Before we officially begin this piece, I want you to close your eyes and simply just relax. I would tell you to take a deep breath in, but given the current situation and the content we will be discussing, I think that would be just a tad inappropriate. Why am I telling you all this? Well besides the fact that I wanted to start this post off a bit cheesy, I believe that it is important to just stop what you are doing every now and then and just remember to relax. With today’s topics in mind, the current TLU First-Gen experience along with the impact of COVID-19 on First-Gen students, it can be a fairly stressful time for new First-Gen students coming into college and also for all students in general as they experience a semester that is totally different from the norm. However, these individuals that we will be mentioning had good advice on both of these subjects and hopefully they will show that you are not alone in what you are experiencing as a First-Gen student or as a student in general for that matter.

Almost everyone in their first year of college feels some sort of confusion or pressure as they enter a whole new world of education. When you’re First-Gen, this feeling of confusion can be amplified as you may not have anyone to guide you through the college journey. For Skylea Tatsch, this was definitely how she felt as she stated that “I would have to say that my first year was confusing, because I came in to TLU undecided on what major I wanted to do”. This is not uncommon for a lot of freshmen, especially for First-Gen students. This confusion is not the only feeling a first year First-Gen student might feel however as there is also the added pressure of doing something that no one in your immediate family has done before. This is what probably distinguishes First-Gen students from others. As Arcelia Villalon tells us, she feels this pressure “because everyone in your family is just looking at you”. While she wants us to know that she is happy and excited to go to college for her family, this feeling of pressure can also get to her at times. It feels as though all eyes are on her to do well in a new environment that her family is not experienced with. This is the exact reason why it is important for us to support First-Gen students as much as we can, especially if you understand what they are experiencing. For Christi Leigh, this has become a part of her daily life as she has worked in higher education for 15 years as of now. She states that “I believe whole-heartedly that it is important to later be that guide and mentor for students who are in the same situation”. This mentoring role and additional support seems to be needed now more than ever in this new Covid world around us.

In addition to being First-Gen and with the possibility of it being someone’s first year of college, this college year has many students worried about what is to come with the coronavirus situation. For someone like Sarah Villarreal, “it has affected me in so many ways” as it took away the last back half of her freshman year, potentially has ruined this season of volleyball for her, and she has been living in strict conditions where she is at due to the amount of cases there is. Unfortunately, this has also has affected many other students in different ways as well. Jon Duarte was also hit pretty hard because of it as “one of the things I didn’t get to experience is being able to walk on stage”. It is clear that the coronavirus has brought a lot of heartache in its path as well as added uncertainty. This is something that no student could have prepared for initially, especially for First-Gen students who already have that added pressure of needing to do well in college. Danny Mai however exclaims that we should not feel remorse for what we have lost and that we should “take everything as happy as you can be and make the best out of this situation” since we obviously can not do much about disease except for practicing social distancing and other procedures to prevent further spread. This of course may be easier said than done, but it is certainly not impossible to utilize. Nicholas Young actually seems to also follow this piece of advice as he states that “hopefully because of Covid, like I’m starting to feel it, but I hope it can continue of not being scared to do these things that I want”. It is interesting to think that people can still find something positive in the midst of something so life-changing, but this should also motivate other college students that you can really make the best out of a bad situation. As the world around us is ever-changing, it is imperative to remember what is important and to keep what is important to you close. As Toni Davenport tells us, “In the world of coronavirus and college life, I would say that scheduling those “must do” tasks is important, but finding a way to have that social life is important too, in whatever way a social life can work for you right now”. While we should not forget the damage this virus has caused, there is something to be said about how it has also brought people closer together in a weird sort of way. That connection between people must be there for college students and what better way to bond than over something that is affecting all of us.

No matter if you are a first year First-Gen student or if you are experiencing this weird corona-filled semester, this is all new to us. However, that does not mean we should simply ride out this year and not try to enjoy it as much as we possibly can. Sam Rakowitz tells us that “You need to remember you have already succeeded in just getting to college! Have fun, do the best you can and enjoy every minute!” which has truth to it. No matter the circumstances, First-Gen students should be proud of the fact that they are in college altogether and remember what they have achieved so far just to get where they are at now. With that in mind, while this college year may be filled with chaos, it is also something that students can look back upon once they finish it. As Charles Versea tells us, “keep your head down. Keep moving. Always push forward, don’t let anything slow you down. And stay true to who you are”. As long as you remember who you are and where you came from, First-Gen students seem to be able to surmount the obstacles in front of them time after time. Though it may seem rough now, this will surely be an excellent time to reflect upon in the future and realize that despite the odds being against you, you were still able to go through this year and not let it bog you down. Remember, you must take some time to relax here and there and in that moment of relaxation, take the time to reflect on what you have done and be proud of who you are and your accomplishments so far.

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YouTube videos that were used for quotes:
https://youtu.be/ADdI8wPzUyo
https://youtu.be/w2BvlpdUkdA

Written by Jordan Mendoza