Breaking Barriers: A First-Generation College Student’s Story

This blog post is a revised version of a narrative written by the student as part of a First-Generation Contest sponsored by St. John’s University’s Center for Student Success. 

My Family Legacy and Cultural Heritage

My father named me after my grandmother, an extraordinary woman who helped many families migrate from the Dominican Republic to the United States for a better life. She worked tirelessly folding garments in a hospital to support her three sons, including my father. Growing up with limited guidance—his parents were divorced, and his single mother struggled to support many people—my father was unable to pursue higher education. 

However, his incredible ambition helped him become a successful life insurance agent. In his time, there weren’t many bilingual insurance agents, and this became his advantage. He gained numerous awards for making the most sales and reaching the Latino community. 

His drive inspires me to follow a similar path. One day, I want to become an attorney specializing in immigration to help Latinos who need a bilingual attorney.

My mother grew up on a farm in Guatemala, where her parents were indifferent to her schooling. Despite lacking a formal education, she is my greatest inspiration for her work ethic and resilience. She demonstrates punctuality and always motivates her coworkers. She also possesses the ability to cook a delicious meal in under 15 minutes. I’m happy to say that I inherited her admirable traits. My Dominican heritage makes me outgoing, while my Guatemalan heritage keeps me humble.

Turning Obstacles into Opportunity

During quarantine in 2020, my mother, who didn’t understand the importance of education, often interrupted my study time. She didn’t take my Zoom classes seriously because they were from home. This motivated me to manage my time better to excel in school while giving her my full attention.

From a young age, my mother relied on me. At just six years old, I became her interpreter—a role my father encouraged, believing it would help me overcome my social anxiety. Though he could have helped her, he wanted me to master Spanish and develop the confidence to handle any situation. 

Initially, I resented my father for assigning this responsibility to me, but I now recognize it as part of his larger plan. These experiences not only empowered me with valuable skills, but also solidified my confidence. They taught me perseverance and effort matter most when pursuing education and facing challenges.

Along the way, I encountered individuals who doubted me and my interest in pursuing higher education, suggesting that people like me rarely succeed. Even my brothers considered college futile, telling me not to quemarme la cabeza (burn my head) over it. However, despite these obstacles, I am determined to become the role model my father lacked, proving that first-generation students can overcome any challenge—especially when they have already endured so much.

When I see children who grew up similarly to me, I can’t help but tell them to take advantage of their education and echarle ganas (give it their all). I feel encouraged when other Latino adults and elderly community members tell me to keep going because they understand how valuable it is for the first generation to break the cycle.

A pivotal moment came when a construction worker asked me, “What’s heavier, a shovel or a pencil?” This question made me contemplate my privileges and responsibilities, deepening my appreciation for the opportunities before me.

My College Journey: Carrying Forward My Legacy at St. John’s

Early in my academic journey, I discovered that what I once saw as burdens—my name, my role as an interpreter, and my dual heritage—have become my greatest strengths. 

Building on Bilingual Skills in Legal Studies

Because of my bilingual background, I have had the fantastic opportunity to work at St. John’s University’s Child Advocacy Clinic alongside the clinic’s director, Jennifer Baum, Professor of Clinical Legal Education, St. John’s University School of Law, and other law students, assisting in interpreting clients while learning about immigration law in practice. 

Having this opportunity to be an interpreter for immigration clients is particularly meaningful for me; I feel I am following in my grandmother Teodita’s footsteps, helping families navigate their journeys to a better life, just as she once did. Every time I introduce myself to a client, I feel proud of the name I carry and the legacy it represents.

Finding Mentorship and Professional Growth

Carmen Fernández Klohe, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Languages and Literatures, saw beyond my status as a native speaker—she recognized my specific challenges. She invested in my growth, much like my father did when he encouraged me to embrace interpretation. Thanks to her guidance, I achieved something that would make my parents proud: passing the interpreter exam for LanguageLine Solutions, a nationwide interpretation service. 

What Being a First-Generation College Student Means to Me 

Being a first-generation student is both a blessing and a challenge, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. At St. John’s, your heritage isn’t just accepted, but celebrated; your dreams are nurtured, and your identity becomes your strength. 

Through every class, every interpretation session, every faculty mentorship and every cultural celebration, I’m not just studying for my future—I’m honoring my grandmother’s legacy, my father’s ambition, and my mother’s resilience—and most importantly, I’m showing others like me that we can echarle ganas and succeed while staying true to who we are. I’m proud of who I am because I want to represent my culture positively wherever I go. Whether helping others or excelling in school, I aim to honor my background in everything I do.