The Trend of First-Gen

By Paige Fitzpatrick

Stonehill News Blog Staff

The first in her family to attend college, Shannon Balliro graduated from Boston University while defying stereotypes of first-generation students as more likely to fail academically. 

Balliro is one of a growing number of first-gen students who finds that a college degree is key to their success and are able to demonstrate that they are fit for the academic challenges of college, contrary to widely held ideas that they are less prepared than their peers. In fact, a recent study found that first-generation students are typically more committed to their education and are more academically engaged in the classroom than their fellow classmates. 

The study finds that first-gen students are actually often ready to tackle academic challenges and perform well in the classroom. However, first-gen students are more likely to struggle while they adjust to the social front of a college campus.

“I was always academically strong in high school, so I had always known I wanted to receive a college education and my parents were proud and supportive,” said Balliro who is now the associate director for academic services and advising at Stonehill College.

Neither of her parents or two older brothers went on to seek higher education, yet Balliro knew it was a path she wanted to pursue for herself. Her father worked several jobs as a mover and truck driver, while her mother was a grocery clerk at the local supermarket. Balliro’s parents were both hard workers in their fields, yet Balliro saw more for herself.

            “I always had an aspiration to do more and have more access to things than they never had because it was a struggle,” said Balliro. 

Balliro worked hard academically throughout her life in order to fulfill the dream she had instilled in herself to go to college. She attended Boston University to receive both her bachelor's and master’s degrees in English and education and continues on her education now as she is working towards her doctorate degree in first-generation student experiences. 

            The college application process was not easy for Balliro. She said since her family was unfamiliar with the process, they did not offer her much guidance. She often felt alone trying to navigate the complicated paperwork.

The study found that a greater number of first-generation students are committed to their academics than their peers who are seen to be more engaged in campus life and engagement.

            Balliro said being a first-gen student was overwhelming at times, even referring to herself as the “poster child” for first-generation students. She shares that once she was admitted into Boston University, the identity of a first-gen student was not easy for her to carry.

            “I felt intimidated and less than others at BU, I had a real fear that at any moment someone would come up to me and say they made a mistake in admitting me,” said Balliro.

            Balliro struggled socially, often feeling alone in the early stages of her college career having trouble adjusting to life at college away from her family.

            “I didn’t understand the atmosphere. I felt like nobody was in the same position as me,” said Balliro.

Yet, according to the study by Campus Labs, out of approximately 750,000 students that reported their generational status, 14 percent reported back as first-generation students. 

Brian Taylor, managing director of Ivy Coach, works daily to help students get admitted into the college of their dreams. 

The Ivy Coach program provides college counselors to those who need assistance in applying for colleges. While Taylor and the Ivy Coach program works alongside all types of students, Taylor speaks highly of first-generation students.

            “First-generation students are actually a coveted group in these eyes of college admissions officers,” Taylor said. 

            Every year college admissions offices attempt to craft a diverse class that includes students from all walks of life. Usually, first-gen students also tend to be from low income, which is another coveted group admissions officer look for when admitting students.

            “College admissions officers are people too, not only are they trying to diversify the class, but they also are human beings who find joy in changing someone’s life for the better,” said Taylor. 

            So, not only do these first-gen students allow college admissions to brag about their diverse accepted class, but they are also changing the narrative for students whose families never either had to opportunity or the expectation from society to experience the opportunity higher education.

            “In this case, everyone is enriched by their college experience, it is a win-win situation,” said Taylor. 

            Balliro shared that as an 18-year-old going through the college application process, she wished she better understood her power as a first-gen student. 

            “I wish I was impressed by my own status since it is something to be proud of even though it often comes along with negative connotations,” said Balliro.

            Ivy Coach provides services to help first-gen students find activities and hobbies to include in their applications along with their previous grades and test scores in order to enhance their application to the college.

            In her work as the associate director for academic services and advising, she strives to provide more support for first-gen students because she personally understands the struggle they experience.

            At Stonehill, Balliro is in the works of creating a “first-generation scholar program” that provides a dedicated space for first-generation students to be able to ask questions and find their footing at college.

            Balliro and Taylor said that the number of first-generation students seems to be on the rise and colleges appear to be more in tune with their needs, providing more areas of support to these students during their transition.

            “It is important for first-generation students to understand they are not alone in their college career,” said Balliro.