This blog post was originally published on the Kessler Scholars Collaborative website. We are cross-posting it here with permission.

The term “first-generation college student” was first introduced by the TRIO community in the late 1970s and has since been widely recognized within higher education. Today, approximately 8.2 million undergraduates, or 54 percent of all students, identify as first-generation. Most colleges and universities define first-gen students as those “whose parents or guardians did not complete a baccalaureate degree,” in line with the federal TRIO definition.

While this technical definition helps institutions identify and support first-generation students, it doesn’t fully capture the lived experiences of being the first in one’s family to navigate college. First-generation identity is shaped by far more than eligibility criteria. It encompasses how students view their educational pathways and the family and community contexts that shape their journeys.

At the Kessler Scholars Collaborative, we believe the best way to understand what it means to be first-gen is to listen to students themselves. This fall, nearly 350 first-year Kessler Scholars across our 16 partner campuses shared their perspectives in our annual fall survey supported by external evaluation partner Ithaka S+R. Over 95 percent of students responded, offering their honest and inspiring reflections on what being first-generation means to them.

As we approach First-Generation College Celebration Day on November 8, we want to share how first-year Kessler Scholars define being first-gen in their own words and highlight the many strengths, stories, and perspectives they bring to their campus communities.

Group photo of Kessler Scholars.

Paving the way and creating a legacy

“I’m paving the way and setting an example for my family. It also means I sometimes have to figure things out on my own, but that makes my achievements feel even more meaningful because I know the effort I put in is opening doors for me and for those who come after me.”

By being the first in their family to pursue this path, first-generation students are stepping into uncharted territory, shaping new traditions of higher education within their families, and creating legacies for those who follow. Kessler Scholars describe what it feels like to be first-gen, sharing that they are “setting an example,” “paving the way for [their] siblings,” and “embracing the scary unknown.” It takes courage to be the first and to navigate a system that wasn’t necessarily built for them.

First-year Kessler Scholars are charting their paths with confidence: 92 percent say they believe they made the right choice in attending their institution. The Kessler Scholars Program reinforces this confidence by connecting students to campus resources and equipping them with the knowledge, community, and self-advocacy skills they need to thrive.

Because belonging is especially important for first-gen students, the Collaborative places emphasis on helping students build connection from day one. Through summer transition support, early arrival programs, and welcome ceremonies, Kessler Scholars start their college experience surrounded by community.

These early connections make a difference. Survey results show that more than three-quarters of students agree or strongly agree that they feel valued by their institution.

With a strong foundation and built-in community, Kessler Scholars begin their journey not just as trailblazers, but as legacy builders opening doors for the next generation.

From opportunity to transformation

“Being a first generation college student means everything to me. Getting the opportunity to come to college and pursue my own dreams while making my parents’ dreams for me come true is the ultimate reward for all my hard work throughout grade school and the hard work I am continuing to put in at college.”

For many first-generation students, college isn’t just about earning a degree. It represents an opportunity for personal growth, upward social mobility, and building a future for themselves and their families. Students shared that being first-gen means having “a better chance of building a stable life” and “being the first to strive for a better future.” They described the opportunity to go to college as both “a big responsibility and a source of pride,” recognizing that their success reflects the hopes and sacrifices of their families.

These aspirations are matched by preparation and determination. According to the survey, 68 percent of first-year Kessler Scholars feel quite well or very well prepared for college-level work, while only 3 percent describe themselves as unprepared. This readiness reflects more than academic preparation. Even amid uncertainty, first-gen students exhibit resilience and resourcefulness. As one student eloquently put it, “To be a first-generation student is to be a student of determination and will. It means [putting] in effort to see my future grow and actually have a chance in life.”

Family, sacrifice, and the pride of being first

“Being a first-gen college student means I’m breaking new ground for my family. It’s like I’m writing a chapter in our story that’s never been written before. […] I’m carrying our dreams and showing everyone what’s possible when you aim high.”

Being first-gen is rarely a solo journey. Many students carry the hopes, sacrifices, and dreams of their families, viewing each achievement as a shared milestone. Gratitude, pride, and a deep sense of purpose motivate them to honor those who helped make their educational journey possible. Many aspire to use their education to be able to give back to their families and communities.

As one student put it, “A first-generation college student means being a leader for my family, community and friends. I take pride in being successful and breaking barriers in my family. I am navigating college without much family support which is helping me gain independence and problem solving skills.” This reflection illustrates that pride and responsibility often go hand in hand for first-gen students, shaping how they approach both challenges and opportunities.

Support from family is a crucial factor in this journey. About 85 percent of Kessler Scholars shared that their family encouraged them to go to college, 84 percent shared that their family supports their academic interests, and 85 percent felt that their family supported their career plans. At the same time, many Kessler Scholars recognize that they are navigating college “without having parents who truly understand the college experience.” Fewer than one-third reported that they regularly turn to family members for advice about college life. Balancing independence with familial expectations, first-gen students carry both the weight and the inspiration of their families’ sacrifices.

Conclusion

The reflections shared by Kessler Scholars show that being first-generation means so much more than being the first to earn a college degree. It means leading with purpose, honoring family, and opening doors for others. The voices of Kessler Scholars remind us that being first-gen is not a single story. It’s a diverse mosaic of courage, community, and possibility.

As higher education continues refining definitions and systems of support for first-gen students, the next step is turning these insights into action. For many students, first-generation identity is shaped through experiences of being seen, supported, and celebrated and through the intentional communities that affirm their belonging. As we celebrate First-Generation College Celebration Day, we’re inspired by the stories, strengths, and dreams of these students who are not only the first in their families, but also the first of many to come.