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First Generation College Student Testimonials Davin Persuad
We are not in the same predicament. We have the potential and positive influences of peers and elders to make sure education is our main concern. All my parents have ever truly instilled in my mind, heart, and soul was to make sure I get the best education possible. Whenever there was a hard time in school or grasping of a concept, the most memorable reply was, "I wish I could help you, but truly only you can help yourself in this situation." If life was handed to us through the knowledge of our parents, life would be so much easier. I believe in karma and that there is a time when everything will pay off; things will happen for the best- this is what gets me through my day. I am a first generation student who believes he will get through it all. I am currently aspiring to gain entrance into a selective program at the University of Central Florida- the Cardiopulmonary Program. In addition to this medically based program, I hope to achieve an Accredited Computer Science minor, allowing me to have a certificate of completion and a job following the completion of my minor. Among these goals, I work at Arnold Palmer Hospital - in the Children's Emergency Room. Because of what I have and aspire to accomplish, I am proof that an individuals will and determination can provide great opportunity, and eventually achieve the goals in which they seek. I work with other 1st generation students who are now doctors and nurses that provide me hope and encouragement to allowing me to believe my goals are realities. The only one to limit your capabilities is yourself; never let anyone tell you that you are not good enough or that you cannot do it because anything and everything is possible. As our history provides, thinking outside of the box makes things possible. We never thought we would one day walk on the moon, but now it is a common reality. We never thought that we could find life on another planet, but slowly with technology and human's insight we discover what Mars is capable of. If it wasn't for the geniuses in our history, and those who thought outside of the box, electricity would have never been created, or the great automobile would not be of mass use. Anything is possible, with enough courage and determination in ourselves, we as the 1st generation students, can accomplish whatever we seek to find. The power is found in the mind, not in the family tree. Serge Desir One of the dreams experienced by many parents is that their children are more successful than they. Parents and guardians struggle hard and sacrifice much to provide their children with opportunities to turn this dream into a reality. I am an example of this reality. I am the Senior Assistant Director for Undergraduate Admissions at UCF. I received my BA in English from Stetson University and my M. Ed. in College Student Affairs at the University of South Florida. I am the oldest of four children and my parents are from Haiti (my father) and Jamaica (my mother). I am the first person in my family to attend college and I could not have accomplished this without the energy, commitment, and perseverance of my parents, extended family, and organizations like MASS. College allows the prepared to confront and overcome its challenges to not just broaden their minds and understanding of this world, but to appreciate the struggles of the past that paved the way to the present so that we can turn now continue to pave a smooth path for a better tomorrow. First Generation students are a shining example of this philosophy because we are beneficiaries of our parents' dreams and commitments, the support of our friends, families and communities, a reflection of the overarching ideal that in the United States anyone can be successful if they want it enough and have the resources to grant them access. Attending college is not for everyone, but it is an accessible opportunity for all Americans. College is the means through which America has forged great leaders and thinkers, people who have had a real impact, a lasting impact in this world. It's why I went to college. I am an educator. I want to play my role in building upon the foundation my parents and those that preceded them created. I support the notion that no one individual can be successful on his or her own and that help should and must be expected; yet, I also want you to know that you are as responsible for your overcoming your own challenges as you are for achieving your successes. In college, your family will not be there physically or may not know where you should start, what you will have to overcome, what you will have to face; you must be ready to take the right turns, to navigate treacherous waters, and to weather the storms. You need not do so alone. Offices like MASS, among many others, exist to provide guidance. but that's just it: guidance. As a first generation student, you may find typical college challenges more pronounced than your peers whose parents have terminal degrees, but you - like them - are still held accountable to make the right choices that will ensure your. Be the first success in a line of future firsts in your family. Your parents or guardians have made these sacrifices to grant you this opportunity. Do not fail them. And, more importantly, do not fail yourself. You owe it to yourself. Let this be the beginning of firsts for the rest of your life. Juan Leal To first generation college students: Like me, many of you probably have concerns when first stepping into college, but coming from a first-hand witness, there is nothing too crazy to worry about. In fact, there are great things to look forward to as a first generation college student. When I first started, I never suspected I would enjoy college this much. The transition into the college life went smoothly and my concerns about college level courses vanished. Your first year is intended to be a time of transition and, here at UCF, you would find no problem passing courses with the amount of resources available to you, all of which are designed with the aim of helping you succeed. As a first generation college student I take tremendous pride in every aspect of my work. Knowing that my parents didn't have the same luxury of completing their four year degrees pushes me harder everyday to achieve a goal that my family would definitely be proud of. We are the future for our families and achieving a four year degree would be a great source of pride for them. We will all experience ups and downs, this being our first time in college, but I believe we should always look to the future with the knowledge that the good times will always outweigh the bad. The Office of Multicultural Academic and Support Services (MASS), an on-campus organization that caters specifically to first generational students, has offered me opportunities and resources I would be hard-pressed to find elsewhere. It has addressed my concerns and provided me with information about campus resources, scholarships, special events, and student organizations. As an incoming freshman student, I assure you that MASS will be a great starting point for you and will address important issues concerning registration, internships, campus activities, and etc. Through MASS, I have received exceptional help and encouragement, and I am sure that as, a first generation college student, you will be given the same individual attention. Our staff is very dedicated and supportive of its students. Therefore, I encourage you to contact MASS and request to be advised by them. My name is Juan Leal, and I approve this message. |
My parent's thoughts of coming to America with little to no money was a hard thing but the potential of how wonderful America can be and the opportunities for a better living, the potential and the opportunities for a better education made it all worth it. Growing up in third world countries, all children aspire to be well rounded. I know speaking to my parents, all they ever hoped for was being able to provide for their future family. It was so hard coming to America, because not only did they have to adapt to a new culture and way of life, but they had to make sure their whole family did exactly the same. The major concern was to make enough to stay and live here, and all the time was spent finding ways to gain more wealth to support the family, and your own future. Even though our culture teaches us that education is very important, in order to survive in America, money is needed. Because of this concept, this is why my parents and their generation did not seek a higher education.  |  |
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