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!
- Congratulations and welcome to Charlotte! 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 and the moment you step out. College is tough and it takes a lot of work, but you are never alone at Charlotte. Welcome home.
- Believe in yourself, even when it gets tough. You came this far you can achieve anything you set your mind to with your hard work and dedication.
- Getting a degree is the reason we are here, but the highs, the lows, every experience, the people we meet, and the people we are shaping to become are the best parts of it all.
- No matter how hard it may get, keep on persevering and remember that you belong here.
- It may not be easy but you will always get through it & the work is always worth it!
- 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. As a first-gen niner, I am rooting for you all the way!
- Don't be scared to try something new!
- It’s okay to ask for help. When you feel like you can’t do it, take things one at a time, never give up!
- This is your marathon, take your time and make the best of your journey. Being the first holds great weight but just know that you were made for this, remember pressure makes diamonds!
- Try research. Create a network of peers and mentors you can rely on to trust you-easier said than done, I know. I think it's important to take the initiative and go after the opportunities that would normally scare you. Talking to professors can be intimidating, but it doesn't have to be. They're people just like you and me. Also, a reminder. You can only do *your* best. It doesn't have to mean running yourself ragged, as self-care is important. Do your best, but do not compromise your health (both physical and mental).
- GET INVOLVED! Being involved has given me a sense of belonging and lifelong friendships as well as prepared me for post-grad. Being involved in our campus makes it feel a lot smaller and less overwhelming, especially for first gen Niners!
- There is no limit set by anything that predetermines your destiny. You decide how far you go in life.
- Hit the books hard your freshman year and don’t take all the hard classes your first semester
- 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!
- 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! Follow your dreams whatever they may be. You matter!
- 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. I know in my own experience, feeling recognized by a mentor can really validate all the hard work you've put in.
- Go after it! Chase your goals and visualize yourself achieving them and you will do fine!
- 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!
- Never give up on your goals and dreams
- Utilize every and all resources possible and lean on your peers as well for support. Always remember your “why” and end goal.
- Don’t hesitate to apply yourself. Always shoot for the stars, because what you can do is limitless
- Take it all in and make the most out of it. Is it here for you, if it is there and you want to explore, do it! If you have a passion for something and want to continue it, Charlotte is there for you!
- Study hard, when you think you can't do it, you can just keep pushing yourself you will persevere.
- Get out there and engage! Don’t let any fears gained during covid hold you back. College is about long-term friendships and opportunities, don’t let them slide.
- Enjoy the time you have here at Charlotte & truly make the most of it, because trust me, you’ll be done before you even know it.
- Acknowledge all UNCC employees because they make this possible for us! And most of all, have fun but remember how hard you worked to get here. PS, Love on your professors, they don't bite!
- Even though it might seem difficult at times, always remember the end goal and the reason you are here. Being first is scary but remember you are the one paving the way. Keep your head up high and show them how it's done!
- Stay focused, stay hungry.
- Never let anyone tell you that you are not smart enough, or strong enough to do this. If you made it here, you received your acceptance letter for a reason. You are not just a number, but a testimony of triumph that you made it to now.
- Kindness and communication will take you very far. If you need help, don't hesitate to go to a TA's/professor's office hours, or go to 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 :)
- YOU GOT THIS!
- The work is hard but you're here for a reason and you can do hard things and no matter the obstacle you will make it through. Give yourself some time and care for your mental health.
- Don't be afraid to expand your horizons! Take classes outside of your comfort zone and appreciate the opportunities presented to you!
- Life is going to throw a lot at you, but if you push forward I promise it will all be worth it.
- Take time to learn all of the resources that UNCC has to offer and don't be afraid to ask questions. Also, get involved on campus, it will be beneficial and really help you succeed and gain skills.
- Academics come first, everything else is second
- You absolutely deserve this.
- Don't be embarrassed to go to events alone.
- It's a long and difficult road but far from impossible. Knowing you've made not only yourself but your entire lineage proud is worth every harrowing step, try to enjoy yourself in the midst of it all.
- Never borrow from tomorrow. Today has enough worries of its own, no use in worrying about tomorrow.
- Do it for yourself.