The Core is an opportunity to inquire into the fundamental aspects of being and our relationship with God, nature and our fellow human beings.
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Carolina is a sophomore who is pursuing a concentration in Spanish. Her best piece of advice to first-generation students is, “you’re not alone and there’s so much support at UD.” Carolina wants first-generation students to know that it’s easy to reach out for help at UD, and everyone in the community is welcoming and supportive. While most students might find navigating college difficult at first, finding a community you can rely on, will make the challenges easier.
Grecia is a Spanish and Business major from Hidalgo, Texas. After graduation, Grecia plans to go to graduate school to obtain a master’s degree in Accounting. Her piece of advice to first-gen college students is, "don't be discouraged to try something, especially if its your passion."
Saraih is pursuing a Business and Spanish degree and plans to go to graduate school. She is a peer-mentor because she loves to help, advise, and guide other students to success. Saraih wants to make sure that all incoming students feel welcomed at the University of Dallas and to the first-eneration family. Her advice to new students is to make friends, ask questions, look for resources, make a study plan, read all the core readings, join clubs, be a part of UD’s community, and learn from your mistakes. She wants all students to know that UD’s core curriculum makes a person understand the purpose of human existence in order to follow and understand one’s right path in their professional and personal life. Saraih feels proud of being a first-eneration student and believes all first-gen students should be.
Janicia is a senior majoring in psychology and pursuing a business concentration from Midlothian, TX. Upon completing her education at UD, she aspires to work with children and open her own practice. Her advice to fellow first-generation students would be to truly take advantage of all of the resources that are provided for them like reaching out to first-gen professors, attending tutoring, or even going to events and talks on campus. There are so many resources being given that are not being taken advantage of by many students.
Nancy is a senior who is majoring in Business with a concentration in Spanish. The best piece of advice that Nancy can give to first-generation students is to put themselves out there and to not be afraid to ask questions and get involved. She believes that the more that you put yourself out there and step out of your comfort zone, the more opportunities will arise for you. “You should always be your #1 fan and supporter!”
Athara is a sophomore who is majoring in Psychology with a concentration in Biopsychology. Her best piece of advice to first-generation students is " do not give up when you see others give up or talk about giving up.” Athara acknowledges that it’s a million times harder for first-generation students, but if one of them gives up, it will create a “heavy space that starts consuming your mind with doubts, and we can’t let that win."
Juan is a senior who is majoring in Business. His best piece of advice to incoming first-generation students is to continue pushing yourself through your struggles and never give up. Juan says that “school is an adaptive process that often requires trial and error” He can say from experience that the first year comes with many struggles and failures. However, it is important to recognize that as a first-generation student, “you are adapting to a new place with new expectations, and to give yourself some grace if it does not go perfectly in the beginning.” He says it is important to manage and prioritize your time to make sure that you don’t fall behind. While some classes are more challenging than others, many people are willing to help you out. There are many resources and opportunities to take advantage of that can help you grow both personally and professionally.
Esmer is a senior who is majoring in business with a concentration in education and Spanish. The best piece of advice that she can give to incoming first-generation students is to “ask questions and network.” She said that no matter how big or small a question seems, "it is always important and the worst thing someone can say to you is no." Esmeralda also said that networking is really important and she wishes that she had known that sooner. She said that people she works with often tell her “It’s not so much about what you know, but who you know,” According to Esmer, networking allows you to build personal connections with people who can help you find your dream job in the future.
Laura is a senior who is majoring in business with a concentration in studio art. Her best piece of advice to first-generation students is to “never be ashamed to ask for help.” Laura recognizes that first-generation students can be stubborn and believe that they can do everything by themselves. She encourages all students to reach out for help when they need it. “Reaching out is not weak, but it instead shows how strong you are.” She said that she had a hard time reaching out for help freshman year, but that she eventually learned to use the resources that the school provides like participating in Small Groups and talking to staff members from Academic Success.
Areli is a Spanish and Business major from Duncanville, Texas. After graduating from UD, she plans to attend graduate school. She encourages first-gen students to not be afraid to ask for help. Within the first-generation community and outside of it, there are many people who want to help you and see you succeed.
Janie Serrano is a junior who will be majoring in Business. Her best piece of advice is to not become discouraged so easily because “adjusting to new places takes time.” Janie also said that, “the experience you want comes from both the patience and the effort that you put into something, not what is around you.”