Being the first one in your family to attend and graduate from college is a lot of pressure, but for Melissa Sanchez, 22, who balances the roles of both mother and student, there is more pressure than average. College, she says, is a route to provide a future for herself and young daughter, Mariah.
“It was scary at first to even attempt to enroll in college. I had no precedent to follow and didn’t think I was college material,” Sanchez said. “Now I am setting the standard for the next generation in my family to follow in my footsteps.”
Sanchez, a communications senior, is a full-time student and carries a part-time work study job. At one point, earlier in her studies, she was working three different jobs to support herself through school. A student loan now helps pay for school and provide for her family. Because she qualifies for financial aid she also applies for scholarships to cover her expenses.
Sanchez says that as a single parent you have to provide for your child and going to school full time can cut into family time or work time. It is a struggle for her to be away from her daughter, but she knows her dedication will influence her daughter. When she is not at school or work, she is cherishing every moment being a mother.
“When I’m with my little girl I don’t do anything else but spend time with her. She is my main focus. Once she is asleep, I focus on my school work and get things done around the house,” she said.
Thinking about her young daughter’s future allows her to find the strength to overcome the late night homework assignments and being away from Mariah. Determination has paid off. She has maintained a high grade point average and is president of the Communications Club on campus and is regularly invited to attend galas and other events where she can talk about her experiences.
Many scholars who write about first-generation students point towards support networks such as friends and family as a major contributing factor in determining how successful first-generation students will be in college. Sandria Rodriguez in her 2003 article “What helps some first-generation students succeed” writes that having a close relationship with family members and friends can have a positive influence on whether a student enjoys academic success. But, few mention young children as a support network.
In Sanchez’s case, her daughter Mariah and her nieces and nephew look up to her and motivate her to push hard and succeed. “I want them to see that if I can do it, anything is possible,” she said. “My nieces and nephews and especially my daughter will never have to question whether or not it’s possible to graduate.”
Sanchez’s attitude keeps her going strong. But, something always manages to happen that tends to bring her down, at least temporarily.
At first it was just any ordinary September night for Sanchez. She was at a fundraiser dinner enjoying the company of her classmates. But when she received a message that her house had been broken into, a nightmare unraveled. She met her parents at her apartment and found drawers upended and belongings gone, or scattered. All her valuable electronics and property were stolen, including her laptop. The thieves stole clothing, even brand new underwear.
It seemed like it would be impossible to get back on her feet. But she went back to school the next day. “I didn’t want my daughter to see that just because something bad happens, you should give up,” she said.
With her families support she moved into her mother’s house and bought new clothes. She started all over again. “My parents are my biggest supporters. They have been vital to my success, without them my life my life would be so much more difficult,” she said.
Unlike Sanchez, a large proportion of first-generation students lack family support, do poorly in their studies and drop out of a 4-year institution within the first two years. That, according to the growing literature on the experience of first-generation undergraduates, is reason for concern. But unlike the statistics, Sanchez has the privilege of having a supportive family, both young and old, that encourages her to dream big. That support, together with her determination and positive outlook, mean she will walk across the stage.
With graduation looming, Sanchez is looking into her employment options. She is searching to find a good steady job that will offer a good salary with a semi-flexible schedule that will allow her to spend more time with her daughter. If she doesn’t find a job that fits her criteria she believes she is better off entering a master’s program to continue her eduction.
“This will be the second time Mariah will see ‘mommy; graduate. I’m so proud to say that I will do everything it takes to support my family and make sure they know anything is possible,” Sanchez said.
