Abstract:
A first-generation college student is defined as a student whose parent(s)/legal
guardian(s) have not completed a bachelor's degree. Being a first-generation college student
myself, I have experienced different roadblocks that I wish I could have avoided. Between being
unprepared for academic conversations and difficulty applying for financial aid, there are various
roadblocks first-generation students experience. Through this creative project, I plan to create an
event in which student affairs offers resources, tips, and a presentation to first-generation
students so they can be more prepared for their academic endeavours. As a student affairs
professional, it is important for me to be able to support all of the first-generation students with
whom I come into contact. These students can experience imposter syndrome, college
adjustment issues, and a lack of family support. These students have a high risk of failing
because sometimes they are less involved, have less social and financial support, and report less
social and academic satisfaction. With this event and presentation, my hope is for the incoming
freshman class and the current freshman class to feel more prepared and comfortable in a campus
environment.
This creative project and supporting research paper will serve to identify the challenges
for first-generation college students and provide resources to help them strive on their academic
July 2021
path. My goal is to bring more awareness to the struggles that first-generation students face and
help them in their future endeavours. I want to serve as a resource that I wish I would have had
during my undergraduate career.
