College is often considered a necessary step in a career-centered culture, and it comes as no surprise that first-generation students face a unique set of hurdles as they navigate through higher education for the first time. However, as these particular students encounter difficulties fitting in among peers, accessing helpful resources and depending on self-reliance, VanCougs open up about their unique experiences when approaching the challenge head-on.
Renny Christopher
Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
What challenges did you face as a first-generation college student?
I felt like I didn’t belong. One of the things that we talk a lot about here [at WSU Vancouver] is fostering a sense of belonging. And that was part of why I left [college], because I felt like I did not belong there, that those people were not like me, and that they were from some other world that I didn’t feel like I could become a part of…. There was still a sense that higher education and college degrees were for people from a more privileged background. I think today there’s more of a sense of attainability and a democratic idea of higher education. You belong here, [and] if anybody had said that to me… I would have eased my way towards getting a degree earlier.
Keaniko Gibson
Junior majoring in English
Can you describe your experience as a first-generation college student?
It feels good. But also feels like I can’t go to anyone to ask questions about college and classes, because no one else [in my family] did this. So I kind of had to go to myself, [thinking] I just need to tough it out. I think I’m on a better path…. I’m [living] at home, and I’m able to talk to my dad. So even though he didn’t go to college, [his] input helps me navigate through school.
Alexis Schole
Junior majoring in digital technology and culture
Are there any resources unique to WSU Vancouver that have helped you with the challenges you have faced as a first-generation college student?
It’s challenging at first getting into college, because none of your family knows what’s going on either. So they don’t really know how to help you. Me and my sister are both first-generation college students starting at the same time, [so we’re] figuring it out together. But I feel like they make it easy at WSU, because I’ve had experiences at other colleges [where] things weren’t as easy to figure out. [WSU is] so committed to helping students. They’re always quick to respond, [even] if you just need to talk to somebody… having a support system at school is nice.… I always have somebody to connect to, and they know a little bit about my life. So that’s helpful.
Being the first family member to attend college is no easy feat, but, considering WSU Vancouver’s enrollment consists of 45% first-generation students, these individuals are discovering success within the community surrounding them.
Arabelle is a senior studying English at WSU Vancouver.