For First-Generation College Student Week, we asked current first-generation college students about their UIndy experience and what being first-generation means to them.
As a first-generation college student, Diego Julian ’28 (Nursing) recognizes the sacrifices his family made that allowed him to attend UIndy, and he is grateful for their constant support while he continues his studies. He is also proud to set an example for the younger generations in his family by showing them that higher education is a possibility.
What inspired you to study nursing?
I am really fascinated with the healthcare field and love to do hands-on work. I knew a lot of people from back home who were nurses and all loved what they did, and it really stuck with me as I knew nursing would always be an important staple in the clinical setting.
Nursing provides opportunities to explore various parts of the hospital, which I really liked, as it gave me the opportunity to grow and see things from a different perspective. I always like to have the chance to expand and experience new things, which, with nursing, may not be the same thing every day. It is also nice knowing you get that special nurse-to-patient connection with those you work with every day. You’re working and realizing you can make an impact and inspire younger generations to look at nursing or another medical profession as a future career option.
Why did you choose to study at UIndy?
UIndy gave me a chance to grow and experience things for myself but also the chance to go home whenever I wanted. The classroom setting had a very similar vibe to my high school, with the small classroom sizes in most of my classes.
What does being a first-generation college student mean to you personally?
Being a first-generation college student gives me a sense of pride knowing I did what a lot of my family was not able to do. It allows me to set an example for younger generations in my family to attend college. It also shows how everything my parents gave me to be able to graduate and accomplish my own life goals has been done, not only for me, but for them. I look up to my family, and for me to be able to graduate and show that I am forever grateful for their continuous support and encouragement was always in the back of my mind as I studied for various exams.
What does attending college mean to your family & loved ones?
Attending college for my family and those around me is very important as not everyone had the opportunity to. Being able to attend college and graduate would show that nothing was ever taken for granted, and I was able to show the hard work it takes and sacrifices made by not only them but by me as well to get to where I am and to where I want to be.
What challenges did you face as a first-generation college student when transitioning to college life?
I had a lot of self-doubt in my abilities at school. Having independence also had a downside, as it was also something I wasn’t always used to. Now, having to be away and living on campus with not many people I knew was a struggle. I always worried about making sure I was never behind or having that thought of homework that needed to be done, even though I knew I was always caught up or ahead on things.
How did you overcome those challenges, and what resources or people helped you along the way?
The way I overcame these were through frequent conversations with family, overcoming the fear of rejection, and trying to make new friends anyway I could. I pray nearly every day to help build my self-confidence and ensure that every day is never taken for granted. Resources I used were just going to the gym, engaging in the intramural activities, or in the classroom engaging with my peers.
Have you joined any clubs, organizations, or activities? How have they helped you feel connected?
I have engaged with intramural sports and UIndy Catholic. They have given me a sense that there is always “your group of people” out there; it is only a matter of putting yourself out there and opening up to help make new friends and people I can always count on.
What’s your favorite spot on campus?
My favorite spot on campus is definitely the Health Pavilion or the library. They are always my go-to spots as I can get a snack/meal and bring it over, then either study or do homework in a quiet, studious environment.
What advice would you give to other first-generation students who are just starting their journey?
Put yourself out there, find a way to overcome any fear of rejection, and try to talk to those around you.