By Elsey Rafail
Reporter
Midrea Samuel, general studies major, shows proudness for her family.
As a first-generation college student, how does it feel that you are now used as an example between your family?
It’s both satisfying and stressful. Satisfying because they will talk about me in a positive way, and it’ll make me feel accomplished. However, stressful because now that it’s talked about, they will put it—to me–at a standard that I have to be successful at it, but I know it’ll be hard along the way. So, like, if I fail, I’ll feel like it wasn’t enough.
Can you describe the pressure?
I don’t know how to answer this question… but I will try. The pressure isn’t anything bad really, it’s more like I look at it to be like since they (parents) know it, I’m going to set that as my goal to try hard in college. I also think the pressure is harder because if I am not fulfilling my goal then I’ll be disappointed mainly in myself. Also, to them, school is extremely important, and they want me to have a successful job and not end up in a factory like them.
Do you have any plans after college?
I just plan on transferring to MSSU, but if that doesn’t end up working out, then I plan on working.
Among people of color, it’s common for them to go straight into the workplace, as a woman of color, why do you think that is?
Good question. From my experience, like from family around me, what I’ve seen is that a lot of people struggle in school because of cultural differences. es. Compared to their homeland, the school’s usually not as important—well, it’s more like their parents weren’t privileged to have the education here in America, and so it would be difficult for them to help their own kids. You also must take into consideration the language barriers. There are many smart kids who just don’t know the language and are deemed dumb. So, because of all that, it doesn’t really motivate them to do good in school—so they find working easier.
Are you living on campus or are you commuting?
I am commuting.
Why do you not live on campus/Why do you live on campus?
Currently, I live with my parents to help them out because they’re both working, and their schedule doesn’t really cooperate with each other. So, while they’re at work, I’m watching the kids, cleaning, cooking, etc. They also offered to help me financially for school if I stayed home.
Why did you decide on a community college rather than an actual university?
Firstly, I decided on community college because I haven’t found something (career wise) that I want to do in the future, so I didn’t want to use money on a university so general studies in a community college felt safer. Secondly, it’s because financially it’s not as demanding as some other schools so it’s easier for my parents to help me.
Have you experienced any type of stereotypical college adventure- ex. Partying?
No, I cannot because of my limited options of freedom.
How would you rate your experience so far in college?
So far, I’d say it almost feels like high school except you’re not being told what to do step by step. It’s more independent than high school. But I like it.
What do you expect from Crowder now that you’re an official Crowder College student?
I expect to learn a lot more by going to Crowder, I hope that I can at least take something from what I am being taught and use it in real life.
What kind of pressure do you expect from Crowder themselves?
Well, I do expect it to be hard, but I feel that it will be the type of pressure that’ll push me to do what I couldn’t do in high school. Whereas in high school it’s normal to graduate from it, in college, I must dedicate a lot of time and effort into my education. I’m not saying high school wasn’t hard, I just believe Crowder will allow me to experience the push that I need to graduate college.
What kind of expectations do you have of yourself seeing as you are a first-generation college student?
Mostly, I do expect myself to graduate with an associate degree. I feel as though getting an associate is an accomplishment that would satisfy me.
Can you describe the feeling of being a new student in college during this time and age?
Especially during this time, it feels stressful but also fulfilling. I’ve noticed that a lot of people I know find college to be unnecessary since they can easily find a job that doesn’t require a degree. I can see why they feel that way, but personally I think it would be a promising experience. I decided to go to college myself and it feels good knowing that I’m doing this for myself. I don’t mind if i don’t get a job from a degree I earned, I’m just willing to learn more; however, it is stressful. Going to college does cost money. With that in mind, I must motivate myself even when it begins to get difficult.
Knowing that the pandemic happening altered your preparedness for college, if the pandemic didn’t happen, what would have been your plan instead?
My original plan was to take a gap year before I went back to school. It changed, though, because once covid hit a lot of college students were struggling to go to school and learn. Seeing that anything unexpected can influence how schools operate, I wanted to take the opportunity to go to college as soon as possible. I want to take the chance i could get to graduate college.
As of right now, can you rate how prepared you are for the upcoming semester?
7/10, only because I’m excited about it, but I am a bit nervous about the courses. I’m afraid I won’t be able to catch up with assignments and lessons. Other than that, I think I’ll survive.
Were there any options besides Crowder/community college?
I won’t lie, Crowder was my first choice as a college. It is the nearest, which is convenient for me considering I do live with my parents, and I help them out with my siblings and help around the house. So, no, there weren’t any other options.
Can you tell us what kind of career you want to achieve after you’re done with school?
I do find an interest in housing interior design. As well as a job that deals with psychology.
There is a belief that the pressure for first-generation is immensely different compared to being a student coming from alumni parents, can you describe what makes it so different?
In my situation, I find that it’s different only because my parents only want us to go beyond their own education. And by that, I mean having the privilege to graduate college and go on to work a well-paying job that doesn’t include heavy labor, like the ones they work. There’s also the financial aspect of college that makes the pressure “heavier.” My parents work in factories, and we live by weekly paychecks. They’re only able to work such jobs since they moved to the states and didn’t further their education past high school. Because of the limitations of money, my parents can only afford so much of my education.
In college there is always a chance of budding romance; what are your plans on pursuing romance?
Currently, I’m not looking to pursue any romantic ties with anyone. I’d rather focus on my school right now before stressing about a relationship with someone else.
Do you have any advice for other first-generation students going through the same experience?
I do want to say to any first-gen students that the effort is worth it. It’s clear that being a first gen won’t be easy, but it helps to feel proud of oneself for coming so far.
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