Article Reflection 3
Guilt is one of the biggest struggles first-generation college students face by Linda Banks-Santilli from The Washington Post.
Loved this article because it was so relatable to my experience as a first-generation college student. I never thought about other colleges overlooking the problems that first-generation college students face because I was under the aegis of Student Support Services at my university. I had the support that I needed as the first person in my family to go to college but now that I’ve been able to look at things through the lens of a future student affairs professional, I recognize its importance.
The article talks about this double life where there is development of two identities, one for home and one for college. I totally experienced this. My college life understood my home life to an extent. People in college did judge me for coming from Stamford, CT – a place known for some affluence and pretentiousness. On the other hand, my niece didn’t understand why her aunt was gone all the time and my dad didn’t understand why he couldn’t see my grades.
It is interesting that there’s a question about why first-generation students go to college and sad that many apply to meet requirements for their desired profession. I never really thought about if I wanted to go to college, it was just kind of instilled in me as I think I had to do to make it. My parents faired well but they got lucky. I didn’t necessarily have the same prospects. I went in as a Nursing major, thinking I loved helping people and Nursing was secure. That was false but that’s also a conversation for another day.
I have to say that I never experienced “breakaway guilt” but I did carry the burden of having to do well. My parents were depleting their savings to send me to college and doing well was my only option. So I thank the student affairs professionals that mentored me and supported me through this. I had the privilege to be paid attention to during my college application process and transition into college but I think there are many things I wish I knew; simply more awareness that I was different but at the same time not being stigmatized.