College. It’s something that was unfamiliar to me for some of my life, but it is a place where now I can help make a positive difference in the lives of so many. Like you, I’m a member of the NPRC community. But before this, I was once where many of you were as first-generation college students. It was empowering, yet scary to set out on that journey. Doing so has made all the difference in my life, and I know it will in yours, too. Today, it’s my duty to make sure that there are more and more of us first-gen college students and graduates making an impact on the world.
I’ve been where you’ve been. It’s unchartered territory. Uncertainty continues to waver. ‘Am I cut out for this?’ is a constant question that plagues your mind early in the journey. You may even be thinking, ‘How am I going to handle all these different classes and the rest of my life at the same time?’ Or ‘I’m overwhelmed and there are so many different things that I need to remember.’ It would have been easy for me to give up or never to start in the first place. The same goes for you. But in the end, I knew that was not possible and I hope finishing college is your reality. I have no doubt that you can do it!
The comfort zone is something that you easily could have stayed in by not going to college. Instead, you are here. You are doing the darn thing. You are getting your credentials and/or degree and gaining knowledge that will set yourself and your family up for a happier life. It is a beautiful thing, but it comes with sacrifice. In the end, aren’t all the best things in life earned and not given? Sacrificing family time, hobbies, and other commitments is not an easy reality to endure. But once you’ve weathered this storm, you and the people in your life will be thankful and proud you completed this goal.
I’ve been where you have been. I learned about many of the topics you have learned about or may learn about in the future. I have written the papers, taken the tests, completed the projects, and attended the late-night classes that felt like they would never end. Just remember, these hurdles truly are a short price to pay for a life filled with endless possibilities.
Like many of you, I grew up in this 10-county area that NPRC currently serves. Being raised here is not always the rainbows and unicorns we wish life would provide. But we all know that our region is filled with the blue collar, hardworking people that we all strive to be. Like a Ford, our area helps teach you to be “built tough.” It also allows you to grow unbreakable bonds with family, friends, and other members of the community. Those bonds were something I knew would last even if I moved away for my college experience. Fortunately, for those like you who attend NPRC, many of those bonds can remain strong and grow stronger because college in this region continues to evolve in a positive way. It warms my heart to know that your possibilities are not capped by your geographic, financial, or life status any longer because of NPRC.
One luxury you have on top of keeping these pre-established bonds strong is the unique experience of being able to make new ones with your classmates, professors, and NPRC employees who are all here to help make a positive difference in your life as you navigate this journey. College is a breath of fresh air. I encourage you, if you have not already, to break out of your shell, leave your comfort zones, and show everyone you encounter on this journey kindness. You’ll be thankful that you did.
I won’t deny there were plenty of moments in my college career when I felt tested, scared, tired, and like I was going to fail – but I didn’t. Neither will you. I entered college with a lot of uncertainty about myself and my ability to succeed, and I left college with a degree that represents personal growth, resilience, grit, hope, and promise for my future. Now, I have the opportunity to support other students like you through their own college experiences. Helping you obtain degrees, credentials, and certificates is my favorite part of what I do. I consider it a privilege to help you in any way possible to make your dreams and goals come true.
I’m not alone on this NPRC team as a first-generation college student, either. There are many of us. While we may not have all had the same experiences, have the same credentials, or gained all the same knowledge, you can bet we all want what is best for you. We want you to win just like we did. We want you to set a standard for your family that going to college, receiving post-secondary training, or achieving anything you set your mind to is possible. Your journey matters. Your hard work matters. How you treat people matters. And being a first-generation college student is a matter to be proud of. Keep doing amazing things. You will be glad you made the choice to become a first-generation college student. Not just on First-Generation College Students Day that is celebrated once a year, but every day.
We’re here for you and can’t wait to see you win!