I am First-Gen Proud

Honor. Integrity. Respect. Forward thinking. Self-discipline.

I grew up in an athletic home where everyone had been a star athlete, and my Grandfather, who was the head of our household, had been a coach to countless star athletes. With my Grandfather being a coach, understanding words like standards, expectations, dedication, and commitment, was not really an option for us and were commonly used in my household. My Grandfather is a United States Marine, so I’ve also often heard words like honor, integrity, respect, forward thinking, and self-discipline. These teachings helped guide and mold me into the person I am today, providing me with the necessary tools to go through life and be successful. It is also with these teachings that my family grew to be a close and loving family who understood the utility of teamwork and functioned like a well oiled machine.

In preparing to leave home for college, I felt confident in my ability to be self-reliant and to do my best. I truly felt like I had everything I needed and that nothing could stop me. However, upon first arriving at NAU this was certainly not the case. Being on my own and away from my family I quickly realized just how tough it can be to be on your own. I can honestly say that I hadn’t ever felt more alone or lonely in my life. I felt like I was playing a game where the odds were stacked against and I was left without a team. But when I was at my lowest points, and when I needed a team and a family to help get me through my struggles, the staff at First Scholars were there for me. Without judgement and without hesitation, whenever I needed help the most, people like my former Cohort Leader Jeanne Lease, and my current Cohort Leader Cailtin Absher came to my aide.

I had everything my family had taught me and instilled in me, as well as their love and support. But when I was living here on campus, having the physical sense of support from your fellow peers and mentors can give you that extra push to keep driving forward. I made some of my best friends through First Scholars and gained a decent sense of community. But more so than that, First Scholars offers many opportunities such as help with tutoring, getting an emergency textbook loan, Louie’s Cupboard, and much more. I know that leaving your life at home in pursuit of building a life of your own is not without its challenges, and that even going to college has many unique challenges of its own, but First Scholars can help you get there, so never be afraid to reach out and ask for help.

As some final words of advice, be diligent and always put your ‘best foot forward’. When you fail, be persistent and ‘try, and try, and try again’.

As some final words of advice, be diligent and always put your ‘best foot forward’. When you fail, be persistent and ‘try, and try, and try again’. And last but not least, passion is practical. Do everything with Passion.