knew my hard work was paying off. I never doubted that I would attend college, but until the letter saying “Congratulations!” arrived, the future was a swirl of uncertainty and unanswered questions.
On May 10th, 2013 my life changed forever…again. That was the day I was . As the first college student in my family, I felt the immense pressure of being both an idol for my younger siblings and the bearer of hope for my parents who were .
Having never been a student at a university, I called friends and family to get an idea of what to expect. Their answers helped a little bit, but didn’t paint a full picture since their experiences were from years past, and none of them had gone to a small, private university like the University of St. Thomas.
So, I reached out to the admissions counselors and they answered every question about transferring colleges and ensured the application process was easy and effortless. I soon realized I had nothing to fear. The academic advising office made certain that I was enrolled in the right classes, and my professors took the time to make sure I had the opportunity to excel in my courses.
Rather than feeling overwhelmed, unsure and anxious, I felt welcomed, cared for and confident. I truly felt accepted and comfortable. Although being the first in my family to go to college was a huge stepping stone in my life, to date, attending the University of St. Thomas has been one of the greatest decisions of my life and I’d recommend anyone to apply – even if you are the first one in your family to take that step. I can guarantee it will be worth it in the long run.
How to Transfer Colleges?
Are you currently attending community college and want to transfer to a private university? Refer to , and schedule to speak to today! If I did it, you can do it!
Editor’s Note: For another perspective on being a first-generation college student, check out “First Generation College Student: 3 Things I Wish I Knew.”
Vladimir Davidiuk Jr., political science and pre-law major