As we’re in the middle of graduation season, Latinx prove once again why each degree matters profoundly to this community and this generation. Latinx truly comprehend the hard work that has been instilled in them by their parents and family, which is why getting an education and graduating is much more important, because it didn’t come easily.
Several Latinx have used the hashtag #FirstGeneration to share their own personal stories of what their new degree means to them, their family, and their friends. Here’s a highlight of some of those stories.
#FirstGeneration students can understand why this is so emotional. My dad has gout and no medical insurance, yet finds the strength within himself to work in a packing house 12+ hours a day 6 days a week. I love him & I can’t wait to be able to take care of him one day. pic.twitter.com/UFLXCMoavx
— taZ🥑 (@thealphazaida) May 3, 2018
My dad once told me since he never got an education, all he wanted for me is to get what he didn’t so he crossed the border. Thank you papi, this is for you. 🇸🇻 #firstgeneration #CentralAmericanTwitter pic.twitter.com/dKSiB58cYV
— mai (@mayruh8) May 4, 2018
I still can’t believe that in little over a month ima graduate high school and head off to college. #FirstGeneration pic.twitter.com/vFKElZfyOZ
— Jose (@_jreyezzz) May 6, 2018
A soon to be first generation college graduate. Hard work really does pay off, congrats @onceuponafaty so proud of you 👏👏🎓🎉. .
##csuf #firstgeneration #anythingispossible #canon #studentoftheyear #whatatimetobealive pic.twitter.com/oYls0dUBo2
— kristal diaz (@kristaldiaz97) May 2, 2018
GRADUATED!! My parents came to this country to give me a better life and they’ve done that and so much more. So this ones for them! Bachelor’s of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders. #firstgeneration #CentralAmericanTwitter ❤️ pic.twitter.com/9HOxLvY6Xr
— em (@emcrzz) May 7, 2018
Several of these stories express how their parents came to this country and worked endless hours just to give their children something they couldn’t have themselves: a better life, an education, and a way to continue on with the legacy of their family.
“My graduation doesn’t fall on Mother’s Day but I’m giving my mom an early Mother’s Day gift of me walking down that stage and hoping one day she won’t need to work anymore,” @Nesssser221 tweeted. “I’m gonna provide everything she needs as she has done for me these past 22years. #firstgeneration.”
Here’s another incredible story: “Josua was honored w/the Latinx Student Achievement award from the @IowaStateU multicultural Liaison Officers. I am so proud of you and knew you are destined for great things. It makes me more proud for you to be honored from the Latin community. #FirstGeneration #CycLONEgrad.”
Josua was honored w/the Latinx Student Achievement award from the @IowaStateU multicultural Liaison Officers. I am so proud of you and knew you are destined for great things. It makes me more proud for you to be honored from the Latin community. #FirstGeneration #CycLONEgrad pic.twitter.com/hsE5KlD2bp
— Wendy Gonzales-Neal (@mychildmyvoice) May 6, 2018
https://twitter.com/Yeliani2911/status/987863554417135616
First in my family to graduate!#LatinasMovingUp#FirstGeneration @ThinkBigSociety pic.twitter.com/FgUofU9PoM
— Vivi (@Vivi_n_Curls) May 5, 2018
100% of our AVID seniors were accepted to a 4 yr university …almost all will be #firstgeneration college students. #thisisavid #cusdlearns pic.twitter.com/zOwZQ7ebRD
— Aida Salah (@MsSalah_SCHS) May 1, 2018
As my undergraduate time comes to an end at Tarleton State University new adventures begin. I am proud to be a First generation Latina to graduate with my Bachelors. Two Associates and a Bachelor degee later and the story Will continue. ¡Si se pudo! Class 2018 #firstgeneration pic.twitter.com/iibMvUjk9I
— Yasmine Escobedo (@Itsyazzyyo) April 17, 2018
Do you have a #FirstGeneration story? If so, share in the comment section below!