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For First-Gen Niners from First-Gen Niners

ADVICE FOR FIRST-GEN NINERS FROM FIRST-GEN NINERS

At the end of each academic year, we ask First-Generation Niners what advice they would give to incoming and continuing First-Generation Niners. See what they had to say below!

  •  Everything meant to be will be, so accept if something is not meant to happen at the exact moment you expect. You will end up where you need to be.
  • Always believe in yourself! The pressure that you feel today will make you a diamond tomorrow. BUT only if you are patient with yourself. With diamonds comes patience, and gentleness. Through your time at Charlotte, you must prioritize gentleness and patience with yourself.
  • Everything you need is right there within yourself. You are the only person in control of your success. Aim high, and everything will fall into place. Your time as a Niner will fly by. Take advantage of any and all resources, and enjoy every moment. The good, the bad, the mundane day to day regimen, one day we'll look back and think these were the good old days. Once a Niner, always a Niner!
  • Remember that you belong here.
  • Remember that challenges are a natural part of life, and each one presents an opportunity for growth and learning. Stay focused on your aspirations, believe in your abilities, and keep moving forward with determination and perseverance.
  • Celebrate all of your achievements, no matter how small you may think they are. They are worthy and so are YOU. 
  • Above all, believe in yourself and your ability to succeed. You have already overcome significant hurdles to get here, and that resilience will continue to serve you well as you navigate your academic and personal pursuits. Keep pushing forward, stay true to yourself, and remember that you have the strength and potential to achieve great things.
  • Make self-care a priority, whether it is through meditation, mindfulness counseling, or taking pauses. Your health is important.
  • There isn’t a timeline for life. Accomplish your goals at your own pace and don’t be afraid to take time away to reset, if necessary. 
  • Reach for the stars, it’s possible. Know you can do it and truly put effort. 
  • Never give up on your education. No matter how long it takes. 
  • You’ll feel an immense amount of happiness and be proud of yourself for pushing your limits. Advocate for yourself. 
  • Don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone.
  • Don’t hesitate to ask for help and seek out support from professors and peers. Remember to take care of yourself, and celebrate your progress. 
  • May your beginnings be humble, and may your future be prosperous! 
  • You’re needed in these spaces you’re trying to break in. Your presence matters and furthering your education matters. Put succinctly, keep going! The world is waiting for you, don’t keep it waiting. 
  • Don’t get overwhelmed by your future anxieties, instead appreciate where you are right now. You are making a big impact by just being here. As your years go on, always take the time and celebrate even those little achievements.
  • You’re making the difference. Enjoy every day and don’t stress about the years you have left, take one semester at a time. Senior year will be here sooner than expected. 
  • Even if you feel scared and out of place, remember you belong and can achieve anything. Learn from failure, take time to be upset, but ensure you grow and evolve.
  • If it's not you, it'll be someone else getting that degree.. so just do it so that it will be you! There are days that will get tough, but take a deep breath, and remind yourself that you got this far for it to be you! 
  • Being a First-Generation student is a privilege and an honor that everyone should be proud of, but not stressed out by. Find out why it’s important to you specifically and wear the title with joy!
  • Embrace your unique journey and seek support when needed. Being a First-Gen college student may present challenges, but it also comes with resilience and determination. Reach out to professors, advisors, and support services on campus! 
  • Connect with fellow students who share your experiences. Your path may be different, but your potential is limitless. Take advantage of the resources available to you, stay focused on your goals, and remember that you belong here just as much as anyone else. Your education is an investment in your future, and with determination and support, you can achieve your dreams. 
  • Stay focused, stay hungry.
  • Utilize every and all resources possible! Lean on your peers as well for support. 
  • What seems impossible is possible! You are stronger than you've ever imagined, and you will go far. Utilize the resources on campus, and find your niche, whether it's via clubs, sports, etc. to know you aren't alone. In addition, try to create a balance between your social life, and school life to prohibit you from getting overwhelmed. I am rooting for you all the way!
  • Embrace your unique background and cultural identity while also actively seeking out new adventures. Networking with peers, faculty, and staff who understand your experiences can greatly enhance your college journey and help you navigate any challenges you may encounter. Be proud of every small step you make, even the hardest or smallest ones. 
  • Walk your halls with pride, and embrace your journey. You belong, you are a Niner, and we are all rooting for you! 
  • Use your family as support, remember this is their first experience having family in college, and they'll forever be proud of you for your accomplishments. 
  • College can feel overwhelming as a First-Gen student, but it doesn’t have to be. Remember, this is the beginning of your future, and it's important to advocate for yourself. We're all figuring it out together! Reach out for help and guidance whenever you need it; you’re not alone in this journey!
  • College is to educate and expand your ideas not to receive a piece of paper at the end. Do something with your college experience, do not be afraid to get out of your comfort zone and expand your mindset.  College is a playground, don't be afraid to fall off! You will, but when you do, get back up.  
  • Always ask questions & seek resources to help you succeed. The possibilities are endless.
  • Use all of the resources available to you! College WILL get overwhelming and that is the time where you need to reach out for help from your teachers, a TA, or a tutor. There are so many people willing to help.
  • Take your classes seriously, challenge yourself, and remember that perseverance during tough times will only make you stronger. Utilize the resources available to you—whether it’s academic support, mentorship programs, or campus organizations—these tools are here to help you thrive.
  • Take some time to adjust, it is okay to be overwhelmed in a new place. You'll warm up! 
  • Take full advantage of all the resources available on campus! Seriously, familiarize yourself with them—there’s more than you probably realize. UNC Charlotte offers its students so much, from career services to mental health support, academic resources, and more. Looking back, I wish I had tapped into more of these opportunities. Don’t make the same mistake; make the most of everything this campus has to offer!
  • Enjoy the vast amount of reliable resources UNC Charlotte offers, whether that’s going to student organizations or getting help from advisors etc. It’s always good to experience the resources provided. Love how beautiful and diversified our community is. There’s nothing better than getting to know different cultures, experiences and making friends along that process. 
  • Study! Use resources for help like PAL, Quizlet, and tutoring! Avoid getting behind, anticipate your week, and do your best to prepare. 
  • Navigating through the experience of being the first to go to college is tough. Figuring out how to fill out your FASFA, apply for scholarships, and even applying to the university is an adventure. Scrambling to get your parents' information and getting frustrated is all part of the process! As you go through it all, please give yourself credit. You are strong and if anyone can do it, it’s you. Be proud of yourself. You made it here, and it will be worth it!
  • It doesn't matter how long it takes you to finish your degree. Go at your pace, get involved on campus, and make that time count. You'll get through it!
  • Talk to your advisor! They have resources to help you get everything you need to succeed.
  • Talk to your professors. They can be your greatest tool in success. Don't let a bad grade turn into a bad semester. We all struggle sometimes, and we WILL overcome.
  • Pursue Co-ops, build a project portfolio and develop a personal brand.
  • You can grind it out and work hard, but don't forget the little things that comes with the college experience. Don't be afraid to reach out to find your community, go to campus events and clubs. Do not forget to be a human first and a student second :)
  • Use all of the resources and opportunities provided for you. Get involved in clubs, go to professors' office hours, contact your TAs for help, etc. Most importantly put yourself out there and enjoy college.
  • These are probably going to be some of the best years of your life, so make sure you take every chance to enjoy it. Go to sports games, walk around campus, attend events, make friends, get out of your comfort zone, don't be afraid to raise your hand in class, and never stop learning. Charlotte is always going to be your home from the moment you step in until forever. College is tough and takes a lot of work, but you are never alone at Charlotte. Welcome home <3 
  • GET INVOLVED! Being involved has given me a sense of belonging, lifelong friendships, as well as preparation for post grad. Being involved in our campus makes it feel a lot smaller and less overwhelming especially for First-Gen Niners! 
  • Stay persistent and take advantage of the resources that are available to you because there are many at UNC Charlotte. 
  • Be active in clubs, it is the best way to make the most out of your years in college. It also look great for resumes as it shows your involvement with both school and team building.
  • These four years go by so fast, so say yes to everything can you manage, be yourself, and embrace the bricks and green UNC Charlotte has to offer. 
  • Seek any opportunity you can to work on campus. The connections and skills that a student employee picks up are invaluable.
  • Don't be afraid to expand your horizons! Take classes outside of your comfort zone and appreciate the opportunities presented to you!
  • Don't feel pressured to change your mind about anything you want to pursue, I know it feels like you might be letting down your community/family/culture by changing your goals but you are not! 
  • Work hard at everything you do and soak up every moment because it is going to be over in the blink of an eye. Make friends, study hard, and enjoy it.
  • Live the college life, just because you are First-Generation doesn’t make you any different or less capable from any other college student. 
  • Learn to be open to new experiences and people while being at UNC Charlotte! Make as many meaningful connections as you can!
  • Experience a little bit of everything, enjoy your time in college, and study hard for the future. It is not easy, but it is crucial to always keep going. You can accomplish so many things as a first-generation student! Be proud of yourself and all that you are doing!
  • Remember that you belong here just as much as anyone else! Don't hesitate to seek out support and resources available to you. Stay focused on your goals, but also take time to explore new opportunities, challenge yourself, and step out of your comfort zone. 
  • Embrace your unique journey and celebrate your accomplishments along the way. Being a first-generation college student comes with its own set of challenges, but it also brings resilience, determination, and a pioneering spirit.
  • It’s so hard, I know. But it is so incredibly worth it to power through. All of the hard days have nothing on the incredible days of academia here and there’s a whole community behind you. Good luck, you’ve got this. 
  • Don't let your fears or worries keep you from trying new things. Everyone is scared, so just take the first step whether it is going to an event, talking to someone in class, meeting your professors, or seeking out clubs to join!
  • Stay determined and focus on the bigger end result when times get tough. This is a journey not just a destination.
  • Take your time, live your life, and have a plan, but be open to change because that's all life is going to bring you. Once you can accept change, life becomes so beautiful and you become so resilient! Look at the change you are making now :)
  • Remember that your unique perspective is a strength. Embrace opportunities for growth and success will follow :). 
  • If you have a passion for something and want to explore it, Charlotte is there for you! 
  • Don’t hesitate to apply yourself. Always shoot for the stars, because what you can do is limitless.
  • Be authentic. Where there is authenticity, there is success. You are where you are today because, you have stayed true to your vision, actions, and values. So whenever you walk into a room, own it, because you are qualified and can achieve anything you put your mind to! 
  • It may not be easy but you will always get through it & the work is always worth it! 
  • Do not lose yourself trying to fit in. Everyone is just as scared as you. 
  • Embrace your differences with your family and do not give up if you feel like you're failing - you never are. 
  • Don’t be discouraged. Every student will come across hardships while being in college, whether that be personal issues, mental health issues, or academic issues. This is a part of life and you should not let these things stop you from accomplishing your goals. 
  • Give yourself grace and be proud of all that you have accomplished thus far! 
  • Stay resilient, stay determined, and never underestimate your potential. Embrace every opportunity to learn and grow, both inside and outside of the classroom. 
  • Find your purpose, stay connected with those you meet, take initiative in your goals in life, don’t limit yourself to what only UNC Charlotte has to offer, and start building your career your junior year!
  • Enjoy your experience and remember, when it seems hard, look forward to graduation. Remembering that I would be graduating as a first-generation student is what helped me get through. Set goals for yourself! When you meet these goals, reward yourself! When you don't, try again! Lastly, don't be afraid to fail. It's part of the experience! 
  • Do not be afraid to pioneer your future. Be a champion of change for your family, friends, community, and for yourself. You are the first of your kind as a First-Generation Niner. Do not be afraid to take that calculated risk. Y ponte las pilas! 
  • Learn to balance the different aspects of your life, have fun and make beautiful memories! 
  • Even when everything feels rushed, take every day to appreciate UNCC and the opportunities you have as a student. Utilize your resources, talk to any and everyone about what you want to do, take advantage of every opportunity that opens up you never know where it may take you. 
  • Take advantage of all of the amazing opportunities and resources that Charlotte has to offer because before you know it, it will be your turn to graduate!
  • Get involved with an organization and find friends in your major   
  • There are people on campus dedicated to supporting you, from mentors and advisors to student organizations. Seek out these resources and don’t hesitate to ask questions or advocate for yourself because your perspective is invaluable. You belong here, and your experiences enrich our community. 
  • Do not ever hesitate to ask questions, and make friendships that will guide you in the correct path!
  • The background of our parents might not be the biggest help in our journey, but there is someone out there who knows the help/advice you are looking for. And be patient with your family. This can be hard times for the dynamics and sometimes there may be frustration, but focus on loving each other, listening, and support more than anything else. They are so proud of you. 
  • You've made it through this far so don't forget to thank yourself, and the people who supported and believed in you.
  • Don't isolate, be bold, and take risks. 
  • There are so many resources and people that are happy to direct you where you need to be. Whether it is locations, tips, or subject related, people are around to help you out! 
  • Create a network of peers and mentors you can rely on. It's important to take the initiative and go after the opportunities that would normally scare you. Talking to professors can be intimidating, but they are people just like you and me. Also, you can only do *your* best. It doesn't have to mean running yourself ragged. Do your best, but do not compromise your physical or mental health.
  • Keep going, someone you love is watching. 
  • Use your family as support, remember this is their first experience having family in college, and they'll forever be proud of you for your accomplishments. 
  • The path leading to graduation can be bumpy as we are trying to balance multiple responsibilities. Make sure to always surround yourself with a good support system and don't be afraid to put yourself first.
  • Reach out to people and look for opportunities to surround yourself with people you respect or admire.
  • Don’t be scared! You’re not alone, this is a very welcoming school so you will always feel comfortable! 
  • Do as much as you can while you are here. Take advantage of all resources and make friends with your roommates and your peers in your classes because you never know when you will need help.
  • As a fellow first-generation niner, the advice I offer is to not be afraid of the unknown. Discover that path that was never explored and do not hesitate in reaching out for help, there is always support from all around you. 
  • The most meaningful impact of your college career can come from your professors. Getting to your professors will change your life.
  • Don’t underestimate the importance of the friendships you forge along the way. Keep those connections close; they will be invaluable as you navigate both the highs and lows of your college life.
  • The background of our parents might not be the biggest help in our journey, but there is someone out there who knows the help/advice you are looking for. And be patient with your family. This can be hard times for the dynamics and sometimes there may be frustration, but focus on loving each other, listening, and support more than anything else. They are so proud of you. 
  • Don't be afraid to reach out to people around you. All of the faculty can become mentors, connections, and future networking. The same can come from joining clubs and organizations. These are invaluable parts of attending college, so do not skip it. Get out there and make it all happen! Those that support you are behind you every step of the way, so keep pushing.
  • Get involved and put yourself out there! College is what you make out of it, and you’ll definitely enjoy much more if you take advantage of your surroundings and let yourself meet new people! 
  • If you need help, don't hesitate to go to a TA's/professor's office hours or tutoring (UCAE and the Fretwell Math Center are great!). It's actually not as scary as asking in class! They are there rooting for you to succeed, so if you don't know the answer, find someone who will :)
  • Acknowledge all UNCC employees because they make this possible for us! Remember how hard you worked to get here, and most of all, have fun! PS, Love on your professors, they don't bite!
  • The best thing you can do for yourself is lean into your professors as a resource. These are people that can guide you along your college journey and really help you cultivate and tailor your education career. In my own experience, feeling recognized by a mentor can really validate all the hard work you've put in. 

ADVICE FOR FIRST-GEN NINERS FROM FIRST-GEN Faculty & Staff

  • Take advantage of the wealth of resources, events and programming available to you! We are here to help you be successful!
  • Find multiple mentors. Choose individuals who you look up to and can give you support and guidance through your career journey.
  • You get to, you don't have to! 
  • Even when no one can relate to what you are going through in college, continuing to press forward. 
  • Ask for help when you need it; there are so many people who want to see you succeed! Embrace your journey and be proud of yourself.
  • Don't limit yourself. Seek out opportunities that you never thought would be possible.
  • Find a community of peers, faculty, and staff. This community can be your sounding board for questions and doubts that you might have as a first-gen student. 
  • Don't obsess over grades, you are here to learn! Talk to faculty and TAs if you have questions about the content of the class, or ANYTHING else, even if it is not academics related.
  • Try and find free or low-cost textbooks in places other than the campus bookstore. Find on-campus jobs that will help cover tuition or housing.
  • To grow, you must live outside of your comfort zone. Get comfortable with not being comfortable.
  • Try to extend your comfort zone a little bit each semester by engaging in activities and with faculty. You will be surprised at how big your network will be after four years!
  • Believe in yourself and find at least one other person who will believe in you when you can't.
  • There will be times when you need to give yourself grace for making mistakes because you didn't know better. But once you do know better, strive to do better.
  • You deserve to be here and are qualified to be the greatest architect of your future. 
  • Remember that your story is powerful and that you are the one who continues to write it.
  • Get involved, network, explore, and soak up all of these moments! 
  • My grandfather always said, "You are as good as anybody, but better than none." It's a phrase that has always reminded me that I belong! You belong!
  • Your journey is your journey, comparison is the thief of joy, and being the first doesn't mean you will be last.
  • Never forget where you came from, help others along the way, and always rise above.