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  • Alexa Soto

Alexa Soto

Thursday, June 18, 2020

 Photo provided by Alexa Soto

Major: Psychology, Purdue School of Science

Starting college was scary because it was so different from the experiences of my family. I wanted to break the family pattern of working a minimally paying job, and I wanted to make them proud. So, I applied.

Going to college is a privilege that not a lot of people have—it might cost too much, they might be too scared to try, or there are a variety of other reasons keeping them from going. Not finishing isn't an option for me at this point.

I hope all first-generation college students take pride in being the first. It takes a lot of courage to take on the collegiate environment, and there is an entire network of other first-generation students to help. That's another thing: ask questions, explore your resources, and expand your connections. Don't be afraid to join clubs and extracurricular activities. Those are so important in having a great college experience.

I also want to thank Tonya Shelton, program manager of the Center for Research and Learning. She has been a great motivation for me to succeed in classes. She is always there to support me, and if it weren't for her, college would have swallowed me up by now. I am so grateful to have met her and to have worked with her.

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  • Olivia McQueen
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  • Alexa Soto
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