The road to becoming a first-generation college graduate

In this series, professionals discuss their experiences accomplishing something for the first time. Read their stories here, then write your own using #IWasTheFirst in the body of the post. 

I still remember being so excited when my family helped move me in to my dorm at San Jose State. I also remember making good use of my younger brothers carrying bags and bags of clothes up to my 10th floor dorm and my parents wiping away tears as I waved bye. I didn't know it then, but as the semesters passed I realized that I wouldn't be graduating just for me, but also for them, my family.

College challenged me, gave me a run for my money (literally) but ultimately made me a more educated and overall better person once I crossed the stage as a first-generation college graduate. When you don't have someone to show you the ropes, the experience to accomplish anything is much harder, but it is not impossible.

Here's what helped me become the first in my family to graduate from college.

Believe and Persevere.

When you're the first to take on something as challenging as college, you have to believe in yourself. Believe that you are there for a reason, believe in your own decisions to follow the career path you want to study and pursue. Do not fall weak to any doubts and continue to persevere through your own academic path.

Get Creative.

So you want to study abroad or join a fraternity/sorority but don't have the resources? Do your homework and find new ways to achieve these things. Apply for scholarships, find a side hustle, do what you have to do to make this beneficial investment. Don't ever let money be a deciding factor to these decisions, for if there is a will there is a way. Believe me, I've been there.

I planned a basketball tournament fundraiser on my 21st birthday so I could study abroad in China.

Hustle and Sacrifice.

There was a time when my only free time involved sleep, otherwise I was working 1 of my 3 jobs, doing something for extra-curricular student groups, studying or going to class. I've never worked so hard in my life and learned to sacrifice going out, Friday nights, trips back home, and sometimes even sleep just to make sure I was the making the most of my time to pass and do well in my classes all while making sure I could pay rent, eat dinner and pay for school. The hustle was real.

Finish.

After the blood, sweat and tears that came with college, I realized that being the first in my family to graduate showed my character. That I don't quit. To be the first to accomplish anything you must finish strong. Remember why you're working your butt off to accomplish this task and don't stop hustling until you cross that finish line.

It took hustle and heart for me to be the first to graduate and I'm thankful for it, struggle and all.