Every Student Has a Story: Personal Narratives from First-Generation College Students. This item is unavailable.Every Student Has a Story: Personal Narratives from First-Generation College Students

EVERY STUDENT HAS A STORYPersonal Narratives from First-Generation College StudentsThis book is a compilation of essays about what it’s like being the first person in your family to go to college. TRIO Students at Indiana University -Purdue University in Fort Wayne, Indiana offer compelling narratives of personal experiences stemming from being a first-generation student in college. While no two situations are alike, many students report struggling with social and cultural adjustments; insecurities about information or processes; personal family situations and dynamics; and physical or mental health issues. Some of the struggles students chose to write about in this book include cultural differences, family tragedies, unrealistic expectations of college, family health issues, and insecurities about choosing a major.It is our hope that these personal narratives resonate with other first-generation college students and help affirm that they are not alone—but a part of a much larger community of first-generation students. It is also our hope that these essays increase dialogue on campuses regarding struggles outside of the classroom that many first-generation students face in their journeys toward graduation.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS This collection of stories was written by TRIO students and staff at Indiana University-Purdue University in Fort Wayne, Indiana (IPFW). Some of the students are freshmen, some are recent graduates or somewhere in-between, but all are part of TRIO Student Support Services—a federally-funded program that offers support to students who are the first in their families to pursue a college degree.