What are the common difficulties faced by first generation students in your first generation student story?

There's also a sense of isolation. Most of their peers may come from families with college - going traditions and seem to fit in more easily. First - generation students might feel like they don't belong, which can impact their confidence and ability to make friends on campus.

I am a first - generation student. My parents didn't go to college, so I had to figure out the whole college application process on my own. It was really tough at first. I didn't know which schools were good, how to write a proper application essay, or what kind of financial aid was available. But I was determined. I spent hours in the library researching, asked my teachers for advice, and finally got into a great school.

They should seek out mentorship. There are usually programs or professors who are willing to help. By having a mentor, they can get advice on academic and career paths.

First generation children often face the challenge of identity. They are neither fully of the old culture from their parents nor completely of the new one they are growing up in. They may also struggle with academic expectations. If their parents are not familiar with the new education system, they might not be able to provide the right guidance. Social isolation can be another issue, as they may not immediately find a group that understands their dual - cultural background.

In many first - generation student success stories, adaptability plays a crucial role. They need to adapt to a new academic environment that may be very different from what they are used to at home. Networking is also important. They build connections with professors, peers, and professionals in their field of interest. And finally, having a long - term goal. They keep their eyes on the prize and work towards achieving their dreams, whether it's getting a good job, starting a business, or making a contribution to their community.

One common challenge is financial. They often lack the family resources to easily afford college expenses like tuition and books. For example, they might have to work long hours at part - time jobs just to get by. Another challenge is the lack of family guidance. Since their parents didn't go to college, they don't have that in - house advice on choosing majors or dealing with college bureaucracy. Also, they may feel a sense of isolation as they might be the first in their social circle to enter college.

There was a student named Tom. He was the first in his family to go to college. His parents were both factory workers with little education. Tom had to study hard while also helping out at home. He faced many challenges like not having enough money for textbooks. But he was determined. He worked part - time jobs and studied late into the night. Eventually, he graduated with honors and got a great job, changing the future of his family.

Hard work is a common element. These students often have to put in extra hours studying compared to their peers. For example, they might study during breaks at work or late at night. Another element is determination. They don't let setbacks like financial problems or lack of family support stop them. Also, resourcefulness is key. They find ways to get the help they need, like using free tutoring services on campus or borrowing books from the library instead of buying them.

Hard work is a very common factor. They usually have to work harder than their peers who may have more family support in the educational journey. Many first - generation students take on part - time jobs during college to support themselves financially and still manage to keep up with their studies. Additionally, the ability to seek help is important. Whether it's from professors, classmates or campus support services, they are not afraid to ask for assistance when they are stuck in their academic or career pursuits.

I can't provide any information about the protagonist of the historical novel being a first-generation foreign student. This was because historical novels were usually based on historical events and characters, and the setting of the first generation of foreign students did not match the common plot of historical novels. However, if you are looking for a novel about history, study abroad, and cultural exchange, you can search for novels like One Hundred Years of Solitude and The Great Gatsby. These novels all involve history, study abroad, and cultural elements that may meet your needs.