Defining Success as a First-Generation College Student

When my parents immigrated to the United States from Albania in 2000, they were faced with a world of uncertainty. They left behind their home, language, and family in pursuit of a better life. What they knew for sure though was that their children would have access to opportunities they didn’t –like going to school. Here I am now, halfway through my college career. Being the first in my family to attend college has been a defining moment in my educational journey. It has shaped my understanding of perseverance and opportunity and instilled within me the values of resilience, discipline, and hard work. Along the way, I’ve come to realize my own vision of what it means to be successful in life—one that is different compared to my peers.  

Success is often perceived as the end result of what you’ve been working towards, especially in an academic setting. This could be in the form of earning a good grade, landing an internship, or finally receiving that diploma. Too often we hyperfixate on the end goal that we neglect to recognize our efforts along the way. For me, success is found in the accomplishments made throughout the journey. It’s the small victories that truly show your growth and achievement. For many, these victories may be overlooked or seem unimportant. But for a first-gen student like me, these victories are profound, meaningful, and part of your success. Navigating the complexities of higher education is a challenging yet fulfilling experience.

Learning the "Language" of College

It was up to me to explain things like FAFSA and orientation to my parents. During my application process, I helped fill out forms, walked them through the online portals, and ensured they stayed on top of deadlines. I had to explain how move-in day works and the schedule for it. The overall process was completely new and unfamiliar, so each step was a learning curve for all of us. It was certainly a long and tiresome process, translating basic college procedures and expectations in a way they could understand. Deciphering the jargon of college felt like trying to solve an impossible puzzle. But with each new term or form, I was learning not only how things worked, but also how to effectively communicate and guide others through it.

Advocating for Myself

College can be especially intimidating when you don’t have anyone immediate to rely on. My freshman-year roommate often called her parents for advice and consolation, and they’d comfort her with stories from their college years. I didn’t have that luxury and instead had to figure things out on my own. At first, this felt isolating, but I soon realized it equipped me with the independence to take control of my own decisions. I learned how to deal with tricky situations, whether it was something as simple as turning in an assignment on Blackboard or as complex as changing my minor. I quickly adapted and became my own advocate, developing confidence in my ability to find answers and seek out the resources I needed.

Building a Support Network

Finding a support system wasn’t something that came naturally to me. I tend to be quiet and reserved, letting others take the initiative. However, I quickly realized that I had to step out of my comfort zone and be proactive. And so I did. Joining clubs, attending office hours, and building relationships with people on campus helped me make friends and find my inner circle. These relationships not only provided academic guidance but also emotional support. I was able to meet people who were like me who shared similar experiences and understood my perspective. It created the sense of belonging that I yearned for. Having people to lean on during the highs and lows of college made such a difference. I realized that I am not alone as a first-gen student, and that building a strong support network is a key part of achieving long-term success. 

Being a first-generation college student has shown me that success isn’t just about reaching the end goal—it’s about the journey, the lessons learned, and the small victories along the way. I am incredibly grateful to my parents for their sacrifices, as well as the opportunities and support I’ve had along the way. I’ve come to understand that I am not alone and that with hard work and determination, I can achieve my goals and be successful.

About Erica

Erica is a sophomore at Grand Valley studying Advertising and Public Relations with a minor in Digital Studies. This is her first year in GrandPR as an Account Associate. She is the current secretary of the Albanian-American Student Organization and on the PRSSA Outreach Committee. After graduation, she hopes to do some traveling and work at an agency.