By Hilary Hirtle
Going to college is a big step for anyone, but sometimes an even bigger step if you’re a first-generation college student, or the first in your family to attend college and earn a college degree.
Dr. Ashley Hopkins, Project Director for Miami University’s Upward Bound Program, is all too familiar with how daunting it can be to navigate higher education as a first-generation college student. Originally from Gallipolis in Gallia County, Ohio, and a first-generation college student from Appalachia herself, Ashley sat down to discuss her personal experiences navigating college, as well as advice and resources she recommends.
What was your personal experience as a first-generation college student?
My parents had some technical training and certificates, but no college completion. In my family, there was always an expectation that I would go to college, but there was no guidance or advice other than work hard, get good grades, and try to get scholarships. ‘Do what you love and the money will come,’ was my Mom’s favorite phrase. In some ways that paid off and kind of worked out, but it also created a kind of vague and nebulous route to getting there too.
Even at high school, there was this expectation that I was going to go to college, but I just didn’t feel like I had a lot of direction on how to get there and I had to spend a lot of time figuring it out on my own. My hometown, Gallipolis, is a very tiny, rural town and the guidance counselors at my high school were probably overwhelmed and I don’t think that I got very good direction or support on how to get to college and do well. And now that I work in this sector, I understand too that there was probably a large portion of students at my high school that weren’t going to college and when a staff team is already stretched thin, they’re not going to spend a lot of their focus on the minority of their students.
What are some unique challenges that first-generation urban Appalachian youth face when making the choice to go to college?
The number one fear that I hear from first-generation or low-income students is whether or not going to college is financially worth it. Not only do these students have to determine how to pay for college, including tuition and room and board, but all of the hidden costs it takes to attend college, like paying for healthcare, getting a bus pass, getting a parking pass, etc. A lot of first-generation college students have to work to pay for the costs of college, so they’re balancing how much they can work, how much they owe, and whether or not this is financially worth it in the long run.
Another challenge students face is thinking about where to go to college, asking questions like: How far is it from home? Do I want to go far from my family or not? Does the college have the career path I’m looking for? Do I even know my career path? Will there be opportunities for me in my hometown once I graduate? In some families, there can also be a belief that a college education is a waste of money and time and the trades are a better option. Trades are fine if that’s what you really want to do, but research still points to higher earnings, better health, and better access to healthcare with acquiring a higher education.
What are some of the challenges that first-generation, Urban Appalachian youth typically face when at college?
Again, I think the biggest challenge I see is balancing work, school, and time management among first generation students, but especially among first-generation Appalachian students. They’re running themselves ragged, working all the time, going to school all the time, trying to keep up with a social life and social pressures, trying to figure out where they belong and where they fit in, and trying to figure out what they want to do with their life, all the while navigating the confusing and complex system of higher education.
For a lot of Appalachian students, there can also be family pressure, as well as responsibilities, and expectations (even loving ones) that can be challenging. These may be different from non-Appalachian folks in particular, like the expectation of coming home each weekend, or caregiving duties to younger siblings, children, or elderly parents or relatives.
What would be your top 5 tips for college success for urban Appalachian youth who are the first in their family to go to college?
1: Start early. Strive for good grades and be involved in your school and community.
2: Find trusted mentors and learn to network. This can be finding trusted adults, whether that’s through school, work, family, your church, whatever that might look like for you. Build your network so that you have somebody you can contact when you need help with a FAFSA form, or if you’re looking for a job shadow experience. From my personal experience, I’ve learned that being a first-generation college student doesn’t end with your undergraduate degree. It follows you to grad school and it follows you into your career too, because there are so many hidden rules and nuances around being a professional. For example, my parents couldn’t tell me how to negotiate a contract. I didn’t know I could negotiate for more pay and more time off. I didn’t know any of those hidden rules. That’s where those trusted mentors and that network are vital, not just in college, but for life.
3: Practice good time management. Timeliness and time management are important in college and the professional world. Start using a planner or calendar, and be prepared and organized to avoid missing deadlines.
4: Explore a variety of colleges and careers early on. Attend career workshops whenever you can and learn from different professionals. I think it’s easy as a young person, but especially as a first-generation college student, to have a limited scope of what careers are even available. Exposure is really important.
5: Prioritize health and wellbeing. Get enough sleep, nourish your body, practice healthy boundaries, and learn how to take care of yourself. You can’t pour from an empty cup. If you’re feeling rough mentally or physically because you’re not taking care of yourself, you won’t perform at your best academically or at whatever it is you are passionate about.
For first-generation Appalachian youth, how can they prepare for college while in high school?
Participate in college prep courses and programs like Upward Bound, College Credit Plus, Educational Talent Search, or Early College Academy. Access tutoring resources like Khan Academy or Tutor.com if your school offers a subscription. Students should also practice writing their resume, cover letter, and personal statements. Also, practice for the ACT/SAT and work closely with your mentors, guidance counselors, and teachers as you prepare for your college journey.
Do you have any suggested financial resources?
Access financial literacy programs via local banks. Whatever community action agency serves your community may sometimes offer financial literacy programs. Local libraries and community centers often host financial literacy classes that help college students figure out how to budget and save up for college. Also, some high schools offer FAFSA nights, which are helpful in navigating the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) application process.
Do you have any suggested educational resources for prospective first-generation urban Appalachian students?
I’m First offers information on programs and support for first-generation college students. They also offer the opportunity of a mentor to answer college and career questions.
Rise First offers resources and scholarship information for first-generation, low-income college students and professionals.
FirstGen Forward provides tips and resources for first-generation college students.
MU Upward Bound is an intensive, year-round college preparatory program for first-generation or low-income students from Hamilton High School. The program provides access to academic support, college and career advising, service and leadership development, as well as mentoring and networking, and cultural activities to participants throughout their high school years.
Miami Firsts provides support for first-generation college students and connects them to resources such as mentoring, career exploration, and financial aid.