By Lilian Nguyen
Many, if not every, first-generation kid knows the translation of “doctor” or “lawyer” in their respective language because, frankly, that’s what they’re usually expected to do when they grow up. And despite a lot of people expecting first-generation students to be less likely to go into higher education, their parents have definitely made sure that they continue their academics.
Socially and culturally, these students know that because of their low socioeconomic standing, affording college would be more than just tricky. To them, it’s a daunting task trying to figure out if they’re even able to afford it and more so if they’re capable enough.
Knowing this, however, these students are more likely to be motivated to go to college by a multitude of factors. One of which involves their parents. Because their parents didn’t go to college, these students have the desire to have a better life.
By a better life, many students think in terms of income. College degrees help bolster their prospects of earning a higher income. In 2021, the average median salary for college graduates reached $52,000 a year, as compared to $30,000 a year for high school graduates of the same age.
In many ways, their parents have heavily influenced and impacted their successes both indirectly and directly. This includes the way a student will face their fears and challenges, deal with problems and their ability to make decisions.
Even when faced with clear disadvantages compared to their peers whose parents did attend college, these first-gen students with parents who support their pursuit of higher education will have the persistence to keep learning.
The level of parental influence and involvement in their child’s education is a major factor. Many of these students need support from their parents because they will be the first ones in their families to make it this far in an educational aspect.
These parents who never had the chance or opportunity to attend college hold their children in high regard. They motivate them and have high expectations. These students know that and are willing to be fueled by their parent’s pride and support. At the same time, they are also impacted by the fear that their parents instilled in them. Many of them are extremely pressured by their parents to go to college and continue their education.
In many cases, the impact that the parents have on their children is not direct, but indirect as perceived by first-generation students. Students recognize the struggle that their parents faced and want their own careers to be different. With education, many of these first-gen students believe that it will pave the way for wealth and the ability to change their future.
The incessant concern and emphasis on the need to work and study hard demonstrates a parent’s concern for their child’s future and reinforces the idea of needing a college education to become successful.
It might be pressuring and overwhelming at times, but without this support from parents and constant nagging, many first-generation students would find attaining a higher-level education to be more difficult to obtain due to their economic background.
Parental involvement cultivates the idea of a strong education for their children and ultimately does influence the students’ perceptions and expectations concerning education.
While a lot of parents who never had a college education may lack information about college and its ins and outs, the most important factor to keep in mind is the emotional and social support that they can provide.
