Katrina Klein
Sean C. Bird
The Washburn Experience
9 March, 2015
First-Generation Students Many of the first-generation students do not know the advantages they have about being a first-generation student and how to accomplish their goals but with all advantages there is always disadvantages. What exactly is a first generation student? According to the College Board “First-generation students can come from families with low incomes or from middle or higher-income families without a college education. Some have parents who support their plans for higher education while others are under family pressure to enter the workforce right after high school.” (College Board). Most of these students don’t know much about college and many only know the disadvantages. As a first-generation student one has the ultimate challenge being the first one to pursue a college education. Many of the students are older, married, have children, employed, attend college less than full time, and are less involved in college activities but these students are able to function and thrive in two opposite worlds which is a skill that most second-generation students do not have. There are many advantages of being a first-generation student it gives one more freedom than restrictions. Most second-generation students can’t choose their school or study a field they are truly interested in, because their parents are funding their education and want to make the decision for them but as a first-generation student one is the first to learn the ins and out of college, and therefore one has the freedom to choose either path in education. According to Tanjula Petty “There are many skills that one will learn while one is at college but one that everybody will need to accomplish dreams is motivation.” (Petty, 135). As a second-generation student everybody needs motivation to pursue a degree to