Documentos de Académico
Documentos de Profesional
Documentos de Cultura
Karla Altamirano
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.
How would you describe a first generation college student? Are you aware of what
people who will have different definitions of what a first-generation student is. According to
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
7
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.
https://professionals.collegeboard.org/guidance/prepare/first-generation
https://www.league.org/innovation-showcase/breaking-down-barriers-first-generation-college-
students-and-college-success
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
education-student-success