First Year, First Generation

“I can honestly say that money is definitely a challenge. If it wasn't for money I wouldn't have to work the way I do...But I think it makes me a better student...”

“This is a lot different than what I thought it was gonna be. I thought college was just gonna be like high school but more hours of study. When really this is more about understanding concepts and building theories and sort of using your own experience and your own ways of interpreting things to formulate opinion. And that’s really great. But at the same time it takes practicing.”

“The work is really hard only because you need to be self-motivated to do it. Nobody reminds you to do it and nobody tells you what you actually have to do. You have to figure it out yourself half the time.”

“It's not gonna get any easier. If I'm doing bad now what are the chances I'm gonna do better on the next test?”

“College so far has been a breeze as far as classes, which is absolutely fabulous. But socially I would like to get out more.”

“And when they saw the shot glass in here we got in trouble for having alcohol in the room. So, that happened.”

We just ran our third story in the first generation series. It’s about a program Jacki joined in order to attend the University of Delaware.

It’s basic premise? That under-prepared, first-generation college students need military-style discipline and support in order to prosper.

“Funny story, I’ve been going to the wrong English class for the last three weeks now...”

The Remediation Trap

In our story on placement tests we talked a lot about remediation. Low-income students and students of color are much more likely to end up in remedial courses. Once in remedial courses, they’re less likely to graduate. Sean and Josee will have to take remedial math this fall because of poor placement test scores.

Moving In

It’s late August at the University of Delaware, about two weeks before classes start. But the UD Scholars are already here, and they’re learning (hopefully) how to become more resilient. Why? More on that (and the UD Scholars) soon.

Off to College