Tufts Blogs

First off, I just want to say congrats! You made it. Pat yourself on the back for getting through the anxiety of exams and standardized tests, having to fill out financial papers on your own, handling your parent’s anxieties about moving away from home, and your own worries about college. Being the first in your family to go to college isn’t just a checkbox on a college application; it’s a taxing journey and a definitive moment in your family’s history. Be proud of your accomplishment!

It’s been a solid three years now since I went through the arduous college process! As a second-semester sophomore, I still remember biting my nails while refreshing my email for updates from colleges, bawling my eyes out when I got admitted to Tufts, and packing my bags to move away for the first time. As a first-generation, low-income student, I was surely in for a transformative transition to college.

The one thing that helped me get through my first year was something that my pre-major advisor told me: “Grades are not a measure of self-worth.” You’ve probably heard this so many times in high school from teachers and friends. I’ve heard it a million times in high school but I never believed it. For me, someone who prided myself on my grades and accomplishments, this was a difficult pill to swallow. I had a difficult time freshman year because my grades were not what I was used to getting. Classes at Tufts were much harder than I ever anticipated. Coming from an inner-city public high school, I did not go through the rigorous academic preparation that my peers had via tutors, academies, and lots of resources and academic guidance. I distinctly remember in my Introduction to Biology class, for the first time, I felt absolutely stupid. The class lecture made no sense, the readings were even more confusing, and my homework and exam grades were terrible. I had never felt so lost in my life. I cried when I went to talk to my pre-major advisor, who changed my perspective on this situation. My pre-major advisor drilled into me that I made it here for a reason. The fact that I could sit in this classroom was me overcoming the biggest hill itself. My grades in this class did not mean that I was unintelligent. It meant that I was adjusting to the academic rigor and developing resilience. After a long conversation with my advisor and the professor, I decided to drop the class. And this gets to my next point: dropping a class does NOT mean giving up. I took Intro to Bio because I felt pressured by my parents. I dropped the class because I wanted to pursue my own academic wants. I didn’t drop because I was lazy or didn’t put in effort. I dropped because this was not the path for me. And that is okay. 

My recommendations for your first semester is to:

1.Find a mentor/advisor that you trust. Someone that understands the first-generation struggle and mindset. You can find this through your assigned pre-major advisor, the FIRST Center, a peer leader from a program, professors, club members, and friends. College stress coupled with the first-gen anxieties will inevitably get to you, but remember to always prepare for the worst but hope for the best. 

2. Find friends who you can empathize with your situation and help you through difficult times. I have friends who also went through the same tribulations, and having someone to soothe your anxieties and reaffirm your strengths makes a definitive difference. 

3. Always be proud of your accomplishments. I say this time and time again because in the hustle of college, it’s easy to forget to look back at all of the amazing things that you’ve done. 

4. Self-care. During busy midterm and finals seasons, I sometimes forget to eat. Remember that eating, exercising, and social time is just as important as academics! College is about academics AND the experiences. So keep yourself healthy to fuel your learning, mental health, and fun!

5. Seeking assistance is not shameful. Seeking out office hours, the Career Center, the Academic Resource Center, tutoring services, writing assistance, study groups, and time management services are not things to be ashamed about! I was used to doing everything on my own because that’s how I made it here. But that doesn’t mean that it’s the best way. Don’t miss out on the wonderful FREE services that will really help you! Take advantage of them because they’re there for you to use.

This blog post encompasses only a small sliver of what’s in store for you in a couple of months. Remember to trust in yourself, don’t pack too much, make new connections, and have fun!