My Academic Journey: First Generation College Graduate
To be completely honest, I never imagine going to college because I just felt so confuse on the whole college process. Being a first generation student of an immigrant household meant having to figure everything out on your own with little to no guidance. I made a alot of mistakes along the way, I jumped from college to college and changed my major about 4 times. I spent so many nights in my teen years and early 20s crying thinking I was not good enough for college and that I should just quit.
But my inner voice told me NO! You belong here, you just need little guidance. So, I did some research and I found out about social work and decided to set up an appointment with the Social Work Dean of Texas Southern University. My social work Dean broke down the whole college process and told me I could graduate in 2 years if I was committed going to school full time and I stop dropping classes. So I did for the next 2 years, I spent all my time in school, working part time as a baby sister/other side gigs, and my social work internships.
In May of 2019, I finally graduated with my bachelor’s degree and parents got to see their first daughter graduate from college!
But, I wasn’t quite ready to be done with school, I fell in love with Social Work and everything it had to offer. You see during my undergraduate years I did so much. I was the Vice-president of my school’s social work club, I was an intern with the Harris County DA’s Office, I presented my research at the NASW Conference, and then ran for NASW Board position which later I won!
So my favorite professor and mentor Dr. Willis encouraged me to apply for grad school. So I did, I applied for Baylor University Graduate Program. Grad school was such a struggle for me, there were so many times I wanted to quit and I spend so much time crying and than the pandemic hit. Everybody had to attend school from home which pretty saved my butt. If I could give you guys any advice from my academic journey it would be:
Find a mentor/professor who believes in you
Don’t neglect your mental health, I did and pretty paid for the consequences after grad school.
Find your chosen family and your tribe who keeps you motivated!
Use all the academic resources meaning school gym, counseling services, scholarships, and tutoring center.
If you are not prepare for college don’t go and waste money. Explore what you are good at or what you like first by volunteering or interning.
Stay tune for resources and story time with me! Until next time! :)
