Navigating college can be difficult for new students. These challenges can also be more difficult for first-generation college students (“first generation”)—individuals who are the first among their siblings or parents to receive higher education. Their experiences, backgrounds, stresses, and disabilities may differ from those of their peers.
Ball State University student Terry Clayton is currently in his third year majoring in video production. Media department and entered college Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC).
“My biggest challenge as a first-generation freshman student was figuring out how to navigate college on my own when I had no one at home to show me around,” Clayton said. ‘ said. “Sometimes I would call my mom and tell her I didn’t know what to do with college-related things like homework, but she didn’t know. She would have helped me, but when it came to college, I realized that this was all my fault, and I stepped up. I found a resource and figured it out.”
Ball State University aims to support all students, including first-generation college students, with a network of resources.To help Gen 1 find information and help on a variety of topics, Ball State online resource page I dedicate it to them.
Understanding Academics and Campus Life
These resources (and ROTC for him) helped Clayton find structure and pave the way for a successful college life. One of his sources of support for him was the career center at his university. Clayton said the staff there helped her develop her ability to prioritize, set schedules, and stick to them.
“The problem in college was that no one taught me how to prioritize my time. But outside of class, your parents tell you what you need to do in the meantime, which you don’t have when you’re away from home. is happening, competing for time and attention, and it can be overwhelming,” explained Clayton.
“Starting college as a first generation was a lot harder,” he added. “But the good news is that now I can help the next person in my family go to college. When it comes time to think about further education, I can guide him. My family is proud to have changed our story when it comes to college and I am proud of myself. .
