Narrative Essay: First Generation College Students

Narrative Essay (rough draft)

Being a first generation college student has been my biggest struggle in life. For years, I was told to attend Allen Community College before any big changes of course I didn’t listen. For years I was told I wouldn’t last in a big university, I have been told I will be unprepared and behind. I have been told that three out of five first generations students do not complete a degree. Being told something isn’t possible is a hard thing to deal with.

As a small child all I could dream about was the future; freedom, a family, a job but that all starts with college. When I was in the seventh grade an organization came to my school called Talent Search. I learned that this group helps students learn more about college and will take students for free to visit colleges across Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Colorado and so many more. Upon hearing about this group I knew I needed to join so I could someday have all the things I desire. After joining and traveling to handfuls of colleges and filling out endless paperwork, I started to receive

letters and pamphlets about various colleges; Technical colleges, Junior and community colleges and a few Universities. As I learned more and more about colleges I grew more and more excited for my new adventures.
About the ninth grade, I started to know that I wanted to go into fine arts. First, it was theater, then a singer, then, photographer and eventually it traveled to graphic design. As I traveled looking for colleges with excellent fine arts programs I came across The Art Institute in Kansas City. That was the one, that’s where I wanted to go. About 11th grade I started really doing my research on this university and at the time I didn’t worry about cost, I could pay it off eventually. I made contact with the institute and they sent me tons of information on their programs. As I talked with my Talent Search advisor she informed me on debt and how awful it is. When I talked to my parents I realized, I couldn’t expect them to pay for my college. Sadly the cost outweighs the benefits. I couldn’t afford $31,000 a year.
As I traveled on to senior year, time was running short and I was in pure panic attack mode.

What was I to do if I didn’t know where I was going? Since I didn’t take any credit hours from a college while I was in high school I was granted a $10,000 scholarship that is split between two years. The only thing I had to do was attend a university. I started cracking down on colleges and prices. After being accepted into Fort Hays State University, I realizing how far the college was a total of five hours, I decided to look closer. I looked at Pittsburg State, but they didn’t have as strong as a fine arts program as Wichita State University. When my decision was final I went to my counselor and asked her what I needed to do after being accepted to Wichita State University. She helped me as much as she could and after realizing I was a first generation college student she told me I would have a lot of

struggles.
I pondered on this periodically, was the counselor warning me, suggesting me not to go straight to a university or was she just giving me friendly advice? After arriving at Wichita State University, I was overwhelmed with life. Being the only student from Humboldt High School to attend I didn’t know anyone here, I had no one to talk to. However, now that we are starting the school year it hasn’t been so bad. I have made some new friends and everyone in Wichita has been friendly to me so far. At first I was intimidated and know I know there was nothing to be worried about.