My Experience as a First-Generation College Student

Hello! My name is Cynthia Erazo-Rodas, and I'm a senior double majoring in Global and Hispanic Studies with a minor in Gender Studies. I'm originally from Las Vegas, Nevada, and I'm both a first-generation college student and also a first-generation American.

Growing up, my parents always instilled in me the importance of going to college, so ever since I can remember, my main goal was to get into college. When I did, I was faced with challenges that I had not prepared myself for. My first year at CMU, I was feeling a lot of imposter syndrome. I felt extremely homesick being so far away from my family, and I felt a lot of guilt for leaving them behind. While I was feeling all of these things, at the same time I was struggling academically and trying to find my place at CMU. As I was struggling with all of these things, I was so afraid to ask for help. But once I got over this fear, things changed for the better.

One of the steps that helped me succeed academically was talking to my advisor and my professors about the things I needed help with, such as how to keep up with the work, and also just communicating with them whenever I needed an extension or extra support. My sophomore year, I started to reach out to organizations on campus such as the Spanish and Latine Student Association (SALSA)(opens in new window), Tartan Scholars(opens in new window), FirstTogether(opens in new window), and more. These organizations and programs helped me connect with other students that came from similar backgrounds, including other first-gen students. These connections ended up becoming a great support system because we all knew what we were going through and how to help each other.

Whether it was by making food or visiting restaurants in Pittsburgh that made us feel like we were home, listening to music that we all grew up listening to or even just creating a space where we could all talk about our feelings and everything we've been going through, the groups have made my experience as a first-gen student a lot better. As a senior, I know the importance of community, and it's what helped me combat those feelings that many of us who are first-gen tend to feel such as imposter syndrome, the high pressures of succeeding and more. I know how it feels to be lost and uncertain, so I have focused on helping the communities that matter to me the most on campus. I now serve on the executive board for both SALSA and FirstTogether, and I'm a family ambassador for Tartan Scholars, where I'm a mentor for eight first-years. I'm also a teaching assistant for a freshman seminar in Dietrich called "Discuss," which helps teach students the hidden curriculum of college and all the resources available to help them succeed. 

In the beginning of October, two of my peers and I got to attend the 1vy-G Conference(opens in new window), which is a conference for first generation college students. This year it was hosted at Brown University, and during the weekend, we were able to hear about how other first-generation students are helping cultivate a community where we all feel supported and feel like we can succeed at our institutions.  With this experience, I want to share to other first-gen students that while at times it might feel overwhelming and hard, and there are a lot of fears and worries, the best way to succeed is always to ask for help. Also, always seek to find a community or support system, because they will be there for you in your highest and in your lowest moments. Always remember that you belong at these institutions, advocate for yourself and for others, seek community and include your parents, because they — and so many others — are rooting for you!