My Furman Experience as a First-Generation Student

Who was I before Furman?

I grew up in a single-parent household with my mother and my two sisters. I was the oldest of my siblings and thus held most of the household responsibilities. While my mother worked, I cared for my sisters, cooked our meals, cleaned the house, and helped pay the bills. I fought to keep our family stable and set a strong example for my sisters. So, I strove to excel in school and attend a reputable college. I knew as a first-generation student, it was my duty to start a legacy of college graduates

My first year at Furman being first-gen

I vividly recall the anxiety I felt during orientation week, i.e., the week before classes started. Neither my mother nor my family had lived the college experience because I was first-gen, so I did not know what to expect. My roommate transferred the day I arrived on campus, so I had the double dorm to myself. Initially, having a double dorm to myself was lofty, but I quickly began to feel lonely since I was still making friends.

Throughout high school, I challenged myself with rigorous academic course loads to set a good example for my sisters My motto was that if I was able to excel in school, so could they. Thus, I took difficult classes in my freshman year and gave myself little room to experiment. I was unaware that you should give yourself room to grow to adjust well to college life. This involves taking less rigorous courses, making use of programs like Pathways and the Center for Academic Success that are dedicated to seeing students thrive, getting accustomed to abiding by a daily routine, and finding a sense of belonging.

What I learned from my first year at Furman as a first-gen student

Admittedly, college can be difficult for first-generation students. We first-generation students not only carry the weight of academics but also what feels like the success of those who come after us in our families. This pressure to thrive in the context of college can be incredibly arduous.

I managed to get a handle on things by first realizing that I lacked effective time management. So, I went to my pathway’s advisor, and she advised that I schedule a meeting with the Center for Academic Success. My meeting was with Kelsey Harp, the director of the Center for Academic Success. Within seconds, Kelsey skillfully created a schedule for the week so that I could get back on my feet. Every task and appointment was scheduled into time blocks. Within a week, I regained control of my time management. I initially managed my time well, but as assignments and responsibilities piled up, I lost control. I also tried to handle everything alone, which was a habit I carried over from high school.

How can you thrive as a first-generation student at Furman?

If you are fretting over how you will thrive at Furman as a first-generation student, begin planning. Channel your anxiety into productivity and make this a habit because this form of sublimation will be important to avoid procrastination. The moment you foresee a challenging week of exams, projects, presentations, etc., reach out to your advisor or go directly to the Center for Academic Success. Reach out to someone who will give a new perspective. Give yourself grace and time to adapt to college life. Lastly, remember that everyone does not share your background and will not always understand you, but there are a plethora of resources in your arsenal for you to succeed.

Signing off,

Tyler Pearson