First-generation students are a different breed from those who are not. We have a hide unlike those who cannot quite understand our circumstances, formed from the pressures placed by those around us or even from our selves.
Many first-gens can relate to the feeling that they must beat insurmountable odds and reach unfathomable depths, as those are the expectations placed upon them by those who have failed before them or lacked the opportunity to do so. No matter the family background you may have or come from, the burden shared is identical. This trial by fire known as college is one that must be beaten, and the feral nature of this unknown must be tamed, yet many can claim that such an undertaking can be addictive.
A journey, unlike any other being traversed by nobody other than ourselves, can be exhilarating as we explore the path shrouded in fog that becomes increasingly unveiled. Along this path, we learn more of who we are in the most authentic of ways, and with the weight of those before us on our shoulders, we gain strength with every step forward. We push up that mountain as we are propelled even further by those crushing expectations. The path before us is, in no way at all, easy, yet it is said that nothing worth doing is ever easy.
Admittedly, some of us fall from this path or simply turn back around, the trial forward being more frightening than the regret of returning from where we came. However, most trudge forward, and those who reach that peak find themselves being vastly different at the top then they were at the bottom. Many may feel alone, yet no mountain ever stands without others.
The peak of this mountain is not meant for the world to see us, rather it is meant for us to see the world. The sun setting on one journey and being able to see what we have accomplished makes meeting said expectations even sweeter.
All those who resonate with this journey and those who relate to these pressures, you are seen and respected for how far you have come. Even a single step up that slope is further than many get, and pride should be taken in that. With all of the stressors that you push and work through should be a prideful accomplishment.
You may be just starting out on this seemingly impossible adventure or may the peak of your mountain almost be within arm’s length, we traverse it together. My fellow adventurers, there is indeed a rainbow at the end of every storm, and the worse the winds and rains of life hit you, the brighter that rainbow is.
To all the first-generation students, keep your heads held high as this is merely the beginning. We stand and face all obstacles and refuse to look back as only forward is the path that leads to dreams. For those who relate, never forget, What I have are not dreams, merely events that have yet to pass. Words to live by, don’t you think?
Photo Credits: Olivia Brzek
