Get your family on board

For first generation and low income college students, families may play a big role in students' success. However, families don't always know how to play that supporting role. It may fall on you as a student to work with your family to help them learn about that role.

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If you are a first generation college student, your family doesn't have the personal experience to help you with college that same way someone with a family history of college-going would have. If you are a low income college student, your family might not understand the actual costs of college, budgeting for a college student, and the financial aid process.

So, what can you do about it? You can talk about it with your family.

Tell them what your daily schedule is like, how many classes you are expected to take, what financial aid paper work you have to fill out and when it is due. (And if you don't know this stuff, talk to an advisor at your campus!) Tell them as much as you can to paint a picture of the college experience. Ask them about how your college experience is affecting them. Encourage them to ask you questions rather than make assumptions and agree to do the same.

These conversations won't always be easy--and depending on your family might be quite challenging--but you have to have them. And notice I said "conversations" with an emphasis on the plural "s," because keeping the lines of communications open is key to managing family expectations and getting their support.

Got questions? Please feel free to ask The Advisor about it.