January 17, 2025 • 18 mins
Jeffrey Arroyo: Lessons Learned as a First-Generation Student
Jeffrey shares his inspiring journey from balancing work and school to becoming the first in his family to attend college. Jeffrey recounts his experiences navigating community college, transferring to Purchase College, and choosing graduate school. Learn valuable career advice, the importance of networking, and how determination can lead to success. Listen for practical tips and heartfelt stories from a first-gen graduate making his mark.
00:00 Introduction to First Gen 101
00:47 Jeffrey's Background and College Journey
01:29 Navigating Community College
02:58 Transition to Purchase College
04:43 Support from Family and Working Through College
06:57 Choosing a Major and Career Development
08:24 Networking and Mentorship
15:10 Graduate School Experience
17:00 Final Advice and Closing Remarks
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Computer Audio (00:10):
Welcome to first gen 1 0 1.
The podcast or first-generationgraduates share their stories
and career tips.
I am your host, Miguel Sanchez.
In this episode.
Jeffrey.
recounts hits journey frombalancing work and school to
navigating college.
As a first-generation student,his story is a Testament to the
(00:32):
power of determination.
Listen in for motivation andpractical advice on overcoming
challenges.
Miguel Sanchez (00:41):
Hello, everyone.
Welcome back to another episodeof the first gen one on one
podcast, Let's get right intoit.
Jeffrey, tell me about yourbackground.
How was the process of going tocollege for you?
Jeffrey Arroyo (Purchase (00:52):
Sure.
So, I'm a first generationGuatemalan American, also first
generation to go to college inmy family.
I'm the oldest of three siblingsI have a younger brother and
sister.
My background was I come fromparents who didn't graduate high
school.
Very hard workers, very good,respectful people.
So they taught me a lot ofhumility, especially considering
our situation.
(01:12):
They definitely supported myeducation because they didn't
really have the opportunity todo it themselves.
So they're like, you know, we,we came here to give you a
better life.
We want you to work hard, youknow, make good money in the
future and not have to worryabout the struggles that they
went through financially.
With college for me.
I don't know if it's the typicalstory, but I started off at
(01:33):
community college.
And so, uh, for many of mycohorts and I, it was kind of
considered the 13th grade.
We saw a lot of the people wewent to high school with, It
was, Tricky to navigate becausethere's a lot of things we're
doing for the first time betweenmyself and my family, like the
FAFSA, like how to talk to thedifferent resources on campus
for admissions, in those times,and I graduated high school in
(01:55):
2009, they had, you know, someSpanish forms, but when we were
there, they didn't really havepeople who spoke Spanish, so
it's not like my parents coulddirectly communicate with them.
kind of had to be like thetranslator between the school
and my parents and.
were things that loosely Ididn't really know what the
translation was because there'slike higher education
terminology, right?
(02:15):
Like certain things that areform related or anything like
that.
So it was a, uh, it was a trickybalance, but with a lot of
patience and not giving upbecause I wanted to go to
college.
We got through it.
Miguel Sanchez (02:29):
Jeffrey, you mentioned something that I used
to hear.
In high school and, the 13thgrade, community college as a
13th grade.
I went to a community college tome going to community college
was, I was just so grateful ofhaving that experience.
And, and we see how thoseperspectives don't even align.
(02:49):
Sometimes some people look downon it.
We were very grateful to even goto college.
So I'm glad you brought that up.
Where did you attend communitycollege?
Jeffrey Arroyo (Purchase (02:56):
Sure.
I went to Westchester CommunityCollege
Miguel Sanchez (02:58):
And from there, did you go straight into,
Purchase College?
What was that transition like?
Jeffrey Arroyo (Purchase Co (03:04):
One of the things that I ended up
doing is I ended up earning twoassociate degrees because I just
kept taking classes, not knowingwhat I wanted to do.
I, was blessed enough with someacademic capabilities, where I
didn't necessarily struggle inclasses, but I really had no
direction.
And, you know, some folks, when,uh, for example, my fiance, her
(03:25):
mother and grandmother arenurses, she's a nurse now.
Right.
So there's that kind of lineageor you know, we're a family of
X, Y, Z.
I didn't really have that.
So I studied philosophy,engineering, trying to see what
stuck.
And then eventually throughphilosophy and psychology, I
landed at Purchase and decidedto go there.
Miguel Sanchez (03:43):
And in the process of going to college, did
you visit colleges?
Did you have a list of collegesyou applied to?
How did you decide that Purchasewas your next step?
Jeffrey Arroyo (Pur (03:54):
Absolutely.
So I would say two things,location and finances were my
main priorities.
I live in Porchester, soPurchase is like 10 minutes.
Great commute for work, but alsoW.
C.
C.
Was only like 15 20 minutes awayfrom home as well.
I intentionally picked thoseplaces, especially W.
C.
C.
In high school, because I wasthinking to myself, I don't know
(04:16):
my parents are actually going tobe able to pay to call.
Pay college, right?
Like financially, it was great.
It covered pretty mucheverything, which is fantastic.
But at the time, I'm like, Ican't go to some of these four
year private schools that mycohorts are going to, and I'm
going to save my family moneyand myself, too, because I
worked throughout the entiretime I was a college.
So I was very much like a, I'lldo what I have to.
Maybe the name of my resumewon't be the best, but I'll get
(04:39):
that degree and make somethingout of myself.
Miguel Sanchez (04:43):
you mentioned your parents a few times.
What was their reaction when youtold them, you were going to
college?
And, what was their advice toyou about going to college?
Jeffrey Arroyo (Purchase (04:53):
Yeah, so their reaction was definitely
a supportive and happy they wereso proud because I was the first
of my siblings to go to collegebeing the oldest, they really
helped me to get into aposition, that they couldn't my
father and my mother both had 2jobs while we were growing up so
they were so happy and they'relike, you know what, you're
still working, Bills to pay, butwe, we got you if we can help
(05:13):
you out financially, if you needsomething, I didn't have a car.
So they would drive and pick meup from school, which really
helpful.
I would also take the bus, butthere would be like certain
situations where they would beable to help me out.
It was a very supportiveatmosphere, which is great
because it wasn't something thatthey had necessarily empathy
for.
But they still had a love, a lotof love and support to give me
(05:33):
in that endeavor and say, youknow, we're here for you.
Maybe we don't understandexactly every step you're going
to take, but we're with youevery step of the way.
Miguel Sanchez (05:40):
you worked during college.
What did you do?
What did you work in when youwere in college?
Jeffrey Arroyo (Purchase (05:45):
Sure.
So it was a lot of retail andservice.
I did things like, being inpharmacies and some local mom
and pop shops.
I worked for some time inGreenwich in a woman's clothing
store.
A lot of the jobs I ended upGetting either through my father
or connections because I didn'thave a resume, but I, I worked
all through college it was aboutmaking good connections and
(06:06):
being presentable.
My dad would say, you know what,I know someone who's looking to
hire someone.
He would introduce us.
I do the interview, no resume.
They would see that I waspolite, positive, that I, you
know, ask questions, could takedirection.
Well, and that was enough to getme in.
So he kind of taught menetworking before I knew what
networking was, which was great.
It's just really makingconnections with people and
seeing, you know, can you helpthem?
(06:26):
Can they help you and notmissing opportunities?
That was a big thing.
Miguel Sanchez (06:31):
Jeffrey, I'm glad you bring in these topics
because you work in careerservices and I know you help
students I once heard, thatoften employers don't
necessarily always hire skills.
They hire values.
And, other traits that are notin the resume, and you mentioned
that perhaps your resume was notwhere you want it to be at the
time, but you definitely had asupport system primarily from
(06:53):
your father, who taught youthose values.
You mentioned you're going toPurchase College.
What was eventually your major?
How did you choose a major?
What was that process like?
Jeffrey Arroyo (Purchase Col (07:02):
So at WCC, I think one of my
associates was in philosophy andthe other was just a general
one.
I wanted to continue philosophy.
When I got to purchase, Idecided, I would take a mix of
psychology and philosophy.
I decided on the psych major,because I didn't like the
options to work in philosophy.
I was told pretty much I can gointo law.
Or I could be a professor.
Neither of those two are reallyinteresting to me.
(07:25):
So I decided, okay, I reallylike people and I want to see
how I can solve some problems.
So I stuck with psychology.
It was great.
Again, have a resume until myjunior year of college, where I
went to career developmentbecause my family was like, Hey,
you know, maybe an internshipmight be good for you.
So I went into the office andI've told my colleagues this who
I now work with, which is great.
But at the time I was reallyintimidated.
(07:47):
Because I didn't have a resume,I didn't know how they were
going to receive me there'salways that, self comparison
when you see how other peopleare doing, and you're not at
that stage.
So I was like, I don't know thekind of students they expect to
come in through the door.
I just know I don't have aresume and I need an internship.
I got a great counselor who isstill my colleague.
Her name is Jessica.
Very bubbly and friendly.
So I was like, Oh, thank you,God.
(08:08):
I got someone who's really nicebecause I didn't have enough to
fill a page, even though I hadmultiple jobs because I didn't
know what I was doing.
Miguel Sanchez (08:17):
Interestingly, finding help.
It's one of the major obstacles.
First generation graduates, faceor first generation students are
facing right now other than yourcolleague, Jessica, who you
mentioned, were there any othermentors, professors who guided
(08:37):
you along the way as you weregoing to college?
Jeffrey Arroyo (Pur (08:41):
Absolutely.
A few of them still teach heretoday.
I connected with one thing andI'm so glad you touched on this
topic.
I want to mention to anyonelistening especially as a first
gen.
For some reason, I'm I adoptedthe mindset that I had to do
everything on my own, that itwas up to me to achieve my own
success, which is true to apoint.
But I was like, you know, why amI going to go to like office
(09:02):
hours?
Um, doesn't that defeat thepurpose of me paying attention
to class, taking notes and likedoing my own work again, totally
foolish, but for some reason,having to do most of the college
experience on my own, made senseto me.
So then.
I started to stay after class,talk to my professors.
Most of it wasn't even likespecific question.
It was just like, I found thistopic really interesting and
(09:23):
they would always be welcome tochat with me for a bit.
So as someone who is a commuterthroughout my entire college
career, it helped me a lotbecause I didn't really have too
much engagement.
Being a commuter is tough.
You don't know half of what'sgoing on because you don't live
on campus, especially if you'reworking.
Most of the time, you're justlike a go student in and then
out of class.
(09:43):
So professors who really tookthe time, not say, okay, I got
to go.
Like, this is great and all, butreally took the time to say
like, I'm so glad, like you'reasking these questions that
you're interested in thismaterial and I'm happy to teach
you I thought that was veryhelpful for me.
Miguel Sanchez (09:58):
it's really important that you connect with
professors.
other staff in your collegebecause they also know other
people.
So it's a good way of buildingyour network.
Your network's not going to justfall on your lap.
You need to pursue it.
And as Jeffrey commented,professors are a great way to
get that started.
Even if you've knew or you'reintimidated, make sure you
(10:20):
connect with at least oneprofessor you don't know where
that can lead.
Speaking of networking, I wantto, Touch on you getting your
first job.
You talked about yourinternship, getting that resume
done.
What was the process of gettingyour first job?
Jeffrey Arroyo (Purchase Co (10:36):
for my 1st internship, it was
actually at this careerdevelopment center here at
Purchase College.
That same colleague, Jessica,said, by the way, we have an
internship here in case you'reinterested.
As a psych major, I wasinterested in things like
marriage and family therapy,maybe psychiatry, things like
that, just generally mentalhealth and wanted to help
people.
So I applied to the internshipas well as a few others.
(10:57):
I remember in the interview.
I think what really helped mewas I had such a positive
impression of this office whereI felt like I was talking to
professionals who were here toserve the college, serve the
students.
It was a pleasant conversation.
Thankfully they didn't give methe cold treatment where it's
very intimidating and I'mshaking in my boots.
I actually had the opportunityto make them laugh a few times
(11:19):
during the interview, which is agreat tip for anyone listening.
If you can make the person smileor laugh, it's going to go
pretty well for you in mostcases.
Miguel Sanchez (11:27):
What would you say are some of the biggest
challenges for first genstudents as they start thinking
about their careers?
Jeffrey Arroyo (Purchase C (11:35):
Yes, so I think something that's a
challenge for them is to reallysee The opportunity of college
as a way to build their careersand to turn into the
professionals they want to be.
Enough of them have thatambition or have shaped that
ambition to know what that is,which is why internships are so
important to get thatexperience.
See what you like and what youdon't like.
But I think that many timesstudents will sit down, take the
(11:57):
classes and just know like, hey,at the end of this magically I
get a job.
But it's like, you know, There'sso many different students out
there in this world, not just inthis country that have similar
degrees somewhat similaracademic backgrounds, but what
sets them apart is thoseadditional skill building
opportunities like internships,maybe volunteering, or even just
networking, like shadowing,informational interviews, ways
(12:20):
to really put themselves outthere.
And like you said, skills can betaught.
So, you know, these classes,someone else can go to the same
class and get the same major asyou, but.
show people that you have thepotential, even if it's your
first experience, or if you aresomeone who has taken the time
to do some research, take someopportunities to build you into
(12:41):
those areas, I think that that'swhere people tend to do well.
And the problem is for firstgen, most of the time, someone
who's already gone through thisprocess has figured this out,
connecting with mentors or,listening to wonderful
resources, such as this podcastwhere people can tell you.
Here are the mistakes I made.
Don't do that.
Repeat my success in your ownway.
That's a good way to saveyourself time and a headache,
(13:03):
because if I could go back andtell myself, listen, this is
what you did, didn't work out,do this instead, that would be a
godsend because I really had todo trial and error.
That was a lot of my experience.
Miguel Sanchez (13:14):
knowing what you know now, what are some of
the things you wish you wouldhave known that would have made
you a much stronger student?
Jeffrey Arroyo (Purchase Coll (13:21):
I think just knowing that it's
okay to ask for help isdefinitely a big thing for sure.
Whether it be, office hours formy professors, or, you know,
things like the learning center,other places on campus, you can
definitely take the time to gethelp.
At the end of the day, eventhough I was busy working and
other things, It's more or lessan excuse, right?
Because you can always make thetime to do it.
(13:42):
I think that deep down, everyonehas to be honest with themselves
if they really want to besuccessful, because you can make
it work.
I have non traditional students,folks who have kids, families,
they're doing internships, theyreally want to go ahead.
And I admire that because at theend of the day, I didn't
necessarily have those and Icould see where they may have in
other areas.
I didn't.
So it would be that accessresources.
(14:04):
Don't be dumb.
Ask for help.
Like, for sure.
Whether it's a prideful thing,whether it's just a misguided
notion because you had to doeverything yourself for so long.
Look for that help.
Additionally, have a plan.
Because it's not like you haveto have everything figured out,
but if you don't have the stepsto even just find what it is you
want to do, you're going to bestuck in a job where you want to
(14:27):
be there, but it just was theoption available to you because
you didn't take the time to setyou up for more opportunities.
And then lastly, network.
This is something I tell allstudents, especially first gen.
You could be fantastic at whatyou do, but if nobody knows who
you are, you're just anotherresume in the stack.
Networking is so much betterbecause you can build
(14:48):
connections.
People will know.
And in many cases, even if thatperson themselves can offer you
something, they have plenty ofcolleagues or connections in the
industry.
And they say, you know what?
I mentored this wonderfulstudent.
I, unfortunately, if I could,I'd hire them, but I know you're
looking.
I'd love to connect you to that.
That can happen, right?
Miguel Sanchez (15:10):
you also completed a graduate degree.
What was that process like?
Was that process lessintimidating, more intimidating?
What was the process of going tograd school?
Jeffrey Arroyo (Pur (15:20):
Thankfully, having gone through college, the
grad school process is similarin many ways, just a bit beefed
up.
You take the G.
R.
E.
instead of the S.
A.
T.
things like that.
Not as much financial aid,unfortunately.
But what really helps me to notbe as intimidated and 100
percent transparency here.
With our office, we work withalumni.
I think our policy is like 2 or3 years out.
(15:42):
I was in this office on aregular basis checking about my
application, and my previouscolleague was no longer here.
I would be like a frequent flyerbecause I wanted to make sure I
was doing things right.
I learned from my mistakes,which was, you know, trial and
error.
If it works out great.
If not, I try the next thing.
This is time.
This is money.
This is a big decision.
(16:03):
I need to really, Make sure I'mnot procrastinating or making
excuses.
This is what I want.
I have to work hard for it.
So that was the change for me.
That was the experience.
And having gone through college,I was much more mature because
maybe some of my challenges werefor a sense of immaturity
because I came a little bit lateinto it with like, okay, now you
(16:23):
have to adopt a professionalmindset.
This is what you need to do.
I was catching up, so I thinkthat by that point, thankfully
it was much easier.
Because I had figured out what Iwanted to do, which is career
counseling through theinternship, knew that this is
what I was put here to do.
So I think that because of that,it really motivated me as
opposed to like, an associate'sis something I'll get along the
(16:44):
way to go to my four year schoolor now that I'm in the four year
school, but I have to takeclasses I don't really care
about.
It's like everything was workingtowards.
And I have loans for this,right?
So this is a job I chose so I'mhappy to be here and I'm truly
blessed despite the headachesalong the way.
Miguel Sanchez (17:00):
And so to close, Jeffrey, what would you,
if there's anything else youwant to add, what else would
you, Want to communicate to ourlisteners today.
Jeffrey Arroyo (Pur (17:10):
Absolutely.
So, for starters, I want to say,thank you Miguel, for having me
on here.
If you're listening to thispodcast, you're already moving
in the right direction becauseyou're looking for information.
You're looking to see how youcan learn and adapt to your
present situation, make thingsbetter for you.
I want to leave you all withjust try to reach out to people.
Get the best of your opportunityand whether it's financial aid,
(17:32):
like in my case, or, out of yourown pocket, you're paying for
school.
Definitely.
Don't just think of this as adegree factory.
You're in and out.
Like, this is part of your life.
Make some good connections andmake it meaningful for you
because time doesn't movebackwards.
We're only moving forward.
So you have a lot of good folkson campus.
Let them do their jobs.
Same with any campus you're on,or if you're thinking about
(17:52):
going to college, there shouldbe people that are there to help
you.
Miguel Sanchez (17:57):
Jeffrey, I think I'm may have to call
purchase career services myselfand seek some advice thank you,
Jeffrey.
Thank you for your advice.
Thank you for sharing your storywith us.
we'll see you on the next one.
Computer Audio (18:08):
Thanks for listening.
If you enjoy the episode.
Subscribe to this podcast andshare it with a friend.
Don't forget to leave a review.
Until next time.
Welcome to first gen 1 0 1.
The podcast or first-generationgraduates share their stories
and career tips.
I am your host, Miguel Sanchez.
In this episode.
Jeffrey.
recounts hits journey frombalancing work and school to
navigating college.
As a first-generation student,his story is a Testament to the
(00:32):
power of determination.
Listen in for motivation andpractical advice on overcoming
challenges.
Miguel Sanchez (00:41):
Hello, everyone.
Welcome back to another episodeof the first gen one on one
podcast, Let's get right intoit.
Jeffrey, tell me about yourbackground.
How was the process of going tocollege for you?
Jeffrey Arroyo (Purchase (00:52):
Sure.
So, I'm a first generationGuatemalan American, also first
generation to go to college inmy family.
I'm the oldest of three siblingsI have a younger brother and
sister.
My background was I come fromparents who didn't graduate high
school.
Very hard workers, very good,respectful people.
So they taught me a lot ofhumility, especially considering
our situation.
(01:12):
They definitely supported myeducation because they didn't
really have the opportunity todo it themselves.
So they're like, you know, we,we came here to give you a
better life.
We want you to work hard, youknow, make good money in the
future and not have to worryabout the struggles that they
went through financially.
With college for me.
I don't know if it's the typicalstory, but I started off at
(01:33):
community college.
And so, uh, for many of mycohorts and I, it was kind of
considered the 13th grade.
We saw a lot of the people wewent to high school with, It
was, Tricky to navigate becausethere's a lot of things we're
doing for the first time betweenmyself and my family, like the
FAFSA, like how to talk to thedifferent resources on campus
for admissions, in those times,and I graduated high school in
(01:55):
2009, they had, you know, someSpanish forms, but when we were
there, they didn't really havepeople who spoke Spanish, so
it's not like my parents coulddirectly communicate with them.
kind of had to be like thetranslator between the school
and my parents and.
were things that loosely Ididn't really know what the
translation was because there'slike higher education
terminology, right?
(02:15):
Like certain things that areform related or anything like
that.
So it was a, uh, it was a trickybalance, but with a lot of
patience and not giving upbecause I wanted to go to
college.
We got through it.
Miguel Sanchez (02:29):
Jeffrey, you mentioned something that I used
to hear.
In high school and, the 13thgrade, community college as a
13th grade.
I went to a community college tome going to community college
was, I was just so grateful ofhaving that experience.
And, and we see how thoseperspectives don't even align.
(02:49):
Sometimes some people look downon it.
We were very grateful to even goto college.
So I'm glad you brought that up.
Where did you attend communitycollege?
Jeffrey Arroyo (Purchase (02:56):
Sure.
I went to Westchester CommunityCollege
Miguel Sanchez (02:58):
And from there, did you go straight into,
Purchase College?
What was that transition like?
Jeffrey Arroyo (Purchase Co (03:04):
One of the things that I ended up
doing is I ended up earning twoassociate degrees because I just
kept taking classes, not knowingwhat I wanted to do.
I, was blessed enough with someacademic capabilities, where I
didn't necessarily struggle inclasses, but I really had no
direction.
And, you know, some folks, when,uh, for example, my fiance, her
(03:25):
mother and grandmother arenurses, she's a nurse now.
Right.
So there's that kind of lineageor you know, we're a family of
X, Y, Z.
I didn't really have that.
So I studied philosophy,engineering, trying to see what
stuck.
And then eventually throughphilosophy and psychology, I
landed at Purchase and decidedto go there.
Miguel Sanchez (03:43):
And in the process of going to college, did
you visit colleges?
Did you have a list of collegesyou applied to?
How did you decide that Purchasewas your next step?
Jeffrey Arroyo (Pur (03:54):
Absolutely.
So I would say two things,location and finances were my
main priorities.
I live in Porchester, soPurchase is like 10 minutes.
Great commute for work, but alsoW.
C.
C.
Was only like 15 20 minutes awayfrom home as well.
I intentionally picked thoseplaces, especially W.
C.
C.
In high school, because I wasthinking to myself, I don't know
(04:16):
my parents are actually going tobe able to pay to call.
Pay college, right?
Like financially, it was great.
It covered pretty mucheverything, which is fantastic.
But at the time, I'm like, Ican't go to some of these four
year private schools that mycohorts are going to, and I'm
going to save my family moneyand myself, too, because I
worked throughout the entiretime I was a college.
So I was very much like a, I'lldo what I have to.
Maybe the name of my resumewon't be the best, but I'll get
(04:39):
that degree and make somethingout of myself.
Miguel Sanchez (04:43):
you mentioned your parents a few times.
What was their reaction when youtold them, you were going to
college?
And, what was their advice toyou about going to college?
Jeffrey Arroyo (Purchase (04:53):
Yeah, so their reaction was definitely
a supportive and happy they wereso proud because I was the first
of my siblings to go to collegebeing the oldest, they really
helped me to get into aposition, that they couldn't my
father and my mother both had 2jobs while we were growing up so
they were so happy and they'relike, you know what, you're
still working, Bills to pay, butwe, we got you if we can help
(05:13):
you out financially, if you needsomething, I didn't have a car.
So they would drive and pick meup from school, which really
helpful.
I would also take the bus, butthere would be like certain
situations where they would beable to help me out.
It was a very supportiveatmosphere, which is great
because it wasn't something thatthey had necessarily empathy
for.
But they still had a love, a lotof love and support to give me
(05:33):
in that endeavor and say, youknow, we're here for you.
Maybe we don't understandexactly every step you're going
to take, but we're with youevery step of the way.
Miguel Sanchez (05:40):
you worked during college.
What did you do?
What did you work in when youwere in college?
Jeffrey Arroyo (Purchase (05:45):
Sure.
So it was a lot of retail andservice.
I did things like, being inpharmacies and some local mom
and pop shops.
I worked for some time inGreenwich in a woman's clothing
store.
A lot of the jobs I ended upGetting either through my father
or connections because I didn'thave a resume, but I, I worked
all through college it was aboutmaking good connections and
(06:06):
being presentable.
My dad would say, you know what,I know someone who's looking to
hire someone.
He would introduce us.
I do the interview, no resume.
They would see that I waspolite, positive, that I, you
know, ask questions, could takedirection.
Well, and that was enough to getme in.
So he kind of taught menetworking before I knew what
networking was, which was great.
It's just really makingconnections with people and
seeing, you know, can you helpthem?
(06:26):
Can they help you and notmissing opportunities?
That was a big thing.
Miguel Sanchez (06:31):
Jeffrey, I'm glad you bring in these topics
because you work in careerservices and I know you help
students I once heard, thatoften employers don't
necessarily always hire skills.
They hire values.
And, other traits that are notin the resume, and you mentioned
that perhaps your resume was notwhere you want it to be at the
time, but you definitely had asupport system primarily from
(06:53):
your father, who taught youthose values.
You mentioned you're going toPurchase College.
What was eventually your major?
How did you choose a major?
What was that process like?
Jeffrey Arroyo (Purchase Col (07:02):
So at WCC, I think one of my
associates was in philosophy andthe other was just a general
one.
I wanted to continue philosophy.
When I got to purchase, Idecided, I would take a mix of
psychology and philosophy.
I decided on the psych major,because I didn't like the
options to work in philosophy.
I was told pretty much I can gointo law.
Or I could be a professor.
Neither of those two are reallyinteresting to me.
(07:25):
So I decided, okay, I reallylike people and I want to see
how I can solve some problems.
So I stuck with psychology.
It was great.
Again, have a resume until myjunior year of college, where I
went to career developmentbecause my family was like, Hey,
you know, maybe an internshipmight be good for you.
So I went into the office andI've told my colleagues this who
I now work with, which is great.
But at the time I was reallyintimidated.
(07:47):
Because I didn't have a resume,I didn't know how they were
going to receive me there'salways that, self comparison
when you see how other peopleare doing, and you're not at
that stage.
So I was like, I don't know thekind of students they expect to
come in through the door.
I just know I don't have aresume and I need an internship.
I got a great counselor who isstill my colleague.
Her name is Jessica.
Very bubbly and friendly.
So I was like, Oh, thank you,God.
(08:08):
I got someone who's really nicebecause I didn't have enough to
fill a page, even though I hadmultiple jobs because I didn't
know what I was doing.
Miguel Sanchez (08:17):
Interestingly, finding help.
It's one of the major obstacles.
First generation graduates, faceor first generation students are
facing right now other than yourcolleague, Jessica, who you
mentioned, were there any othermentors, professors who guided
(08:37):
you along the way as you weregoing to college?
Jeffrey Arroyo (Pur (08:41):
Absolutely.
A few of them still teach heretoday.
I connected with one thing andI'm so glad you touched on this
topic.
I want to mention to anyonelistening especially as a first
gen.
For some reason, I'm I adoptedthe mindset that I had to do
everything on my own, that itwas up to me to achieve my own
success, which is true to apoint.
But I was like, you know, why amI going to go to like office
(09:02):
hours?
Um, doesn't that defeat thepurpose of me paying attention
to class, taking notes and likedoing my own work again, totally
foolish, but for some reason,having to do most of the college
experience on my own, made senseto me.
So then.
I started to stay after class,talk to my professors.
Most of it wasn't even likespecific question.
It was just like, I found thistopic really interesting and
(09:23):
they would always be welcome tochat with me for a bit.
So as someone who is a commuterthroughout my entire college
career, it helped me a lotbecause I didn't really have too
much engagement.
Being a commuter is tough.
You don't know half of what'sgoing on because you don't live
on campus, especially if you'reworking.
Most of the time, you're justlike a go student in and then
out of class.
(09:43):
So professors who really tookthe time, not say, okay, I got
to go.
Like, this is great and all, butreally took the time to say
like, I'm so glad, like you'reasking these questions that
you're interested in thismaterial and I'm happy to teach
you I thought that was veryhelpful for me.
Miguel Sanchez (09:58):
it's really important that you connect with
professors.
other staff in your collegebecause they also know other
people.
So it's a good way of buildingyour network.
Your network's not going to justfall on your lap.
You need to pursue it.
And as Jeffrey commented,professors are a great way to
get that started.
Even if you've knew or you'reintimidated, make sure you
(10:20):
connect with at least oneprofessor you don't know where
that can lead.
Speaking of networking, I wantto, Touch on you getting your
first job.
You talked about yourinternship, getting that resume
done.
What was the process of gettingyour first job?
Jeffrey Arroyo (Purchase Co (10:36):
for my 1st internship, it was
actually at this careerdevelopment center here at
Purchase College.
That same colleague, Jessica,said, by the way, we have an
internship here in case you'reinterested.
As a psych major, I wasinterested in things like
marriage and family therapy,maybe psychiatry, things like
that, just generally mentalhealth and wanted to help
people.
So I applied to the internshipas well as a few others.
(10:57):
I remember in the interview.
I think what really helped mewas I had such a positive
impression of this office whereI felt like I was talking to
professionals who were here toserve the college, serve the
students.
It was a pleasant conversation.
Thankfully they didn't give methe cold treatment where it's
very intimidating and I'mshaking in my boots.
I actually had the opportunityto make them laugh a few times
(11:19):
during the interview, which is agreat tip for anyone listening.
If you can make the person smileor laugh, it's going to go
pretty well for you in mostcases.
Miguel Sanchez (11:27):
What would you say are some of the biggest
challenges for first genstudents as they start thinking
about their careers?
Jeffrey Arroyo (Purchase C (11:35):
Yes, so I think something that's a
challenge for them is to reallysee The opportunity of college
as a way to build their careersand to turn into the
professionals they want to be.
Enough of them have thatambition or have shaped that
ambition to know what that is,which is why internships are so
important to get thatexperience.
See what you like and what youdon't like.
But I think that many timesstudents will sit down, take the
(11:57):
classes and just know like, hey,at the end of this magically I
get a job.
But it's like, you know, There'sso many different students out
there in this world, not just inthis country that have similar
degrees somewhat similaracademic backgrounds, but what
sets them apart is thoseadditional skill building
opportunities like internships,maybe volunteering, or even just
networking, like shadowing,informational interviews, ways
(12:20):
to really put themselves outthere.
And like you said, skills can betaught.
So, you know, these classes,someone else can go to the same
class and get the same major asyou, but.
show people that you have thepotential, even if it's your
first experience, or if you aresomeone who has taken the time
to do some research, take someopportunities to build you into
(12:41):
those areas, I think that that'swhere people tend to do well.
And the problem is for firstgen, most of the time, someone
who's already gone through thisprocess has figured this out,
connecting with mentors or,listening to wonderful
resources, such as this podcastwhere people can tell you.
Here are the mistakes I made.
Don't do that.
Repeat my success in your ownway.
That's a good way to saveyourself time and a headache,
(13:03):
because if I could go back andtell myself, listen, this is
what you did, didn't work out,do this instead, that would be a
godsend because I really had todo trial and error.
That was a lot of my experience.
Miguel Sanchez (13:14):
knowing what you know now, what are some of
the things you wish you wouldhave known that would have made
you a much stronger student?
Jeffrey Arroyo (Purchase Coll (13:21):
I think just knowing that it's
okay to ask for help isdefinitely a big thing for sure.
Whether it be, office hours formy professors, or, you know,
things like the learning center,other places on campus, you can
definitely take the time to gethelp.
At the end of the day, eventhough I was busy working and
other things, It's more or lessan excuse, right?
Because you can always make thetime to do it.
(13:42):
I think that deep down, everyonehas to be honest with themselves
if they really want to besuccessful, because you can make
it work.
I have non traditional students,folks who have kids, families,
they're doing internships, theyreally want to go ahead.
And I admire that because at theend of the day, I didn't
necessarily have those and Icould see where they may have in
other areas.
I didn't.
So it would be that accessresources.
(14:04):
Don't be dumb.
Ask for help.
Like, for sure.
Whether it's a prideful thing,whether it's just a misguided
notion because you had to doeverything yourself for so long.
Look for that help.
Additionally, have a plan.
Because it's not like you haveto have everything figured out,
but if you don't have the stepsto even just find what it is you
want to do, you're going to bestuck in a job where you want to
(14:27):
be there, but it just was theoption available to you because
you didn't take the time to setyou up for more opportunities.
And then lastly, network.
This is something I tell allstudents, especially first gen.
You could be fantastic at whatyou do, but if nobody knows who
you are, you're just anotherresume in the stack.
Networking is so much betterbecause you can build
(14:48):
connections.
People will know.
And in many cases, even if thatperson themselves can offer you
something, they have plenty ofcolleagues or connections in the
industry.
And they say, you know what?
I mentored this wonderfulstudent.
I, unfortunately, if I could,I'd hire them, but I know you're
looking.
I'd love to connect you to that.
That can happen, right?
Miguel Sanchez (15:10):
you also completed a graduate degree.
What was that process like?
Was that process lessintimidating, more intimidating?
What was the process of going tograd school?
Jeffrey Arroyo (Pur (15:20):
Thankfully, having gone through college, the
grad school process is similarin many ways, just a bit beefed
up.
You take the G.
R.
E.
instead of the S.
A.
T.
things like that.
Not as much financial aid,unfortunately.
But what really helps me to notbe as intimidated and 100
percent transparency here.
With our office, we work withalumni.
I think our policy is like 2 or3 years out.
(15:42):
I was in this office on aregular basis checking about my
application, and my previouscolleague was no longer here.
I would be like a frequent flyerbecause I wanted to make sure I
was doing things right.
I learned from my mistakes,which was, you know, trial and
error.
If it works out great.
If not, I try the next thing.
This is time.
This is money.
This is a big decision.
(16:03):
I need to really, Make sure I'mnot procrastinating or making
excuses.
This is what I want.
I have to work hard for it.
So that was the change for me.
That was the experience.
And having gone through college,I was much more mature because
maybe some of my challenges werefor a sense of immaturity
because I came a little bit lateinto it with like, okay, now you
(16:23):
have to adopt a professionalmindset.
This is what you need to do.
I was catching up, so I thinkthat by that point, thankfully
it was much easier.
Because I had figured out what Iwanted to do, which is career
counseling through theinternship, knew that this is
what I was put here to do.
So I think that because of that,it really motivated me as
opposed to like, an associate'sis something I'll get along the
(16:44):
way to go to my four year schoolor now that I'm in the four year
school, but I have to takeclasses I don't really care
about.
It's like everything was workingtowards.
And I have loans for this,right?
So this is a job I chose so I'mhappy to be here and I'm truly
blessed despite the headachesalong the way.
Miguel Sanchez (17:00):
And so to close, Jeffrey, what would you,
if there's anything else youwant to add, what else would
you, Want to communicate to ourlisteners today.
Jeffrey Arroyo (Pur (17:10):
Absolutely.
So, for starters, I want to say,thank you Miguel, for having me
on here.
If you're listening to thispodcast, you're already moving
in the right direction becauseyou're looking for information.
You're looking to see how youcan learn and adapt to your
present situation, make thingsbetter for you.
I want to leave you all withjust try to reach out to people.
Get the best of your opportunityand whether it's financial aid,
(17:32):
like in my case, or, out of yourown pocket, you're paying for
school.
Definitely.
Don't just think of this as adegree factory.
You're in and out.
Like, this is part of your life.
Make some good connections andmake it meaningful for you
because time doesn't movebackwards.
We're only moving forward.
So you have a lot of good folkson campus.
Let them do their jobs.
Same with any campus you're on,or if you're thinking about
(17:52):
going to college, there shouldbe people that are there to help
you.
Miguel Sanchez (17:57):
Jeffrey, I think I'm may have to call
purchase career services myselfand seek some advice thank you,
Jeffrey.
Thank you for your advice.
Thank you for sharing your storywith us.
we'll see you on the next one.
Computer Audio (18:08):
Thanks for listening.
If you enjoy the episode.
Subscribe to this podcast andshare it with a friend.
Don't forget to leave a review.
Until next time.
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