First and Thriving: A Guide for First-Gen Students

I’m going to keep it real with y’all. Miss Nicki Minaj and a summer intensive acting program where all the participants kept talking about their future plans were my introductions to NYU. I went home, googled “NYU acting,” and found the program of my dreams. Applying was hard. I spent hours on YouTube searching for Common App guides and Google looking up scholarships during study hall. There is no shame in not having the “traditional” background or knowledge of how to do these things. NYU isn’t just for the “traditional.” It’s also for the first-gen students who have nothing but access to a public computer, the help of “applying to college 101,” and the drive to apply no matter what. I promise you, you can do this! There are many resources to not only help you get into NYU but also thrive once you’re here!

School can be expensive. So my top priority once I arrived on campus was finding a job. The Wasserman Center not only helped me find a job but taught me important skills like résumé building, networking, and interview etiquette. These skills still support me today. What’s more, I now know how to navigate the working world in ways I never even knew existed.

If I’m honest, I was not academically prepared when I left high school. I knew I was intelligent, but I often felt behind the imaginary “NYU type” as far as my technical knowledge went. The Academic Resource Center (ARC) addressed all my concerns. There, you’ll find a variety of academic support resources. With a bit of the ARC’s guidance, I felt more and more confident and found myself really enjoying my classes for the first time.

There are so many types of programs for extra guidance, especially for first-gen students. Through clubs, programs, and general networking, I received the support I needed. Now I am a mentor, passing along my knowledge.

My first few months at NYU, I felt like I played a trick on everyone. I didn’t feel like I belonged and I felt so small in comparison to my classmates. These feelings are lies, y’all! You have every right to be here. Period. NYU admitted you because it will gain something from you being here! As first-gen students, our struggles are difficult to navigate because there’s truly no precedent. But we are the precedent. We are the ones making a path for students just like us. You will elevate every room you walk into and NYU is lucky to have you. We bring an entirely new way of thinking and being here. We are shaping the future.

I can’t explain why, but I felt the pressure was on once I got here. I thought I had to make everyone proud and prove why NYU admitted me. As first-gen students, we are used to working so hard that we forget to enjoy the fruits of our labor. Of course, we want to make people proud and demonstrate our success. However, don’t forget you are a person too. We are really just doing our best, y’all. College is a time for exploration, growth, and a bit of fun! If you find yourself becoming overwhelmed, don’t be afraid to reach out to someone you trust. Plus, you can contact our Wellness Center for additional support.

When you’re so used to working hard for everything you get—and going the extra mile to get there—you can get stuck in a grind, grind, grind mentality that isn’t sustainable. Make sure to create time for yourself and prioritize your needs too. Don’t feel shame in taking breaks, going out, or simply doing something you want to do. Our time in college is precious, and you want to spend it well.