Dear First Gen,

I will be introducing a series entitled Your Take: First Gen Encounters!

You will hear first-generation professionals from various backgrounds talk about their challenges and successes. One or two first gens will be spotlighted every month until the end of the year. For me, it helped to know that other people with my background overcame their obstacles and reached their goals. I remember many days and nights where it was easier to give up, but a person’s story of near defeat popped in my head and so I chose to continue in my fight to graduate or applying to jobs. You are not alone in this journey because many others have chartered the same waters and this blog is here for you to see that there are ways to skip those difficult moments or meet them head on with little frustration.

The featured first gens rose and so will you!

Tell me: Who motivated you to stay on track?

Fellow Riser,

​Irnande 



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​Dear First Gen,
 
Recently, I had a conversation with a fellow first gen and we were sharing our opinions on the proper dress code for work. Depending on the home you were raised in, you may not have grown up with parents who wore “professional” attire. For example, my mom is a Registered Nurse so her uniform was scrubs, a stethoscope and comfortable footwear; my father works in IT so he is expected to wear a dress shirt or polo shirt and dress pants. They dressed me well before I went to school or church growing up, but when I was grown and getting dressed for a business office, where did I learn?

 Dear First Gen,

Summer is officially here!

Many businesses, government agencies, and nonprofits hire interns to help them during the summer, and it is most certainly an invaluable experience. I have had my fair share of internships/externships before I obtained full-time employment in 2012. My internship experience extends beyond the standard one-page resume! Over the next few months, my blog posts will touch on the various ways to make the best of your summer break as well as the start of your (first) job. Click on the video to find out what is in store for you this summer.

Tell me: What do you want to learn more about this summer?

Dear First Gen,

The Tuesday after Memorial Day is often the start date for many internships, externships, or any other experiential opportunities where you are placed in a professional or business setting. During this important week, it may serve you to know some professional etiquette for written correspondence with your supervisor, fellow intern/extern, or anyone else you are communicating with.
 
As early as middle school, we were taught the difference between a business letter and a personal letter, and much of those lessons stand true today. But there’s always room for adjustment. Personally, it took me a few attempts to decide on the salutation and signature that was both proper and fitting of my personality. Every so often, I switch my greeting and sign-off depending on the recipient, i.e. a judge, legislator, dignitary, or colleague.  Here are a few suggestions: