Tyler Placeres

Being a first-generation student was scary but so rewarding. My mother and I would stay up at night together reading through different school websites, signing up for college fairs, and watching cheesy YouTube videos. It was weird because while I wasn't alone, my mom and I didn't know ANYTHING. We didn't really know what we were doing, what questions to ask, or how to even afford college once I got there. She and I together learned what FAFSA was, how to get waivers for applications, and how to find out school deadlines. I wouldn't be a successful person today without those countless hours huddled in front of our old desktop computer hoping a website would load or a video would play. I think being first-generation has this idea that you are alone, and while that may be the case, for me it's about the journey of going from high school to college with a support group knowing you will succeed in anything you set your mind to. I wouldn't be the person I am today without my mom supporting me and learning with me through that process.