Did you always know you’d go to college?

While neither of my parents had gone to college (my mom was a nurse and my dad was an accountant), they made it known that both my brother and I would be going to college. Growing up I was pretty sure that I was going to be an astronaut or a medical doctor. School came pretty easy to me, and I was lucky to have incredible support from my family.

Who or what inspired you to apply to college?

During high school I loved getting the mail because there were always college recruiting brochures waiting to be opened. I applied to several schools and chose a small liberal arts college in Ohio because it had a great science program and I could run track.

Did you have a mentor who helped and supported you as an undergrad?

Not really, but during the summer of my junior year an eccentric emeritus professor introduced me to research and opened up an entire new world where I learned that not all questions had answers … yet.

What resources helped you succeed as a first-gen student?

Determination, or, as my husband might tell you, stubbornness. I don't remember meeting with an advisor in college; instead you talked to others in your cohort and followed the course plan in the catalog. I remember being a sophomore and getting my first C grade. I was afraid to tell my parents — afraid that I had let them down, afraid that I was going to lose my scholarship or not going to make it. It would have been nice if there had been someone who could have helped me put those feelings in context, but I was determined to keep going.

What advice would you give to a first-gen student today?

Step forward, ask questions, and get involved. The administrative assistants in your department can be an incredible resource. Even if they may not know the answer, they will know whom to ask or point you in the right direction. Getting involved — whether in a student club, competition team, church group or volunteer organization — helps ground you and it provides a reality check and a support network when things get stressful.