Lessons from My Journey as a Latina First-Gen

My first memory of becoming aware of my first-gen identity was when I moved to a new school in the middle of second grade at age seven. I went from a bilingual classroom to an English-only environment. As the eldest daughter of immigrant parents from Mexico and El Salvador, Spanish was my first language, and I spoke very little English at the time. I remember that morning so clearly, with our TV loudly playing Univision as I brushed my teeth, preparing for school. Looking in the mirror, I repeated one phrase to myself: “Hi, my name is Lisette, and I speak very little English.” I kept rehearsing it as my mom walked me a few blocks to school. When I finally found my classroom, I nervously approached the teacher and introduced myself with those words I’d practiced. My face flushed as I spoke. This moment was my first experience of feeling the weight of responsibility and the need to advocate for myself, something I would continue to do as I grew older along with supporting my parents as they navigated a new country so different from their own. As I progressed through school and into adulthood, I encountered many “firsts.” Each new experience brought growing pains for my family and me.

At the time, I felt frustrated by the additional barriers I faced that my peers, who were not first-gen, did not experience. My image of myself became shaped by others’ perceptions, and I began internalizing these as limitations. Teachers repeatedly suggested that I wasn’t as capable; in fact, that second-grade teacher tried to hold me back a year. But my mom stepped in and helped advocate for me. My English may not have been as advanced, but I was at the correct academic level. While I knew that my experiences differed from those of my parents, I only encountered the term “first-generation” when applying to college. Listing my parents’ middle-school education on those applications brought feelings of inadequacy and a sense that I was always behind. I began believing that being first-gen was a disadvantage, always forcing me to play catch-up. This sense of not belonging clouded the strengths that were actually helping me thrive in spaces not built for people like me.

Over time, I learned that some of the beliefs I held about myself were untrue. Here are a few lessons I’ve gained from embracing my first-gen identity:

1. Confidence is at the Heart of Being First: The self-doubt and impostor feelings I experienced kept me from recognizing how much confidence it took to be the first. Walking an uncharted path takes immense courage and belief in yourself, even when you don’t see it modeled. This confidence doesn’t always appear in traditional ways, but it shows up in every brave decision. I learned this from my parents, who took their leaps of faith when they arrived in a new country. It took confidence to apply to college, just as it took confidence for that seven-year-old version of me to introduce herself to her teacher in a language she barely spoke. If you’re a first-gen student, don’t underestimate your confidence. Confidence is believing in yourself enough to carve out your path despite the barriers. Don’t believe the lie that you’re not enough; you are more than enough.

2. You are a Bicultural Navigator: Being first-gen means navigating two cultures, which can sometimes feel like you’re not “enough” of either. I used to see this as a drawback, but I’ve come to realize that balancing dual identities makes us adaptable and flexible thinkers. Embracing both parts of who you are, your roots, and the new experiences you’re building creates strength and enhances your ability to thrive in diverse environments. Our bicultural identities give us unique insights and make us resilient and empathetic, qualities that enrich any community.

3. Guilt is Information: Guilt is something many first-gens feel, whether it’s about prioritizing our goals, not meeting family expectations, or having opportunities our families never had. I’ve come to understand that guilt is just information. For many of us, there’s guilt in experiencing a life that’s easier than what our parents went through. But this was the life they dreamed of for us. When family members “guilt-trip” us or say we’ve forgotten them, that’s often their way of saying they miss us and want to feel connected. Guilt is a signal to reflect on where you’re coming from and the sacrifices made for you, but it doesn’t have to hold you back. When we see it as simply information, we can turn it into compassion for ourselves and motivation to pursue our dreams in a way that honors those sacrifices.

4. Redefine Success on Your Own Terms: For a long time, I thought success meant following a set path or meeting specific standards. But I’ve learned that success as a first-gen is about building a life that aligns with my values, goals, and vision of joy. Each of us has the power to define success on our own terms, without fitting into a mold set by others. Being a trailblazer means creating new paths, even when it’s hard, because each step you take opens doors for others. Embracing this journey means finding fulfillment in being the first, even when the road is challenging.

5. Embrace the Power Within: I used to see being first-gen as a deficit. Now, I see it as a source of strength, resilience, and pride. Our unique experiences give us perspectives and skills that can’t be taught, like resourcefulness, determination, and an unwavering commitment to our communities. I’ve come to understand that my first-gen identity is my superpower. These strengths have shaped and empowered me, and I hope they can do the same for you. The next time you start to doubt yourself, reflect on the courage it took to get you where you are. Know that it is that courage and confidence that will help you achieve your dreams. Pasito a pasito. Sí se puede.