The ask:

Conduct an in-depth research project on any subculture. Uncover all there is to know about them.

Why I believe in this:

I am proudly first gen and felt a lot of my research was similar to my own experiences as a first gen student.
Everyone has their own unique first gen experience. In this project, I dove deeper into that.
First gen students are the best.

What is a first generation college student?

1. The coolest, most driven, amazing students you'll ever meet.

2. A first gen college student by definition a student whose parent(s) or legal guardian(s) have not completed a four-year bachelor's degree. They are the first in their immediate family to attend college and face unique academic or financial challenges.

First Gen students feel isolated

"Being first gen is hard. Nobody really gets the struggle unless they're first gen too." - M, 25

"I feel misunderstood. My professors think I'm slacking or don't care. I care the most. I just can't show up like my peers." - M, 22

73%

of survey respondents reported feeling that being first gen was a disadvantage for them in their educational journey.

First Gen students are proud to be first gen

89%

of survey respondents reported feeling that proud of being first gen.

"I feel like being a first gen student has made me a stronger student. Sometimes it's hard. But I also enjoy the challenge." - F, 19

"Being first gen wasn't a thing when I was in college. I was ashamed. I didn't even know it was a thing. But I'm very proud of it now and am glad it is becoming more acknowledged" - F, 45

Research

What did I learn?

Not every university supports first gen students as well as VCU unfortunately (proud VCU alumni moment)
First gen students feel like the hardest part about being first gen is the “imposter phenomenon”
First gen students feel most motivated by their parents/guardians - “my degree is for them”
First gen students keep themselves going. They know there is no safety net so it makes them work even harder
First gen students have incredibly high, almost unhealthy, expectations for themselves

How can all of this research be helpful?

Since I was given free rein on this project, I wanted to be really creative with my outcome. I didn't want to just make a presentation or a poster. I wanted to make something that could benefit first gen students, professors, their peers, and anyone interested in the first gen experience.