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First Generation Students At Legacy Universities: A Journey of Resilience, Determination, and Triumph

Braeden Hayes

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Published in The Hidden Curriculum: First Generation Students At Legacy Universities

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Stepping onto the hallowed grounds of a legacy university can be an intimidating experience for any student. But for first-generation college students, those who are the first in their families to pursue higher education, the challenges and expectations can seem almost insurmountable.

First-generation students at legacy universities face a unique set of obstacles. They may come from families with limited financial resources, lack the same educational and social capital as their peers, and navigate unfamiliar cultural norms and expectations. Yet, despite these challenges, first-generation students are increasingly enrolling in and graduating from legacy universities. In this article, we will explore the experiences of first-generation students at legacy universities, the support systems and resources available to them, and the strategies they employ to achieve success.

The Hidden Curriculum: First Generation Students at Legacy Universities

by Stephanie Harvey

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2139 KB
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Print length	:	251 pages

Challenges Faced by First-Generation Students

First-generation students at legacy universities often face a number of challenges that their peers do not. These challenges can include:

Financial difficulties: First-generation students are more likely to come from low-income families and may have limited financial resources to cover the costs of tuition, fees, and living expenses.
Academic preparation: First-generation students may not have the same academic preparation as their peers who come from families with a history of college attendance. They may have attended under-resourced schools or may not have had access to the same extracurricular activities and enrichment programs.
Social and cultural isolation: First-generation students may feel socially and culturally isolated from their peers. They may be the only person in their family who is attending college, and they may not have the same social networks or cultural references as their peers.
Lack of guidance and support: First-generation students may not have family members or friends who can provide them with guidance and support as they navigate the college experience.

Support Systems and Resources

Despite the challenges they face, first-generation students at legacy universities have access to a number of support systems and resources to help them succeed. These resources include:

Financial aid: First-generation students are eligible for a variety of financial aid programs, including grants, scholarships, and loans. These programs can help to cover the costs of tuition, fees, and living expenses.
Academic support: Many legacy universities offer academic support programs specifically designed for first-generation students. These programs can provide students with tutoring, mentoring, and other academic assistance.
Counseling and support services: Legacy universities offer a variety of counseling and support services to students, including first-generation students. These services can provide students with emotional support, guidance, and resources to help them cope with the challenges of college life.
Peer support groups: There are a number of peer support groups available for first-generation students at legacy universities. These groups can provide students with a sense of community and support from others who are facing similar challenges.

Strategies for Success

In addition to the support systems and resources available to them, first-generation students can also employ a number of strategies to help them succeed in college. These strategies include:

Getting involved on campus: One of the best ways for first-generation students to succeed in college is to get involved on campus. This can help them to meet new people, build relationships, and get involved in activities that they enjoy.
Developing a strong support network: First-generation students should reach out to family, friends, and other members of their support network for help and encouragement. They should also connect with other first-generation students and form peer support groups.
Managing their time and resources: First-generation students need to learn how to manage their time and resources effectively. They should create a schedule and stick to it, and they should prioritize their tasks. They should also learn how to budget their money and live within their means.
Overcoming self-doubt: First-generation students often struggle with self-doubt. They may feel like they don't belong or that they are not good enough to succeed in college. They need to learn to overcome these feelings and believe in themselves.

First-generation students at legacy universities face a unique set of challenges and expectations. However, by taking advantage of the support systems and resources available to them and by employing the right strategies, they can overcome these challenges and achieve success.

First-generation students are an important part of the legacy of higher education. They bring diversity and new perspectives to the classroom, and they help to make universities more inclusive and welcoming places. By supporting first-generation students, we can help to ensure that they have the opportunity to succeed and to reach their full potential.

The Hidden Curriculum: First Generation Students at Legacy Universities

by Stephanie Harvey

4.7 out of 5