Dear First Gens,

Join me in living your dreams! CHALLENGE COMING BACK NEXT YEAR!

I am offering a free email challenge titled UBelong. This challenge will help you face and conquer your fears of feeling out of place at an event that you view as an ideal place to meet and connect with people that could propel you to higher levels. I was inspired to create this challenge after I almost allowed my doubts to deny me the opportunity to attend the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, PA - today marks two months since that #onceinalifetime moment.

Have you done the same thing I almost did? Have you passed on a lot of events simply because you were afraid? Have you disregarded the value you would bring by being in the room? Have you felt like you do not belong? It’s time to put those thoughts to bed.

Where have you longed to go? Forbes Women's Summit? Sundance Film Festival? The Olympics? Industry Conference or Gala? What has been on your list since the beginning of your student or professional journey? I am certain you thought of making an appearance at a few events, but then dismissed the idea. This mentality stops today!

Sign up now for my free 5-Day UBelong Challenge and learn how to show up with confidence and leave proud. The challenge begins in October! CHALLENGE COMING BACK NEXT YEAR!

Fellow Riser,

​Irnande


​***Disclaimer: 2016. All rights reserved. All data and information provided on this site is for informational purposes only. No reproduction of any content on the website without the express permission of the author. The text, pictures and videos are the sole property of FirstGenRise.

​This month’s featured First Gen is Delegate Alonzo T. Washington, who shares the benefits of strategic, organized college financial planning. Alonzo celebrates his birthday this month, and luckily, his responses also build on our recent posts about organization.

1. What is your name?
Alonzo T. Washington

2. What is your current occupation?
Maryland State Delegate

3. What makes you a First Gen?
When I graduated from the University of Maryland, I became the first person in my entire family to receive a college degree. I was then appointed to the Maryland General Assembly in 2012, becoming the youngest member of the Maryland House of Delegates.

4. What was your proudest moment as a First Gen, and why?
Of course, graduating from the University of Maryland debt-free and becoming the first in my family to graduate from college was an extremely proud moment for me. In 2014, I was also proud to win my first election to the Maryland House of Delegates, gaining the most votes in the history of my Legislative District.

5. What advice would you give to a first-generation student, graduate, or professional?
I have often found that many first-generation students—through no fault of their own—are not taking advantage of the resources and opportunities available to them, including scholarships, grants, and other forms of financial aid. We need to ensure that all first- generation students are fully utilizing all of these resources to graduate from college debt-free. I would also encourage first-generation students, graduates, and professionals to always be organized and prepared in all aspects of their life. Many of my successes, especially in my professional life, can be attributed to strong organization and preparedness skills. 
 
6. What is your favorite quote? And why? 
As we continue to fight back against racial and social inequities, I am constantly reminded of a quote from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as he fought against similar injustices: 
 
"The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice." ​


​***Disclaimer: 2016. All rights reserved. All data and information provided on this site is for informational purposes only. No reproduction of any content on the website without the express permission of the author. The text, pictures and videos are the sole property of FirstGenRise. 
​