You First at VCU

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
As a mentor, I enjoy forming connections with my mentees and being a reliable person and guiding hand to depend on!

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
What I value about being a first-gen student is the lessons and opportunities that I will gain along the way. It wasn't easy getting here but now that I am, I am taking in every loss and every win. I have the freedom now to forge my own path.

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 enjoy the advice and guidance I can give to the mentees, as well as the advice they can give me. 

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
I value the path I am making for myself, my brother, and my fellow first-gen students. I also value the accomplishments I make when it comes to figuring out certain aspects of college and being able to pass down my lessons to my younger brother.

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?
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?
Being a mentor allows me to play a big sister figure for someone younger than me on campus. I really enjoy helping someone navigate their way through small inconveniences or struggles.

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
As hard as it is being a first-gen student, there are a lot of fun things that come with it. Exploring, learning, and discovering new things for the first time can be exhilarating.

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?
I enjoy being able to relate to someone who is in the position that I was in not so long ago and am still learning from.

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
I value our agility. We have a tendency to be able to adapt to situations that most do not even have to experience and not only do we do it efficiently, but in a timely manner as well. And it is a privilege to meet others who can relate to this.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
One of the reasons I enjoy being a mentor would be bringing fresh opinions/perspectives to situations. Since I’ve walked in their shoes, chances are that I’ve faced similar challenges. By engaging my past experiences, it allows mentees to evaluate and solve their problems. Moreover, being a mentor gives me the experience of learning where I learn more about my mentees and am able to build friendships with them.

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
As a first- gen student, I mostly value my education and my identities.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
As a mentor, I love the opportunity to aid someone who may be struggling coming into college in the same ways I struggled. I appreciate the connections made and how experiences can be shared, both big and small. It's also important to have a steady support system that challenges you, praises you, and advises you so you can be the best version of yourself while growing here at VCU. 

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
Being a first-generation student has opened my eyes to how adaptable, patient, and strong I can be. I value the hard lessons learned and recovered mistakes because it's shaped me into who I am today.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
What I enjoy about being a mentor is meeting new people and hoping to provide guidance. 

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
What I value about being a first-gen student is not being scared to ask for help and knowing that VCU is a welcoming community.

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 out other students who are in the same shoes I was once in. Navigating college as a first-gen student can be challenging, but I hope that my guidance can make my mentees feel more at ease and prepared for the wonderful journey that lies ahead. 

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
I value the fact that I was able to overcome so many obstacles to get here, which allowed me to evolve as a person and a student. Every moment has been an opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
I really enjoy being a mentor because I can make a connection with new people. Getting the opportunity to guide students that are going through what I have gone through is truly rewarding. 

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
I value being able to go through a journey, discovering myself and knowing my interests. Being the first in my family to graduate from a 4 year institution is also a very valuable thing to me because I would be breaking down a barrier that has been in my family for many generations.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
Being a mentor gives me the opportunity to share my experiences as a first-gen student with others who face a similar experience. I hope I can offer some comfort to new students who take on the college experience.

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
As a first-generation college student, I think the experience has taught me a lot about my own resilience and the things that drive me to keep working toward my goals. Being first-gen is a difficult challenge but it has helped me value every opportunity that has come my way.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
I appreciate the opportunity to be a guide to fellow first-generation college students who are experiencing a very confusing and difficult time. It is gratifying knowing that I am helping students who are experiencing what I did during the college transition and making an impact that will hopefully stay with them throughout their time at VCU. 

What do you value about being a first-gen student?Being a first-generation college student is scary and daunting at times, but being able to carve my own college path and experience without the input of others was and continues to be something that I take pride in.

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 enjoy being able to share my experiences and be a role model for my mentees. I also love being able to encourage others to reach their full potential and let them know that anything they want to do is achievable.

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
As a first generation student, I am very proud of everything I accomplish. I also value the connections that are created being a first generation student.

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?
I enjoy being a mentor because it is a great opportunity to meet other first-generation college students and to learn from one another!

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
I value being a part of a community that supports first-generation college students and helps them navigate the college world! I am excited to have the opportunity to pay it forward to the incoming freshman class as previous mentors have for me.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
The top thing I enjoy about being a mentor is being able to help students find connections. My mentoring style is very hands on and any chance to try a new opportunity I think is great. 

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
As a first-gen student I value the community that we have within our first-gen space. Everyone is very open and willing to help and foster a real first-gen Ramily.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
I enjoy guiding others and seeing them blossom into amazing individuals. 

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
I value the work that goes into it and the sense of pride you get from being the first to go to college.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
I enjoy being a mentor because I have the opportunity to meet new people and build lasting connections. Additionally being there  to support them on their journey and accomplishments. 

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
I value the resources and direct opportunities available for us first generation students especially here on campus. Additionally knowing that I’m a part of a new milestone in my family.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
As a mentor, I enjoy being able to provide support for people who I have been in the same boat as. I remember being so nervous my freshman year, not only being in a new environment, but also being a first-generation student.  Having someone to help me navigate that first year would have been very helpful, and I hope to help an incoming freshman achieve greatness!

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
What I value most about being a first-generation student is the sense of belonging that it can create. Coming to college without parental guidance about specifics can be very nerve racking, but since coming to VCU and finding my own sense of community and an access to different resources, that nervousness has decreased by a lot. I also think it is significant that I am able to share my story and connect with other first-gen students about our shared experiences.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
I enjoy being able to assist others in the way(s) they need. Being able to be there for someone, may that be listening, advising, etc. has always been something I’ve enjoyed and been passionate about. More than anything though, I enjoy being able to be a support system for someone because I know that’s not something everyone has, but it is something that everyone needs.

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
What I value most about being a first-gen student is being the first one to have that accomplishment in my family. It’s something that can never be taken away and something I’ll always be proud of. The hurdles and obstacles you have to overcome as a first generation student is not to be taken lightly at all.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
As a peer mentor for You First, I look forward to serving as a support system to those who are experiencing the same obstacles as I once went through as a first-generation college student. I hope that through my mentorship, my peers will have the comfort of knowing that the ups and downs tied to being first-generation are shared struggles and that there is someone rooting for them--a friendly face to guide and encourage them along the way.

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
As a first-generation student, I have greatly valued the gratification that comes with achieving milestones for myself and for my loved ones--milestones that I once thought were near impossible as a child. Though being first-generation comes with its many hurdles, I believe that overcoming such obstacles is all the more rewarding knowing that you were able to do so in spite of the challenges you faced. I find it exciting to push the boundaries of my capabilities and I am prideful that I have been able to do just that as a first generation student.

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 guiding those who want it as well as being able to learn from the experience and from my mentee. Building connections with other mentors and my mentee is something I really look forward to.

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
I value the resilience that many first-gen students have. Sometimes we work harder than those who are not first-gen, but we still manage to end up in the same place. There is a sense of comfort in knowing that I have made it to college and that I am not alone in my struggles.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
What I enjoy about being a mentor is that I am able to help someone who needs guidance through the first year of college like the way I got help starting my first year. 

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
What I value about being a first gen student is our determination, resilience, and our ability to overcome challenges along the way.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
I really enjoy being a mentor because it allows me to connect with other first generation students while also being a support system for them. Being a mentor has also helped me personally connect with new people who support me, and get more involved with the campus and its resources. 

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
What I value about being a first generation student is my background that got me to college. I also love being able to hear other first generation students tell their stories and their "why's." It is also a very rewarding feeling being a first generation student, and being the first person in my entire family to go to college that I value.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
The best part of being a mentor is seeing my mentees succeed. Whether the goal is big or small, seeing them achieve reminds me of why I chose to be a mentor in the first place. 

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
What I value most about being a first-gen student is the fact that I am responsible for my success. Anything that I have accomplished here at VCU, is because of my determination and dedication to my education, and future career goals.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
Something I look forward to as a mentor is learning about the experiences of other first-gen students.

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
The opportunities I have received so far and the community of first-gen students that You First has built are just some of the things I value as a first-gen student.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
Being a mentor is what I'm passionate about. I am afforded the opportunity to pour into you my experiences, my knowledge, and my advice for complex situations. I want to help and by being a mentor, I feel I am able to do so.

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
Being a first generation student comes with its own set of challenges, and although it has been a bit of a struggle, I am thankful for the journey and all of the new things I've learnt and am still learning for the first time.

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?
I enjoy helping others that were in the same position as me. If I can help others and make things easier for other first-gen students then I'm happy.

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
I value setting the tone for myself and the future of my family.

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 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 gives me a chance to circulate back all of the wisdom and know-how I have accumulated during my time here at VCU. Giving advice and listening to my mentor fills me with purpose. I love seeing people grow and mature, finding their way, their own way. 

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
It is an amazing feat for anyone to pursue a path unfamiliar to their family. Being a first generation student is the epitome of this. There is so much learning and flexibility required along the way, and it just makes us even more resourceful and resilient.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
I love connecting with students, especially First Generation because I can understand the struggle! 

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
Being first gen makes me feel very proud of my accomplishments. Not only am I working for myself, I am working to make my family proud.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
I love getting to know different people and learning about different backgrounds. Helping people out when things can be confusing is important because it allows them to feel more comfortable in a new environment. Overall, just being a positive individual in someone's life.

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
I value how resilient being a first-generation student has taught me. We step out to achieve our goals no matter how big or small, and with being one I can help my nieces and nephews see how they are not alone if they choose a similar path. It has given me a safe space at VCU to find more people with similar circumstances, which is very special to me.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
I enjoy the opportunity to help someone who may be in a similar position as I was in the past. As a first generation student, I remember not having anyone to turn to for guidance and support when I first got to college. I struggled a lot when I first got to college and had to navigate it all on my own. Now, as a mentor, I can offer the help and support that I wish I had when I first got to college. It is so fulfilling to be able to share my experiences and guide someone who is going through the same challenges I faced and help them overcome those challenges and succeed in college. 

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
As a first generation student, I had to figure out a lot of things on my own. I didn't have parents or other family members who could guide me through the college application process or college itself. At first, I was overwhelmed and confused, but I was able to find my way and thrive in college. I am so incredibly proud that I was able to tackle these challenges and be the first in my family to do so. Being a first-generation student has made me much more resilient and independent, which I know will serve me well in the future.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
I love that I will be able to help share the ins and outs of the college experience and aids that are here for us. It’s an amazing thing to be able to help guide a person in the right direction especially when they want it as much as you do.

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
I value the many resources that are provided like students like us. It’s also a huge accomplishment to be a first-gen student. You should be so proud of yourself for making it here. It wasn’t for no reason!

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
I enjoy sharing my knowledge about what I know to my mentees here at VCU. It is definitely self rewarding to see someone else benefit from the wisdom and insights that I can provide. I also enjoy being a role model and someone a mentee can look up to especially with the many challenging things that come with college.

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
I value that I can bring unique experiences and perspectives to another first generation's educational journey. Being a first-gen student can be difficult sometimes, which is why I believe it's important for me to be that support system for my mentees when it comes to school and navigating all the tough obstacles that come with being a first-gen student.

What do you enjoy about being a mentor?
I enjoy helping others the way I had been helped by my own You First mentor (shout out to Gia). She not only comforted me and advocated for me when I didn't know how, but she pushed me where I needed to be pushed. She genuinely believed in me which allowed me to then believe in myself.

What do you value about being a first-gen student?
I value the struggle. Being a first-generation college student is tough. Your family or community may not know answers to your questions, you may at times feel alone or have unwarranted fears. Yet, we as first gens