Go to a conference or retreat

For the past few days, I've actually been attending a conference for educational opportunity professionals like myself, who are passionate about working with first generation and low income college students and college hopefuls. The conference was awesome.

So why should you care that I went to an awesome conference? Because it reminded me just how enriching this sort of experience can be for first generation and low income college students. I highly recommend that you attend at least one conference and/or retreat as a college student.

When I was a student, I had the opportunity to go to a few conferences and retreats. Let me tell you that those conferences and retreats were awesome, too. I would come back from them all excited about what I had learned and eager to put my new education into action.

Conferences and retreats are a great networking opportunity and a chance to learn something new. They are also fair game to be listed on your resume if related to what you are applying for. Some conferences or retreats are even set up to let students present a workshop or session, which also looks good on a resume or graduate school application and gives you valuable communication skills.

One caveat is that conferences and retreats cost money. But, look out for fee waiver, scholarship, or student discounts options. You can save money by budgeting for it ahead of time, sharing expenses with friends, and picking shorter conferences. Heck, you can even fundraise to get yourself there.

All in all, go to a conference or retreat. You'll thank me later.

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

College Basics: Expected self-sufficiency

Sometimes it is really easy to assume that college students understand the basics about college. For new college students, especially first generation college students, this can be a dangerous assumption. So instead of assuming certain things, let's to go over a college basic...

College students are expected to be self-sufficient.

Welcome to higher education, you're now supposed to be a self-sufficient adult. In college, self-sufficiency means that you are responsible for you own education. You set your schedule, pick out your own classes, make sure you understand and meet your graduation requirements, and take the initiative to get help when you need it.
 
Professors, college advisors, and the college system in general expect you to take responsibility for your own learning. This may sound harsh, but it is all on you as a college student. But, don't fret because you can succeed.

Got questions or suggestions for another college basic? Please feel free to ask The Advisor about it or suggest away. 

Have high expectations for yourself

This is a short one, just to help boost your self-esteem mid-semester:

High expectations from others like professors and advisors have a positive impact on the success of first generation and low income college student. So does holding yourself to high expectations.When you expect yourself to succeed, it often gives you the mental and emotional boost to achieve your goals.

Don't underestimate yourself and your ability to succeed as a college student. You deserve to be in college and have earned it. Have a great day of academic achievement!

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