First-Generation Student Stories

Tabitha Rios

Tabitha Rios hopes to share her experiences as a first-generation college student and a soldier with her daughter, as well as her future students.

When Rios graduated from high school in 2012 she wasn’t sure what she wanted to do with her life. She grew up in a financially unstable home and knew she wanted something better for her future. “I decided that while I waited to start a career I could see the world and meet new people.”

Rios enlisted in the United States Army and served for six years before returning to civilian life and eventually enrolling in the secondary education program at UC Blue Ash College. She says being the first in her family to go to college has been both rewarding and challenging.

Nevaeh Baker

I grew up in Milford, Ohio and graduated from Milford High School in 2020. 

I always knew that I was meant to be an educator. When searching for colleges/universities, I wanted to find a place where I could be supported as a first-gen student; that’s how I landed at UC Blue Ash! I’m studying Middle Childhood Education with a minor in Spanish. After graduating, I plan to attain a master’s degree and then possibly a PhD or EdD in Education! 

My family is proud of me and they remind me all of the time! All of the hard work pays off when I see the joy on my mom’s face when I tell her about each achievement.

Being a first-generation college student can be challenging. You may stumble, but try not to be hard on yourself. Remember that you’re not only learning the class material, but you’re also learning how to be a college student on your own. It’s a weight to carry, so give yourself grace and take advantage of the resources available to you. You can do it!     

Harley Dawson

I grew up in Washington Court House, Ohio and I graduated from Washington Senior High School.

My parents didn’t know how to help me plan for the transition to college or how to use the resources available. I decided that I wanted to do more than just “get by” with my education, so I got involved with different student leadership opportunities. My goal is to graduate from UC’s public health program and go back to serve my hometown community. 

My family was stressed about me going to college, but now that I’ve been at UC Blue Ash and have taken advantage of the amazing resources offered here they only worry about normal things all parents do when their kids are away from home. They’re also incredibly proud of everything I’ve accomplished and how much I’ve grown since starting at UCBA. 

My advice to first-gen students is to plan realistically. There’s pressure to go where everyone else is going, but unless you have a great scholarship, I’d encourage you to consider a two-year college. Making sure you have the means to pay for college, whatever that looks like for you, eliminates some of the stressors many people associate with college.   

Kyla Rawlins

I grew up in Cleves, Ohio and graduated from Taylor High School. My motivation for pursuing a college education is so I’m equipped with the skills and education to make a difference in the world. I also want to provide a stable life for myself and hopefully my own family too. I’m studying Early Childhood Education; I want to finish my bachelor's degree and then get certified in different teaching philosophies (like Montessori). 

I grew up with the notion that I would go to college, even though my parents and grandparents did not. They have always encouraged me and supported me, and I know they would support me even if I decided not to go to college. 

The advice I would give to future first-gen students is to never be afraid to reach out for help! Learning how to apply and enroll at a college, especially with loans, can be extremely daunting. Connect with any available resources at your disposal and remember to be patient with yourself as you go through this experience. College is a big learning curve for anyone, but even more so for first-generation students (and that's okay!).  

Stephanie Garcia

I grew up in a suburban area of Cincinnati and attended Princeton High School. My motivation to go to college comes from my parents. I am majoring in biology and my future goals are to become a family practitioner and help others around the world by working in international hospitals. I have always been passionate about medicine ever since I was little.

My family is proud that I graduated high school and continue my studies/education to help my family and the community. It is a lot of pressure being a first-generation college student, but it is all worth it. My advice to other first-gen students is to always ask for help because that will go a long way. I wish I knew that, instead of doing my own trial and error in college.