Change is a continuous factor throughout life. The transition from childhood to adolescence to adulthood is inevitable. People spend their entire lives searching for their purpose but somehow are expected to know what it is in high school. What is after graduation? Where are they going? What is the next step? First-generation, undocumented and low-income students face many challenges in their transition out of high school. These challenges can revolve around lack of vision or family support, guilt, financial burdens and culture shock. However, these obstacles can be conquered with guidance, knowledge on post-secondary options, utilization of resources and proactivity.

First-generation students are characterized as individuals who are the first in their family to pursue a bachelor’s degree education. Some of these students’ parents paused their own education in elementary school, high school or college or just never went at all. First-generation students can have a difficult time during the college application process due to lack of knowledge in the matriculation steps. Many parents are hesitant with giving out their personal information, such as social security numbers and taxes, not knowing that this is part of the process. First-generation students can feel guilt from their decision to go away for college, as the responsibility to contribute to the family income and household tasks does not go away. There is also a culture shock that may be experienced from being in a completely new environment where things are very unfamiliar.

Many undocumented students find out about their immigration status through the college application process. This is a major roadblock because students become ineligible to receive federal student aid. This is very discouraging and may limit the option of going away for college or attending at all. Getting an education is expensive, and not all states allow undocumented students to pay in state tuition. However, New York is one of the only states that allows undocumented students to pay in-state tuition. Though scholarships are available, the application process is rigorous. If students are not comfortable reaching out for help, and their parents are not financially prepared to pay for a full course load, the option becomes to pay for a few classes at a time, save money and work. Schools are prohibited from sharing their records to the government, and there is no federal law that prevents undocumented students from applying to college. However, there are high school students and they are not thinking about the logistics.

The “American Dream” has influenced values unconsciously through actions and traditions. While growing up, all adolescents know is school. After elementary is middle school, high school and then college, or so they say. What if college is not what a student wants to do? There are more options, including the military, job training programs, technical school, apprenticeship, starting a business or volunteering. Students should consider a gap year or semester if unsure of their next steps and focus on building a resume. College is a wonderful place for students to continue to develop themselves. However, students’ legacies begin with them following their passions in their journeys. The most important part of life after high school is following their vision and figuring out what that is. Utilize resources, talk to parents, write out thoughts and figure out what the best path is. Most importantly, students have the opportunity to be an active participant in their future and maximize all experiences. Time is continuous, just like change, so be the driver, not the passenger.

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