Dear First Gen,

The majority of college students graduating today have one thing in common, regardless of their degree: student loan debt. While some are fortunate enough to attend college without having to take out any loans, the majority of American college graduates end up owing seemingly insurmountable debt to lenders.

When I graduated more than 10 years ago, Sallie Mae was the leading lender. Today, Sallie Mae has been joined by Great Lakes, Nelnet, and Navient.

It seems that almost every day, there is a new article reporting that #studentloandebt is a factor in #millennials delaying buying homes, getting married, starting a family, or growing a business. Some have even chosen to put off saving for retirement to focus on paying their student loans.

The Good Ol’ Days
I will never forget a conversation I had with a former neighbor. She and her spouse had both graduated from a state law school in the 1990s, and their combined student loan debt totaled just $55,000. I was shocked to hear that number. I could never imagine a graduate today walking out of law school with such a low amount of debt.

She went on to tell me that they paid off their loans in just 5 years. The first few years, they kept their expenses low by living modestly. They also made the career decision to work in the public sector before moving on to work in “big law” for leading corporate law firms.

The Times They Are A-Changin'
On the other hand, when I graduated from college in 2007, I entered the “real world” with what I thought was a manageable $25,000 of student loan debt from my 4-year degree. Then I went to Georgetown for a 1-year master’s degree program and graduated with an additional $33,000 in debt. I kept my costs relatively low by living at my parents’ home, taking a carpool bus to school, bringing my lunch with me, and working a graduate assistantship.

Others in my master’s program cohort took out double my amount because they lived in Washington, DC, and needed money for housing and more. That meant that many of them graduated with at least $60,000 in debt from a one-year graduate program.

I figured mine was still a manageable amount of debt since it was a total of less than $60,000. However, I finished my program in 2008 during the recession and it’s not an exaggeration to say that no one was hiring. I worked two part-time jobs to pay my bills. But then I tacked on even more debt when I went to law school. I will be paying my student loans for years to come.

A Little Financial Planning Goes a Long Way
Why am I sharing this with you? I believe in getting as much information as possible to be sure you're setting yourself up for success down the road. It is important to know exactly how much you need to borrow to get your desired education. Then you can borrow the very least amount so you are not swimming in debt, do not have to delay future milestones like buying a house, traveling, or becoming a parent, if those will be priorities for you.

A little financial planning goes a long way in paying off student loans. A few young people I have recently met shared that they have not begun paying their public student loans back because they are paying for the private loans they took out first.

Another friend who graduated law school with me had more than $100,000 in student loans from two private institutions, yet paid off their #lawschool debt in less than 4 years. This person did make a six-figure income, but they also lived very modestly by limiting travel, shopping at discount grocery stores, finding inexpensive rent, and so on.

Luckily for this person, the amount of compounded interest was limited because of the timing of paying back the loan. In many cases, graduates pay a lot in interest before they can pay any chunk of the principal.

If you’re just starting to look into loans, I may be using terms that are new to you. Check out Student Loan Hero for more information, and do not be overwhelmed. I have come across many good resources that may be helpful to you.

Podcasts –
Brown Ambition

Paychecks and Balances

​Trailblazers.FM

Blog Posts –
Student Loans: Everything you Need to Know

Your Money Worth

​The Student Loan Debt Movement

Tools –
How to Create a Loan Amortization Schedule

As a first-generation college student or graduate, there is a lot of information we are not privy to because no one in our families has gone through it before. That's why I’m here. These resources will get you started on how to plan for the financial implications of a #highereducation.

Whether you are just starting the process of applying for grants and scholarships or you are debating whether to accept a job that offers student loan repayment assistance benefits, thinking about all of this will help you plan a little better.

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.

Dear First Gen,

Coming off the heels of #BlackHistoryMonth and stepping into #WomensHistoryMonth, this post is a treat.

​For the past five years, I had the honor of witnessing Judge Elizabeth Morris pave the way for black female attorneys in Maryland. She has always had a gracious demeanor and attitude while being a strong leader. Her judicial appointment is #historic because she became the first black female to sit on the Anne Arundel County Circuit Court. Congratulations!

Read her story to learn about her appointment by #GovernorHogan.

Watch the video to learn about her Caribbean heritage and introduction to the practice of law. #InternationalWomensDay

​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.

Dear First Gen,

As a First Gen, I like to triple check that my next step is based on facts and assurances, but some decisions need only faith. I started this blog by leaping and without knowing the specifics of the schools that would support it and students who would rely on the information. Now, the blog has evolved into highlighting outstanding First Gens, guest posts from First Gens, challenges, a book and audiobook, speaking engagements, and much more to come.

In the spirit of living beyond your wildest dreams, I encourage you to "leap, and the net will appear." Best of Luck!

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.

Dear First Gen, 

​It’s hard to believe, but this November, I am celebrating one year since I accepted a position as a #MentalHealth advocate. As I began this new step in my career, I wrote posts for success in the first 30, 60, and 90 days on a new job. All of those suggestions are still relevant and I continue to practice them each and every month. As I look back, it's clear that I've come a long way, but I still have plenty to learn.


Top Things I’ve Learned –

1. Know what's expected of you, and use your existing skills: I knew when I accepted this job that it was going to require a lot of reading, but I was not aware of exactly how much. My role requires me to read as much as I can to keep track of the actions of various legislators and stakeholders who may develop laws or regulations that could impact the level of care and access a mental health patient receives. I am constantly reading news articles, reports, newsletters, and emails. Fortunately, my previous positions required me to read similar material and I have learned how to distill this information so I can relay it efficiently and accurately to coalition members and partners.

2. Know that you will make mistakes: As a first gen who strives for perfection, I have gradually become comfortable with making mistakes and learning from my errors and confusion. Growing up, my parents expected me to always be the best student, and I rise to the challenge of being a 5-star employee as well. My learning curve in this new position was short and it did not take me too long to learn the terminology and industry culture. But sometimes, I still struggle. Although I prepare for the meetings I lead, I often still need a pep talk from my supervisor beforehand and a follow-up to discuss what went right and wrong.

3. Learn from constructive criticism: I wish I could say that I followed my own advice about not taking feedback and criticism personally, but I had a difficult time separating constructive criticism about my work from remarks about me as a person. While there were times I received an honest critique to make me a better mental health advocate and to improve on my weaknesses, my passion and work ethic interfered with my ability to receive and implement the feedback objectively without seeing it as a personal attack. Luckily, I have a strong tribe that helps me remain calm and see the positives of having supervisors who take a considerable amount of time from their schedules to discuss the reasons behind their opinions. Our meetings create an open, honest environment where I can learn how to be better at my job and exceed expectations. As I am given information on how to improve, I am learning what they pay attention to the most and how to focus on those things a little more so that I can be conscious of if or when I might make the same mistake.

4. We all fight similar battles: Being a mental health advocate for this past year has challenged me and allowed me to become aware of the anxiety, depression, and fear facing first-gen professionals. You battle your own expectations every day: You may want to consume so much information to be successful that it intensifies your worry and takes you away from activities you enjoy. You want to be the absolute best, but when it does not happen how you envisioned it, you may doubt if you are qualified and capable. You want to present a solid product on every project, but when it does not end up that way, you wonder if you are in the right field or whether you should transition into a role that fits your talents and gifts better.

These thoughts and lessons cycle in and out on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis. As a first gen, I contemplate these emotions at the beginning and end of each day, but I've realized that they may even be common among all young professionals, not just first gens.

What I have discovered is that it is important to acknowledge my thoughts and then reframe them so that they are helpful. Yes, I am worried. But it is a new experience and I am still adding value because of my experience that is different from others. My past experiences influence my current responsibilities and help reduce the time spent doing them so I can focus on my priority tasks. I belong here because I bring a different perspective and can shape a new way of thinking and set of procedures.

Listening to myself and the feedback from others has been key over the past year and I am grateful to have reached this juncture to recognize how it is essential to 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.

Dear First Gen,

To succeed in higher education, studying and getting good grades is not going to be your only responsibility. When you attend a university or college, you will need to interact with several administrative staff.

The most obvious of these will be your academic advisor and the career counselor. But to expand your network and to gather more information about the world that awaits you after graduation, it is to your benefit to speak to a few more people that have a specific focus on student success. Let’s talk about the discussions you should have with each of these people.

1.Academic Advisor: When you select your major, you will be assigned an #academicadvisor to help guide you through the requirements of your major, including the mandatory course sequence to earn a degree, as well as optional or elective courses that may be more tailored to your specific career goals. You and your advisor may become acquainted quickly through regularly scheduled meetings to ensure you are on track to graduate on time. Occasionally, the requirements for your major could change from year to year, so you want to make sure you are referring to the correct course catalog and do not encounter any surprises from not regularly speaking to your advisor.

2.Career Counselor: This relationship could be very necessary for a first-generation student looking to increase their opportunities for employment or acceptance into a program that would further their education. Career counselors are specifically trained in this area, and I elaborate on the value and urgency of this visit in another post.

3.Students Affairs: Most students won’t visit this office unless they have an urgent situation that needs to be addressed, such as a request for a disability accommodation or a conflict at the institution. However, this office is often responsible for assisting with student organizations, hosting events on campus, and inviting special guests. This office delivers a #global experience to you, often without even leaving the campus. This office’s goal is to support your learning, growth, and development. Engaging with the staff in this office will help shape your experience at that institution.

4.Board of Trustees: The idea of meeting with the Board of Trustees was suggested to me by a colleague who is also a first-gen student. He explained that he learned about the opportunity for his current job after securing a meeting with a in his industry. During that meeting, he had a candid conversation about the path he should pursue to become a key decision-maker. That conversation helped him chart his course to become his company’s chief government affairs spokesman quickly. Members of most college’s boards of trustees are frequently high-profile, influential individuals. Not only can they bring in a considerable amount of money to the university, but they are often change agents in the community and have a wealth of knowledge to share. When possible, forging a relationship with a board of trustees member can help you gain access to expertise that may benefit you when trying to plot your own path to success.

5.Faculty Advisor for a Campus Organization: If you’re involved in a campus organization like student government or campus media, there will be a staff or #facultyadvisor assigned to guide the students. Often, even if this person is a professor, they serve in a different capacity in these advisory roles, and are able to be a bit more and personal with the students in the organization. This individual may be someone you want to have more personal conversations with regarding classes, professors, administration, students, or your future, especially if the organization is related to your career goals.

Of course, these are not the only appointments you should schedule or people you should form relationships with at college. But they will give you a jump start on how best to approach your education. The more people you can speak to and learn from, the better your future outcomes will be in the field you aspire to work in. These conversations can be vital to obtaining the “rules of engagement” to succeed academically and professionally.

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.

Dear First Gen,

There was a time when I did not get so ANXIOUS about writing.

There was a time when I was confident about my writing skills and yearned to learn different styles of writing.

There was a time when I wrote poetry.

Then, I slowed down and no longer was excited.

I still write....for work and message cards, but with great TREPIDATION.

However, recently, my #self-doubt slowed down when I discovered #grammarly. @Grammarly has helped me to feel more confident when I send emails, drafts, newsletters, etc.

If you would like to learn more, click here.

In the recording below, I share a few stories from my youth and adult years that continue to remind me of my WRITING FEARS. My writing has developed and  Grammarly has helped to identify errors and offer suggestions to improve the flow. I recommend this tool if you are looking for a proofreading source and some CALMNESS to your nervousness.

Tell me:

Do you have moments of discomfort when it comes to your writing?
Do you agonize over every word and sentence before you hit send or share your writing with others?


Fellow Riser,

Irnande
​

Dear First Gen,

​On July 31, I was invited for a "Meet the Author" event by one of the Assistant Directors of the #JohnsHopkinsUniversity Hop-In Program. In the audience, there were first-generation college students in JHU's class of 2022. Before this day, I was pleased to learn that the program assigned my book, "The Rise of a First Gen" as required reading.

The students asked amazing questions that centered on my mindset while navigating “two worlds”, adjustment to new environments, and strategies for certain transitions as a college student and professional.

Each of the students had a capstone project and one of them chose to create a video. She self-narrated her childhood up to her current life as a first-generation college student at a prestigious university. Watch the video below! #Filipina #Filipino

Tell me:
What resonated with you in her story?
​How would you tell your own story?

Fellow Riser,

​Irnande

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 

Dear First Gen,

Welcome to Summer!

It has been a long winter on the #EastCoast and finally the warm weather has arrived. During that time, you put in long hours in the classroom and now you desire to be outdoors. You deserve it! But, wait, the summer months should be another opportunity to RISE!

When I was in school, non-first gens participated in one of the three options to have a #LitSummer:

1. An Educational Program;
2. An Abroad Program;
3. An Internship Program; or

BONUS: An Employment Opportunity.

​The video below goes into detail on how each one could work in your favor to bring you closer to rising sooner and quicker. Click play!

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.

Dear First Gen,

Has a friend or family member you have known for 5-10 years made you feel unlike yourself? Has someone close to you asked, "who are you?"

I am proudly not the same person I was when I left college, graduate school, or law school. It was not intentional, but my new persona took form with each new life experience. A fellow first gen told me once that I carried myself differently when I celebrated events. I was also questioned about my interests in certain leisure activities. Who knew it would invite so many puzzled looks and thoughts?

Former First Lady #MichelleObama will publish her first book this year and it is entitled #Becoming. In the video below, I relate the title of her book to me consistently being asked at various stages in my life, who are you? I share how I really feel when asked. 

Tell me: What is your opinion of this question? How have you responded?

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.