• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Ingenium Blog

College of Engineering Twitter hashtag #NewZachry Instagram hashtag #NewZachry College of Engineering Facebook
Texas A&M College of Engineering

Ingenium

  • Blog
    • Internship experience
    • Academic activities
    • Study Abroad experience
    • Entrepreneurial activities
    • Future Students
    • Graduate Students
    • Student life
  • About
  • Video
  • Contact

What It Means To Be A First-Gen Student

You are on a path that no one in your family has traveled before. I, too, felt all those feelings as I walked to my first college class ever! These are lessons I have learned and carried into my career.

You are here: Home / Future Students / What It Means To Be A First-Gen Student

June 8, 2022 By: Guest Blogger

Are you a first-generation Aggie engineering student?

Learn about the Texas A&M University College of Engineering mentoring program that can enhance your educational and social experiences and help you meet your goals!

First-Generation Engineering Students Mentoring Program
First generation Aggie graduate posing with happy family members

I know those feelings that are running inside you. The feelings of pride, inspiration, ambition, sacrifice and fearlessness. You are on a path that no one in your family has traveled before. From the moment you received your college acceptance to the first time on campus that took your breath away, you have waited to start your experience as an Aggie. 

Trust me. I was there. I, too, felt all those feelings as I walked to my first college class ever! You are about to enter uncharted territory and the spotlight is  on you.

As a first-generation college student, not a single day goes by that I don’t think about my family and their sacrifices. For my family and I, going to college is the ultimate way to better your life. But with all this support from family, there comes a problem many first-generation students experience — lack of understanding.

As new students on campus, you may experience imposter syndrome, confusion, anxiety, financial uncertainty, social isolation or family conflicts. These dark clouds hover, making it hard to adjust. I have felt many of these emotions, but I have learned many lessons along the way. You are exactly where you need to be, and I am here to supply you with tips for first-gen students:

First generation Aggie posing in graduation regalia

1. You are not alone!

Yes, you are the first one from your family in college, but that doesn’t mean you’re the only one. Whether you are one hour away from home or from a different state/country, find a community that aligns with your interests. I recommend joining organizations related to engineering, sports, multicultural events or organizations outside of STEM. Pursue activities you like and naturally, your community will follow.

2. It’s okay to ask for help.

You may want to achieve everything 100% on your own. I am here to tell you that asking for help does not mean defeat. Where would you rather be? Not asking for help and leaving class without knowing the answer or asking and leaving class with the answer? Many people can help you succeed. Reach out to your professor, TAs, classmates or other sections because someone has the answer to your question. Being vulnerable does not equal weakness.

You belong here. You are capable. You can achieve your success story.— Juan Cuellar ’21

3. Try new things!

I understand it can be daunting to be in a new environment with so many people. Put yourself out there and get comfortable with being uncomfortable in a new activity. My advice is to sample different things until you find something you enjoy.

4. You do fit in.

You are not alone in your journey. It can be difficult to get help from your parents who didn’t go to college. I could never have expected my parents to help me with calculus because they’d never even heard of it. It took a lot of personal initiative to reach my goals. But slowly and steadily, I found my community.

Although I have barely touched the surface with these four tips, I firmly believe they can make a difference for a new student. These are lessons I have learned and carried into my career.

Every first-generation student has a story to tell. I am not the first one to graduate, nor will I be the last one. You belong here. You are capable. You can achieve your success story.

Juan Cuellar

About Juan Cuellar 

Class of 2021

Industrial & Systems Engineering

If you found this blog post interesting, you may consider reading “5 Things I Wish I’d Known When Applying to Texas A&M” and “Pick Your Path – A Note to Future Engineering Students.”

Topics: Future Students, Student life

Primary Sidebar

Related Posts

  • four Texas A&M University students studying in the Zachry Engineering Education Complex Dear Aggie Engineer… | February 15, 2023
  • Three Corps of Cadets brass brooches that say "Per Unitatem Vis" 7 Tips for Freshman Cadet Engineering Success | December 28, 2022
  • seven students nicely dressed and smiling at banquet Making the most of what Texas A&M has to offer | September 28, 2022

Learn More

Texas A&M Engineering SoundBytes podcast logo next to a broadcast microphone image

Have you heard?

Texas A&M Engineering: SoundBytes is the podcast where faculty, students and staff across the engineering program can share their passion, experience and expertise.

Listen now

College of Engineering Twitter College of Engineering Instagram College of Engineering Facebook

Footer

Ingenium, written by students for students, a blog of the Texas A&M University College of Engineering

Learn More

College of Engineering

Texas A&M University

Engineering Resources

Options for Study

Student Life

Admissions & Aid

Study Abroad

Texas A&M College of Engineering

Copyright © 2023 · Texas A&M University College of Engineering · All Rights Reserved

The views and opinions expressed in this blog are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Texas A&M University.

State of Texas • Texas Homeland Security • Open Records • Risk, Fraud & Misconduct Hotline • Statewide Search • Texas CREWS • Site Links & Policies • Environmental Health, Safety & Security • Employment