First Generation, its like wandering around with no guidance because everyone around you doesn't know how to navigate college. It has definitely been difficult being a first-generation college student. The farthest that one of my parents got was community college, but I am about to move on from my associates to get my bachelor's. I have two older brothers that were told they didn't have to go to college because they could make something of themselves without a college education. This hurt a little when I was told this, but my parents want me to pursue a college education but won't help me pay for it. Instead, I work full-time at my job so that I can pay for school and the other responsibilities I have to pay for. It's hard having that pressure on you and your parents wanting this success, but I have definitely felt that sophomore slump, and in this past year have been at my lowest, with my anxiety and depression hitting me hard. But I am using how I felt during that time, scared and worried about my future, but I am trying to secure it by getting into my dream college. When I applied my mom told me I shouldn't because it would be too expensive, but I have been working hard trying to make money and applying to every scholarship I can so that I can prove my family wrong and I can be a successful person in life. It sucks when all you have is the people closest to you telling you that you can't do things like go to your dream school to get your bachelor's. I am about to graduate with my associates, and I seriously can't wait to go to UNL, I will gain my independence and I can live. my life the way I want to live it, and at the end of it, I will have my degree. I am making my own path in this world so that I can do what I want and be my own boss. After I graduate I hope to open my own bakery right here in Omaha, Nebraska. This is where I was born and raised and I hope that someday I can teach my future kids and grandkids about grit and perseverance. Even in high school I was in a lot of activities and managed to end high school with a 3.5. I am gonna work my butt of and become who I want to be and not what others want me to be. What this degree means to me is that I can be an inspiration to future families and kids. I know what it's like to not be able to afford school and sometimes not food. I don't want my kids or family to have to worry wether they are gonna have dinner on the table that night. I want them to be able to pursue their dreams, and me fully supporting them. What my college education means to me is that I can be who I want to be and open my own bakery.