When You're a First Generation College Graduate

On this episode, I sit down with special guest, Meagan McBride, to discuss what it's like being a first generation college student and the challenges of transferring schools. We also provide advice on navigating college life and the "real world" post-graduation.

A first generation college graduate is defined as a student whose parent(s) did not complete a four-year college or university degree.  This does not include extended members of the family, such as grandparents, aunt/uncles, etc.  Additionally, your parents may have attended some college courses, but they did not complete a degree, which would still classify you as a first generation college student based on certain institutions' definitions.

Why is this important?

According to the Center for First-Generation Student Success, "the term 'first-generation' implies the possibility that a student may lack the critical cultural capital necessary for college success because their parents did not attend college" Thus, having an understanding of the needs of first-generation college students allows the opportunity for institutions to come alongside these students and provide additional support so that they may be as successful as their peers and have a sense of belonging on campus.

Read more about this topic at:

• Defining First-Generation by, Center for First-Generation Student Success: https://firstgen.naspa.org/blog/defining-first-generation

Follow Meagan on Instagram: @meggyweggy406