Zarin Khan

I was always expected to go to college because higher education is the only way up for people like me. Living in a city full of slums and bazaars, I never thought I would be pulled out of school one day, and the next day, I would be flying to America. But here I am, even after ten years, I still feel like this is a fever dream. I am a first-generation student, and more importantly, I am a daughter of immigrants who has sacrificed everything to secure my future. I am still the same kid whose parents moved here with just about a thousand dollars and hopes. 

Behind all my accomplishments, all the hard work is attributed to my parents’ struggles. My parents did not know how the school system worked, so they left it up to me. From FAFSA to figuring out what I needed to do to be successful, the responsibility was all on me. In the end, no matter what happens, my goal as a first-generation student is to be successful and give my parents’ sacrifice the meaning it deserves.