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Full-Text Articles in Arts and Humanities
Fire Within, Anonymous
Fire Within, Anonymous
First-Gen Voices: Creative and Critical Narratives on the First-Generation College Experience
I've always had a dilemma with being "The Good Daughter." I still do. Much of my first-generation experience has revolved around sacrificing myself for those who sacrificed themselves for me. For my success. I, however, at times, desire to be free. To chose what I see fit. To choose what I think I love. To have pride. To have the pride to ignite my fire within. I see pride, and I have attained it. But for myself, for others.
Don't Let It Sink, Anonymous
Don't Let It Sink, Anonymous
First-Gen Voices: Creative and Critical Narratives on the First-Generation College Experience
I trip, I fall, and then I pick myself back up again. This has become a daily routine for someone like me. There are days when the easiest thing to do is give up--plain and simple. But, as I tease with the idea, something always turns me, aligns me, back on track. No one said a journey was easy. No one said an ocean calm. After all, "a smooth sea never made a skilled sailor."
Personal Statement, Alvaro Gonzalez
Personal Statement, Alvaro Gonzalez
First-Gen Voices: Creative and Critical Narratives on the First-Generation College Experience
The art of a well crafted Personal Statement.
A Quasi-Prose, Quasi-Spoken Word About The Mullings Of A First Gen Girl, Diana Delgado
A Quasi-Prose, Quasi-Spoken Word About The Mullings Of A First Gen Girl, Diana Delgado
First-Gen Voices: Creative and Critical Narratives on the First-Generation College Experience
There are many types of first generation students. I happen to be of the immigrant sort, with parents that have degrees that mean very little on this soil. The "kingdom of the lingua franca" mentioned—the land of English—was very difficult to navigate without first conquering the language, but even afterwards there are some immovable disadvantages. You'll find rich Peruvian references in this piece—Manco Cápac, the founder of one of the longest lasting Inca dynasties, referred to himself as “the son of the sun”; since the sun was a god, Inti, this gave him and succeeding rulers much political power. "Pachamama" …
Natural Resources, Chris Rodriguez
Natural Resources, Chris Rodriguez
First-Gen Voices: Creative and Critical Narratives on the First-Generation College Experience
This poem describes the imposter syndrome I had to struggle through as a first-gen student. There are so many extraneous distractions and worries that can lead us astray, make us feel overwhelmed and useless, at least in my case, and I still do get distracted sometimes, but that just takes time away from my day’s study time. I recall my studies at the university bringing up social justice issues and grim histories that I could do nothing but learn about, and it seemed as if the only control I had over my life was to look down upon it. I …
Your Path Versus Mine, Genesis Montalvo
Your Path Versus Mine, Genesis Montalvo
First-Gen Voices: Creative and Critical Narratives on the First-Generation College Experience
This poem uses fairytale references to show the differences between first-gen college students and those whose parents have gone to college.
To Be Where You Are, Genesis Montalvo
To Be Where You Are, Genesis Montalvo
First-Gen Voices: Creative and Critical Narratives on the First-Generation College Experience
This piece is about my leave of absence that I had to take last spring for financial reasons, which I think most first-gen students can relate to because finances get difficult for us.
#Lifeofamuslimfeminist, Nadia Kelifa
#Lifeofamuslimfeminist, Nadia Kelifa
First-Gen Voices: Creative and Critical Narratives on the First-Generation College Experience
Navigating post-9/11 era America as a young Black Muslim woman, I have found my own little niche within the world of the intersectionality. As the daughter of immigrants and a first generation college student, I believe all that (through a traditional lens) further marginalizes me is precisely why I have such a deep appreciation for diversity. There is nothing simple about the complexities of identity politics and Noorulann Shahid's "Life Of Muslim Feminist" Twitter trending topic sparked a critical conversation on the topic globally, which later inspired me to write this poem.
The Lookout, Morika Fields
The Lookout, Morika Fields
First-Gen Voices: Creative and Critical Narratives on the First-Generation College Experience
I presented this piece for the first time at the First-Gen Cafe. There is an older, more experience voice in the poem that is speaking to the reader. However, this is actually me speaking to myself. It reflects that first-gen college students often have to be their own guide. The poem also expresses my desire to help other students who are not as far along on their paths as I am.
Ted Fields, Sr., Morika Fields
Ted Fields, Sr., Morika Fields
First-Gen Voices: Creative and Critical Narratives on the First-Generation College Experience
This poem is about the life of my late grandfather who encouraged me every time we spoke. He urged me to continue in school saying, "The more degrees you have after your name, the better." I can't reflect upon my college experience without recognizing his influence.