Being a first-generation student—a student whose parents or guardians have not graduated from a four-year college or university—can feel intimidating at first, and for me, it certainly was. However, as you move through college, you learn how to navigate challenges and find your place. As a first-generation student, I often felt lost and unsure, especially at the beginning of my college journey.

Hometown: Streamwood, Illinois
Major: Psychology
Future Plans: Earn his master’s degree in mental health counseling