You First at VCU

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
Being able to share experiences and feelings with others, especially those who occupy minority spaces and experiences, can be very motivating and empowering to someone who feels isolated or alone.

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
I value the freedom of not having anyone to live up to or compete against, and the freedom to really go where I want to because I created my own opportunities and resources. I value being able to connect with the world in a more simplistic and joyful way because I have no family legacy to fulfill, for example. Growing up without money and certain resources has its freedoms just as much as its setbacks.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
My favorite thing about being a mentor is setting an example for my mentees and helping guide them to be the best version of themselves and thrive to reach their full potential.

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
I value the journey of being a first-gen student. I believe everything happens for a reason and everyone has their own unique journey. My journey, like most, is filled with obstacles and ups and downs, but I continue to maneuver through them. Being the first in my immediate family to finish college will not only be the greatest accomplishment so far in my journey but also a stepping stone for everything I will accomplish ahead. Remember, it's not where you came from, it's where you're going and how you get there.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
What I enjoy about being a mentor is getting to impart everything I've learned about the college experience to someone else. If I can make the transition to college easier for another person, that's really fulfilling to me.

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
What I value about being first-gen is the community support that it builds. Being first-gen and meeting other first-gen students means that we help and support each other.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
I enjoy being a mentor because I’m able to meet new people who have gone through similar experiences as me. Through my own learned experience, I would like to be able to help and guide my mentees on their path through college and finding their place here at VCU.

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
I value being a first-gen student because it allowed me to enter college with a clear mind. I didn’t know anything about college or what I wanted to study. This caused me to find my own resources, which led to me knowing that I could succeed in all my endeavors.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
I love the opportunity to establish a relationship that allows for both parties to learn and grow as individuals.

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
The sense of pride and accomplishment in knowing that I am the first one in my family to do this, but also that I am now here as a resource for my family in the future.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
My daily motto is “Help people who need assistance.” Having this opportunity and a chance to assist others who are coming to VCU knowing little to nothing about how college works, I am honored to mentor them. Being a mentor for other first-gen students will give them a relief knowing that there are people like them as well. 

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
As a first-generation student, I am very proud because of how different I am from the other students, which makes me feel unique and special. This is also a journey that my parents have never experienced. As a first generation student, it is a new story to begin.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
I enjoy the mutual exchange that occurs with mentees. It’s nice to help them figure out this college thing, but it’s even more rewarding to learn things from them and to see the growth happening in yourself and in your mentees.

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
I feel like being a first-gen student has made me truly realize how resilient I am. I am more appreciative of the smaller milestones I accomplish because I know I am the first in my family to do it, and I know that when I do it, it shows my siblings that they can do it too.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
I am most proud about being able to empower the next generation of Rams to be confident and proud of themselves for all of their accomplishments, no matter how small.

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
I most value learning the meaning of hard work with the aspirations of becoming successful and giving back to my family. My parents were never given the opportunity to go to college after immigrating to America. They made the ultimate sacrifice to provide a better life for me; for that, I hope to give them a better life here as well.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
I enjoy the principle of helping others through obstacles. As a first-gen student at VCU, tasks can seem challenging since there is no one to guide or help. I like providing that for the students I am working with.

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
I value discussing the importance of education that aids me in the process of completing the degree. There are so many obstacles that I have faced during which I was able to learn from others.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
I most value being able to interact with people and help because I was once in their shoes.

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
I value the great opportunities we have by being first gen as well as the help and great people you meet along the way.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
I enjoy being a mentor because I get to help and pass on knowledge! Making the first-gen college experience easier for other first-gen students is really nice and I love to help people anyway I can.

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
I value the new things I get to experience. Although being first-gen can be scary, I think it’s good that we get to experience and see things with fresh eyes and first hand.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
I am most proud about being able to empower the next generation of Rams to be confident and proud of themselves for all of their accomplishments, no matter how small.

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
I most value learning the meaning of hard work with the aspirations of becoming successful and giving back to my family. My parents were never given the opportunity to go to college after immigrating to America. They made the ultimate sacrifice to provide a better life for me; for that, I hope to give them a better life here as well.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
I enjoy being able to help others with questions I've had in the past. I've loved the mentors I've had in the past, and I would love to provide that kind of help to someone else.

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
I love that being part of this group means that I am never alone in my struggles. There is always someone that I can reach out to, and being part of You First only reaffirms that belief. There is always someone out there who is able to understand me as a first gen student especially when I feel lost or confused in college.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
I enjoy being a mentor because I get to help out others with questions I once had too. Also, being able to spread my previous knowledge of resources with mentees, so they can get the most out of their college experience.

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
I am very proud to be a first-gen student because I am the role model for my siblings.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
Being a mentor allows me to provide advice, be a support system, and hopefully help students grow to become the best Ram they can be! This brings me so much joy, and mentoring gives me more knowledge and experience than I could have imagined.

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
I am proud to be a first-generation student because it is a huge accomplishment. It is valuable because overcoming the hurdles of being a first-gen student has made me the independent, grateful, and hard-working person I am.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
My favorite thing about being a mentor for You First is being able to provide guidance to first-year, first-gen students. It makes me really happy to know that my mentees have the opportunity to use me a resource so they don't feel as alone or confused when navigating college.

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
First-generation college students have perseverance like no other. I am convinced that we are unstoppable in our academic endeavors. We give everything our all, and through all our troubles we stop at nothing to reach our goals.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
The thing that I enjoy most about being a mentor is creating a bond with my mentees! I am thoroughly passionate about helping others, and being a mentor is a beautiful way to help my fellow first-gen peers.

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
I value many things about being a first-gen student; however, I have found much worth in learning how hardworking I truly am. Being a first-gen student, we have to work much harder than our peers in order to receive a excellent college experience.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
Being able to help others with things I’ve also struggled with too.

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
I value how important it is for us to grow and to learn from one another. It’s hard at first to figure it out but there are many of us who have been in the same place and it helps to have some guide you through it.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
The thing that I really enjoy about being a mentor is the progress that we make as a team. Not only is the mentee growing, but the mentor is growing as well. We’re growing together as a team in order to achieve a successful future.

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
Anything is possible, especially having all these resources that can help you succeed, take risks, and step out of your comfort zone to grow.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
Being a mentor allows me to help first generation students transition to college much more easily. It also places me in a wonderful leadership position where I can acquire new skills that would help me in becoming a successful leader for my future career.

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
Being a first generation student allows me to represent and set an example for the future incoming college students in the family. Becoming the first in the household to finish college shows just how hardworking and persistent I am in achieving my goals. Not only am I able to make my parents proud, but I am also giving back to the community by utilizing the skills I learned throughout college to help others.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
I like being able to be a resource and help students who are in my position when I first got to college.

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
I value the drive that first-get students have. It shows determination and an eagerness to learn in both the academic sense and from the people around us.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
I love getting to help guide fellow students through the stressful transition of college.

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
Being a first-gen student is so special because you get to pave the way for your family through success. I also value being able to appreciate every aspect of my college experience!

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
I enjoy getting to meet new students and helping them spread their wings so that they can fly towards their dreams. 

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
Although it can be overwhelming at times, I value the pressure to succeed that comes from my family. It keeps me going when I feel like giving up, and it reminds me of where I come from and what I came to do. I am here so that I can make life easier for others, to represent my people and to make a name for myself.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
I enjoy being able to speak to my mentees about my experiences at VCU. I like to give them advice about anything they are going through to help them become better students and to have a source of support on campus.

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
I value that first-gen students are underdogs. We have to do more than the average student because of our background. It means we have a strong work ethic, perseverance, and a certain level of drive because we have something to prove. We have a lot of willpower and willingness to conquer adversity.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
I love that I get to connect with other first-generation students, and that I get to learn from my mentees. A lot of people think that mentees are always learning from their mentors, but often times it's the other way around. Plus, having something in common makes the connection and conversation almost instant.

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
Being a first-gen student has made me very aware of my opportunities and grateful for my education. Also, I feel that I'm very independent, as well as resilient, because of my first-gen student status. These are things that I think have improved my character and will help me in the future.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
I think my favorite part about being a mentor is from meeting all the incredible mentees who bring so much to the table. It gives us both an opportunity to grow and learn from one another. Also, I love cheering them on! They are doing amazing and sometimes they need a loud cheerleader in their corner to say they're doing great!

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
Being a first-gen student has made me value every new experience that comes my way. I also value being a role model for my siblings for if/when they enter into a university.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
I most enjoy providing accessible comfort and guidance to my mentees. Being able to create a relationship with them and to support them in the beginning of their college journey is so rewarding.

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
As a first-generation college student, I understand how important it is to invest in our education. To be able to break generational cycles, education is essential. I also enjoy sharing resources and opportunities with my colleagues.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
My favorite part of being a mentor would be being able to connect with all my mentees and helping them have a successful first year here at VCU. Getting the opportunity to watch my mentees grow, as well as watch myself grow, will be a rewarding experience.

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
Being a first-gen student comes with its difficulties, but it has proven to me how hard working and determined I am. I value how ambitious I am, and also how supportive this community is.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
I want to pass on advice, knowledge, and wisdom to individuals who are in the same position as I was. I know the feeling of hopelessness, believing that you’re entering this new journey of college alone without guidance. I am a resource when questions arise, and I equip first-gen students with tools that help me succeed in college.

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
Many first-generation students had to naturally overcome challenges on their own. It’s the constant resilience despite the obstacles they face that I deeply admire about first-generation students. Remind yourself that you are taking on the world by yourself, and you should be proud of all your accomplishments so far.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
I enjoy getting to help first year students find their way and sense of belonging on campus, as well as being able to connect with them and assist with their growth.

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
As a first-gen student, I value being able to face the challenges of higher education. Furthermore, although it has not been easy, I am able to push through in order to achieve my goals.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
I love being able to help my mentees through what I had difficulties figuring out during freshmen year. I enjoy their company and that they talk to me about anything. I love how my mentees have different backgrounds and cultures that I can also learn from. Everything about being a mentor is so cool and awesome.

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
Being first-gen, I get to set the pace for my younger siblings, and I value that a lot. I also value the trust they have in me being the first person to have the college experience and that they can come to me for help.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
As a mentor, I enjoy being able to build connections with my mentees, giving them the support system they need and making sure they know I am here to help them within my abilities.

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
As a first-gen student, I value all the opportunities I've been able to receive, and these opportunities have helped me grow and figure out who I am. I also value the people I've met because they've been extremely helpful and supportive.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
I do enjoy helping those in need and I feel like as a mentor I could really be helpful in guiding the freshman who could feel lost when they come.

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
I value this opportunity and I take it very seriously, so I am very focused and dedicated towards fulfilling my ideal goal.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
I enjoy being able to use my experiences to help others learn! Being able to utilize your experiences and provide them as either comfort or framework for someone following a similar path is very helpful. I also love people and learning about them, and being a mentor is all about getting to know your mentee and being there for them!

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
I think being a first-gen student has taught me resilience and a lot about the importance of community/a support network. I also learned about my own privilege and luck, since I wouldn't have made it this far if it weren't for my mom and grandma's support and love. I have to remember that my journey has fostered a stronger sense of independence, resilience, and passion within me and has taught me a lot about community and myself.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
I get enjoyment through being helpful to those who need it. I enjoy being a mentor because it allows me to learn through my mentees as well. I love being able to see my mentees grow over time and through their many new experiences as they get through college.

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
I value the new opportunities that my parents were not able to experience. I value the challenges that come my way because of that. Also, I value being a first-gen student because it's something my parents haven't done so it almost feels like they are living vicariously through me.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
As a mentor, I enjoy having the chance to be there for freshman first-gen students. By offering my support and knowledge of resources, I can help ease their transition into their first year, so they don't feel as lost or alone.

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
I value being a part of a supportive, strong-willed, and driven community. As a first-gen student, I take pride in each step I take towards both my dreams and my parents' dreams, and am grateful for each opportunity that I've been given.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
I really enjoy being able to help my mentees and to connect with them.

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
I feel really proud of myself for coming as far as I have.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
I love being a mentor because I am able to use my experiences from being a first-year student to help my mentees and ensure that they don't go through what I faced my first year. Being able to guide and support other first-gen students like myself and seeing their growth through their first-year is so rewarding, and I enjoy being able to connect and learn from other first-gens as well.

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
Being a first-generation college student is already a big accomplishment on its own, and I take pride in being one. I value the perseverance, independence, and resiliency that myself and other first-gens have, as well as how accepting and supportive the first-gen community is. First-gens are admirable in the ways that we are able to adjust and take on new opportunities, while also finding our true self amidst the challenges that we face every day

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
Being the first in your family to go to college is an accomplishment in and of itself. However, once you get here, trying to navigate it can feel scary. I know the feeling and I was lucky enough to have a support system to guide me and encourage me throughout my college career. Knowing that I can be part of a support system for my mentees is gratifying and what I enjoy most about being a mentor.

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
As a first-gen student, I have grown to value the uncertainty that came with college. As much as it made me nervous to be the first to go to college, unaware of what that would look and feel like, I was also thankful for the uncertainty, because it allowed me the most room to create and walk my own path. Along that path, I met wonderful people who helped me continue to reach for my goals, big or small, and I got to share and celebrate those achievements with them.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
I enjoy assisting first-year, first-generation college students with their transition into their new era of independence. The transition into college can be challenging and frightening. Therefore, I can assist in bridging that gap and serving as a support system for them to have a successful journey. In addition, I enjoy providing the required resources to support their academic and personal growth.

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
As a first-generation student, I value my hard work, persistence, independence, and confidence. I am striving to earn my bachelor's degree as well as my master's. My journey thus far has not been easy, but I will continue to strive for success. I want all first-generation college students to know they can do anything they put their mind to.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
I enjoy assisting prospective students navigating their college journey. I am very thrilled to be able to help them as much as I can before they graduate. 

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
I know some people see being a first-generation student as stressful, but to me, being first-gen is an honor and an accomplishment. It’s the feeling of knowing that I am destined to do great things, elevate my family, and make my God, family, friends, and other people proud.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
I am excited to connect with my mentees! I'm not going to say I have all the answers, but I am ready to be a friend and just use my experience and what I've learned over the years to help make their experiences a little less stressful.

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
What I value about being a first-generation student is the ability we have of trying our best. As first-gen students, there are many things that we may not have known as we entered college. I am proud of myself and all first-gen students for always giving it our all regardless of how difficult the situation may be.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
I enjoy the satisfactory feeling after helping someone and being able to be a resource. I also value being a friend to my mentees.

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
Being a first-generation student has allowed me to take chances and step out of my comfort zone.  It is a pleasure for me to have started this journey and to be able to set an example for my siblings and make my parents proud.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
I enjoy being a resource and someone to go to for advice and support. I get to make new friendships and meet people from different backgrounds and ethnicities. My mentor helped me with my class selections and what to look forward to in those classes, and I want to do the same for my mentees.

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
Being a first-gen student isn’t easy, but it helps in many areas of becoming an adult. You mature quickly, you realize the importance of college, and you are an inspiration to your younger siblings and family members.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
I enjoy having the opportunity to help other students who are in a similar situation as I was in heading into college.

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
What I value about being a first-gen student is my background, where I come from, and what it means for me and my family that I'm attending college.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
I enjoy helping first-gen students find a sense of community within VCU, and being a resource my mentees can always reach out to.

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
Being a first-gen student is an honor, but also comes with difficulties and obstacles. I enjoy overcoming those obstacles one by one and feeling confident that I can battle through them once I reach them. I also learned that there is a community here at VCU that takes pride in being first-gen. They welcomed me and helped me through many of these obstacles by being a resource and a friend to talk to.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
I enjoy the fact that mentorship is a mutual learning experience. Giving advice and words of wisdom is great, but also learning about someone new is even better. Being a mentor allows me to make unique connections and also lets me do what I enjoy the most: helping others!

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
I value how independent I have become. I have had to learn everything on my own, whether it is how college works or how to study or get a job. While it was difficult, it gave me great skills and made me proud of how far I have come.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
I like helping people and seeing people thrive and being successful in anything their heart desires. I like challenging them to strive to be better.

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
I take into consideration that first-generation students are capable of being successful because they are making a path for the next generation in their families.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
I enjoy the fulfilling experiences that come with helping others, meeting new faces, and making new friends along the way.

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
I value the hard-work, perseverance, and dedication it takes to be a first-gen student. Taking that step towards going to college is huge and often overwhelming but is something that every first-gen student should be incredibly proud of.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
I enjoy the connections I make with my mentees and seeing them gain self-confidence over time. There's also the sense of fulfillment from motivating others to do their best and sharing tips and tricks that I've learned from being a college student.

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
Being first-gen has helped me feel comfortable being vulnerable and not knowing what's going to happen down the road, because I know that no matter what happens I'm going to figure it out and get through it.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
What I enjoy most about being a mentor is teaching people the skills they need to succeed in life and seeing those skills pay off for them. Knowing that you were able to help your mentee grow not only as a student but also as a person is so gratifying.

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
As a first-gen student, I'm receiving an education and opportunity that my parents weren't offered. Growing up, my parents had to prioritize earning enough money to take care of my brother and me. While we were able to grow up comfortably, they weren't able to pursue any of their passions, and now I have the chance to do that. I'm pursuing an art degree because of my parents' dedication and support, and for that, I'll always be grateful.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
I love meeting new people from all different backgrounds and personalities. It's even more fulfilling when I get the opportunity to help them navigate this new world. I love that I get to guide the next group of students to grow and reach their full potential. 

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
I value the strong community that first gen students have built and laid the foundation for others to succeed. And I have the opportunity to partake in all of that!