I knew the stakes were high for me-unlike most of my friends at college. So for me, I knew I always had to do double the work and make no mistakes. I am grateful for faculty and staff members that were always available for me to talk to and get help when I needed it. I also had a "host-family" both my host parents were professors and that was an inspiration to me to have such positive role models.
Being an international student and first-generation, I was not able to get federal financial aid. That meant working 2 jobs on campus to make ends meet for me. I was never able to have a weekend off like most of classmates as I was always working or catching up on homework.
Ask for help. Do not be afraid to ask for help.
Yes. One of my supervisors actually talked to me about graduate school in student affairs and helped me with the application process.
My experience as a first-generation college student made me resilient and hardworking. I was able to also learn how to struggle and ask for help.
University of Portland
5000 N. Willamette Blvd.,
Portland, Oregon 97203-5798
503.943.8000
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