How First- Generation College Students Find Success
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How to Cite

Higginbotham, K. (2022). How First- Generation College Students Find Success: Reflections, Strategies, and Recommendations on What Colleges Can Do to Increase Retention Among Low-Income Students . Journal of Postsecondary Student Success, 2(1), 12–20. https://doi.org/10.33009/fsop_jpss131269

Abstract

In this student voice essay, I reflect on my experiences thus far as a first-generation college student. I share how the Center for Academic Retention and Engagement (CARE) program at Florida State University has contributed to my success. I then discuss the problems and challenges faced by first-generation low-income college students. Next, I reflect on the mental health struggles I faced, which are common but too often not talked about, and how I stay grounded. I describe the struggles many students face—such as fear of the future—and the significance of having a solid social support network to rely on when college gets difficult. I conclude the essay by identifying strategic changes colleges and universities alike can implement to further support first-generation, low-income students that will ensure long-term retention and success. Lastly, I offer my recommendations to current or future college students, regardless of their backgrounds.

https://doi.org/10.33009/fsop_jpss131269
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Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Copyright (c) 2022 Kameron Higginbotham

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