First-Generation Risers
Menu

First student.    first graduate.
first professional.

first to rise!

Journey into Politics

8/18/2019

1 Comment

 
Picture
Dear First Gen,

Growing up, my parents spoke about history, the government, and how America responded to current events at the dining room table. In our house, the news channel was constantly on, including the weekends. 

So in college, it was natural for me to pursue opportunities to engage in political work. I recently wrote an article about my journey into U.S. politics, click here. 

Fellow Riser, 

​Irnande

​​***Disclaimer: 2019. 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.

1 Comment

Would you like to Master Office Hours?

7/30/2018

0 Comments

 

    Master your Professor's Office Hours: 5-Step Checklist (eBook)

Buy eBook

Picture
Dear First Gen,

​In my book, The Rise of a First Gen, I suggest that students should “Learn their #professors.” I mentioned this because it is a common belief among First Gens that, “As long as I do my best, I should get good grades.” This is partially true, but reaching out to professors to know their teaching and #gradingstyle will help you out, too.
 
So what is the best approach to building a good relationship with your professor? They make it really easy on you by holding office hours.
 
I learned the value of office hours firsthand when I was in college. I had performed poorly on an exam and was in a state of panic about how to improve. To ease my concerns, I went to speak with the professor during her office hours. 

Professors have so much information to teach in a short semester that it is rare to have days to ease into the teaching techniques or the syllabus. Luckily, #officehours exist on day one and you can get to know the mind of your professor in that setting. 

Now available is the "Master your Professor's Office Hours" eBook. (click image) This checklist will help you master your office hours so you and your test scores can rise.

Fellow Riser,

​Irnande 


​***Disclaimer: 
2018. 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.
0 Comments

Which One: Going to College Close to Home or Far Away?

3/3/2017

2 Comments

 
Sign up for the Exclusive First Generation Risers Mail to receive webinar and slides!
(Click link below) 
Dear First Gens,

Several #collegeapplications were due last month and the next steps in the college admissions process is underway. You may be going on interviews, college visits, or speaking to alumni, but you should also consider the advantages and disadvantages of attending a school where you live or away from home before "signing day". Is your unique obligation as a first gen telling you to stay home? Or is your unique identity pushing you to go away? Given that I come from a close family and receive great support by living close to them, this was a tough decision for me to make when I was in your shoes.

On March 13, 2017, at 3:00 p.m., I will be participating in a joint #webinar with a fellow first gen who possesses a Ph.D. and specifically coaches first-generation college students. The topic of conversation is "The Pros and Cons of Attending an In-State College vs. an Out-of-State College".

You can join by clicking the bar above!!! We will be sharing information on the student experience of attending a school nearby or away from home.

I was introduced to Dr. Eve via Instagram and have been inspired by her words of wisdom over the past several months. Last month, on my birthday, she published a post on her blog entitled, "The Decision".

Hello, #Decision:

I finally figured out what I was
Going to do today
I’m not sure if you’ll like it but
I know you’ll be okay
I did it for me
I did it for you
I did it for us
It wasn’t easy but
I did it

See, choosing which way to go
Wasn’t easy and I know we
Talked over this thing a thousand times
On some days I almost Iost my mind
But we both know
I tried to avoid doing anything for
As long as possible because
I didn't want to have to decide
Not this way
Not like this
At least not now

You should be proud of me though
No more going back and forth
No more wondering
No more long and sleepless nights
Of course I’ve had some doubts
But I know that this is right

We’ve stayed at this crossroad
Much longer than I imagined we would
But with clarity I know which way to go
I trust myself
So I am going to be on my way and

Journey on down this road

#Perspective:
Life is filled with decisions. Some may be harder than others; however, you have to be patient and trust yourself. At times, your choices may lead you to new and unfamiliar roads, but this doesn’t mean it’s the wrong choice—you just have to adjust your sail and go with the flow—be open to something new. As all of life is a process, you are in constant stats of living and learning. At the end of the day, no matter what, the most important thing is that you do what’s best for you.

Be Inspired,
Dr. Eve

​The Purpose Professor


Click on the link to visit her website and read other posts.

Fellow Riser,

​Irnande


***Disclaimer: 2017. 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. ​

2 Comments

First Gen Traveling...where to next?

11/6/2016

0 Comments

 
Picture
Dear First Gen,

One of my favorite hobbies is traveling. My brother and I have a friendly competition where if either one of us visits a place before the other, the other sibling works overtime to avoid traveling to that location. (My parents are not fans of our "explorer" spirit.)

​I have met several first gens who do not own a passport or have used their passport to only travel to their family's birth country. Yes, it was shocking for me to hear, too! Recently, I returned from a trip and enjoyed the culture, the food, beach and also learned how two languages were simultaneously taught in a classroom and reinforced at home.

​For example, my friend and I were in the post office mailing postcards to our friends and family back home. My friend asked the postal worker how to say pen in their language and she responded. Another customer, older woman, joined the conversation and began singing a song that taught her certain words in both languages including the pen. Another customer overheard her and sang along and then the postal worker chimed in and sang along, too. The young postal worker confirmed a decades-old classroom instruction still being taught and had not been forgotten by the two older women.

A fellow first gen has written the guest post below:

Hi,

As a first-generation law student, I was surprised that so many of my classmates were children of attorneys. Many of them had worked at their parents’ law firms prior to starting law school and they had established connections. I, on the other hand, didn’t have the skills or a single connection to lean on when I entered law school. But I have found that a love for travel is a great way to connect with people.

There are so many reasons to study abroad. You will make friendships that last a lifetime, you will experience a new country as a local, and you will broaden your horizons more than you thought possible.

Your study abroad experience is also something that will enhance your ability to connect with people throughout your life. When you go on interviews or to networking events, many other professionals will have traveled extensively, and your study abroad experience will give you talking points and help you make connections with people who share your passion for traveling.

As excited as I was to study abroad in my second year of law school, I was even more excited to head to the “motherland.” My relatives left Italy in the 1920s, but their traditions remained strong and have influenced my life in many ways. Although I had been to Europe once before, I had never been to Italy.



Read More
0 Comments

What Tools Will Help You Stay Organized in College?

9/5/2016

7 Comments

 
Picture
Dear First Gen,
Part 2 of "Staying Organized in College" - 
“Congratulations, we would like to offer you acceptance…” At that moment, you experienced a wave of emotions and realized you were about to embark upon a monumental journey: College! As a first-generation college student, you have set the bar high not only for yourself but for your family. And let’s be honest, that can be stressful because you want to ensure you succeed and don't disappoint anyone. On the other hand, you realize you have made it this far and have vowed to prepare yourself for this new academic challenge!




Read More
7 Comments

Why Staying Organized in College is Important?

8/9/2016

2 Comments

 
Dear First Gen,
​
​People often talk about their organization skills when they're on job interviews. But this becomes important well before that pivotal first opportunity for income. Because of that, we’ll be discussing organization in two parts. Part 1 will detail the reasons and methods for staying organized, and Part 2 will detail some of the tools and products you can use to do so.
 
The motto at my college was “Educating Women to Transform the World.” Really?! Me?! Tall order for someone starting out at a new place, and I certainly wanted to meet that challenge and move mountains.

Read More
2 Comments

What to Think About During College Signing Season?

5/5/2016

0 Comments

 
Dear First Gen,

First Lady Michelle Obama launched the "Reach Higher Initiative" to motivate every high school student to further their education at a community college, four-year college or university or professional training program. April 26, 2016 was designated as "College Signing Day" in the U.S. for all to declare where they plan to attend in the fall, or wear college gear from the school they currently attend or graduated from. 

Recently, I had a conversation with a young person who sought my advice on the best college that would make them more attractive for a Staffer position in a legislator's office. The importance of selecting a college cannot be overstated; it is the prime location to connect with the right people who can teach you the precise steps to become the professional you aspire to be. This particular student narrowed the college choices down to two institutions. They would deliver different outcomes, but they were having a hard time determining which one would lead to achieving the ultimate goal. Here's what I recommended for them.


Read More
0 Comments


    ​Author

    First-generation law school graduate licensed to practice law in the State of Maryland who aspired to work for a Senator and succeeded with my unique family background. Rising and living beyond wildest imagination.

    Archives

    April 2020
    February 2020
    October 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016

    Categories

    All
    #academics
    #Alumni
    #business
    #challenges
    #College
    #corporate
    #determined
    Family
    #family
    First Generation
    Foreigners
    Graduate
    #graduateschool
    Immigrant
    #inspiration
    Internship
    Job
    #journey
    Law School
    Opportunity
    #organization
    #outofstate
    #overcome
    #pressure
    #professional
    Struggles
    Success
    #traveling
    Writing

    Popular Posts
    ​- Are you Dressed Properly?
    - First Gen Traveling
    ​- Surviving Law School
    - Is Graduate School Worth It?
    - Why Staying Organized
    in College is Important?
    - What Tools Will Help
    you Stay Organized?

    RSS Feed

Proudly powered by Weebly
  • Home
  • About Irnande
  • Speaker
  • Book
  • Book Exclusives
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Home
  • About Irnande
  • Speaker
  • Book
  • Book Exclusives
  • Resources
  • Contact