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A lot of the time you might feel anxious about failing but remember that you have already succeeded and done so much for your future. Always remember to take a look back at who you were when you started the college process and see how much you’ve accomplished.

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Surprises at every turn!
#firstgenbw

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Being a First Generation student is hard. But with hard work and persistence, it pays off.

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Being a First-Gen can sometime be a struggle but it’s also something to be very proud of. You’ll be the first to conquer things your family hasn’t and they amount of happiness they’ll have for you as you succeed & accomplish things is great. On journey you can’t give up when things get hard but you must sit there for a minute and look at all the the hard work you’ve put in to get to the point your at. With that Remember you’ve survived 100% of your bad days. Try new things and live your life to the fullest. Your writing your own story.

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It isn’t easy being a trailblazer. Take care of yourself along your journey and stay encouraged. Celebrate every victory, even the small ones, and remember that setbacks are temporary. Know that you are an inspiration and that the paths you forge will make it
easier for those who come behind you.

- Briana Williams

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I'm a proud #firstgen student, too. Although college was a roller coaster of emotions, I had several mentors who helped me navigate campus, policies, and student life. This shoutout is for my amazing professors, academic advisors, and student organization advisors. I cannot encourage you to use the people in your corner enough! My four years at undergrad were some of my best, inspiring me to pursue an advanced degree in higher education at BW! What's your #YJ4L #FirstGenBW story?! - Amanda Pacanovsky

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If this is your struggle, don't do it alone! Let us help you find the resources!

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If this is your struggle, don't do it alone! Let us help you find the resources!

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According to the Pell Institute, in this study published in 2008, within 6 years just 11% of low income, first generation college students completed their degree compared to 55% of their better advantaged counterparts. In addition, the group facing these challenges is more likely to leave higher education within the first year.

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Former First Lady, Michelle Obama was a First Gen, too!

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Former First Lady, Michelle Obama was a First Gen, too!

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The former first lady and Princeton alum is a first-generation college graduate.

Former first lady Michelle Obama is one of the nation's most famous, and accomplished, first-generation college graduates.

She has a message for the thousands of students who will be the first in their families to attend college when they step on campuses across the country this month.

"I am so proud of you because as a first-generation college graduate myself, I know it isn't easy to get to this point," Obama said in a special message for the "GMA" First-Gen series.

"I want you to know that Barack and I are proud of all of you," she added. "And we can't wait to see everything you go on to achieve."

Obama, a Chicago native, recalled the challenges she faced as a freshman at Princeton University, from feelings of anxiety and doubt to struggling to know which classes to choose and even what size sheet to put on her dorm room bed.

"Before long I started to hit my stride," Obama said. "I discovered subjects I was passionate about. I made friends I love, and I went on to have the career that I dreamed of in public service."

"GMA" is spotlighting the stories of first-generation college students. Explore our full coverage.
She shared four tips for first-generation college students to help them hit their stride, too, and have the college experience, and future, they dream of today.

Here are Obama's tips, in her own words.

1. Don't ever doubt that you deserve to be there

The admissions committee saw something special in you and they were confident that you could succeed. That's why they accepted you. Don't waste any time worrying about whether you belong. Instead, put that energy into working hard and learning. Learn as much as you can.

2. Don't be afraid to try new things

These years are a precious opportunity to discover who you are and what you love doing, so be brave. Take some risks. Make some mistakes, and then learn from them.

3. Whatever you do, don't try to do this alone

Find a community to support you. Find professors to mentor you, and don't ever be afraid to seek out deans, counselors, tutors, RAs [resident assistants] and ask for help when you need it.

4. Never forget there are so many people who believe in you

[There are] people who are cheering you on every step of the way. I want you to know that Barack and I are proud of all of you, and we can't wait to see everything you go on to achieve.
Find out more about Michelle Obama's college access campaign, Better Make Room.

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Michelle Obama's inspiring message to first-generation college students: 'There are so many people who believe in you'

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The former first lady and Princeton alum is a first-generation college graduate. Former first lady Michelle Obama is one of the nation's most famous, and accomplished, first-generation college graduates. She has a message for the thousands of students who will be the first in their families to attend college when they step on campuses across the country this month.

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Double Tap anywhere to add your story, a link a meme, anything you'd like to express as a First Generation College Student!

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Double Tap anywhere to add your story, a link a meme, anything you'd like to express as a First Generation College Student!