As a first-generation, it can be hard to navigate college when you first get there. By not having that platform of a parent that has experienced college before, you are at even more of a disadvantage with no idea of what you are walking into. My advice to first-generation students is to take your time. You may feel the need to jump right into everything, but this can hurt not only your grades but your mental health as well. It is best to take the recommended amount of hours your first semester. That is just the first step, though. You should also have a meeting with your advisor on what classes you should take your first semester. They have your best interest in mind and will help you make a degree plan that will help you be successful in college. This will help you start with a high GPA that can be maintained in the future. Something else to remember is that your college wants to help you succeed. There are many resources on campus, such as tutoring, mentorship, career guidance. Resources like these can help you make a clear goal for your future, and this can help you stay on track through your college career. Doing these things will allow you to maintain great grades your first semester and keep up with your mental health. One of my biggest challenges my first semester was getting to know people, so I stayed in my room most of the time. While my grades were high, my mental health was not. In my second semester, I joined a dance team called the Citrus Diamonds at UTSA. I met some amazing people that were just as passionate about dance as I was. By joining clubs and organizations, you can meet so many amazing people that not only have the same interests as you but that are going through the exact same thing as you. You may not have the advice from the generations before you, but you can make friends that can tell about their experiences. All of this information can sound overwhelming, but you have to remember to give yourself grace. As a first-generation student, you are doing the bravest thing you can do by taking on college alone. You may feel the pressure of college if things start to not go your way, but it is best to believe in yourself and communicate to the ones around you about how you are doing. You are paving the way for your family by taking this new journey, so remember to be proud of yourself.