There are various definitions of what a first-generation means, but being a first-generation student makes you the first-degree holder in your family. There are lots of hardships and pressures that first-generation students face. Before delving into what a first-generation law student is, it is essential to understand who a first-generation student is. let’s know more about “What Is a First-Generation Law Student?”
A first-generation student is a person whose parents did not complete a university degree. Therefore, a first-generation student is faced with many pressures towards making their families proud and university finishing with good grades.
Struggles First Generation Students Face
There are so many struggles first-generation students face. At first, it is a thing of joy to be the first in the family to be going to university. Then, you begin to feel joyful and accomplished, but along the line, they tend to face some struggles which bring anxiety, fear, and pressure.
The first struggle that first-generation students face is that most of them do not have an in-depth understanding of the university experience, just as those students with parents who have a university degree might feel.
The second is Financial Burden. Most first-generation students have parents who are middle class or poor. To meet up, they take jobs that combine with their academics, which is most times stressful. Some of them also seek student loans and scholarships so that the financial burden can get reduced.
The third is that most first-generation students become confused. First-generation students without older siblings guiding them in their first and second years tend to get more confused as they try to get used to the university setting. As a result, they tend to get confused academically without being able to navigate available resources themselves.
The Fourth is that they are primarily victims of discrimination. Most first-generation students tend to become the target of prejudice about lower socio-economic status. This discrimination ends up affecting their mental health and academics.
The Strength Of Being A First-Generation Student
Most first-generation students have increased learning capacity. They are eager to participate in knowledge-driven activities and are willing to learn. They put their family as the focus as they strive to make them proud. Having gotten the literal meaning of a first-generation student, let us take a look at the first-generation law student.
Despite the challenges first-generation students face, there is an advantage they have. First-generation students get support and programs which enhance their growth. Various resources are made available to first-generation law students ranging from scholarships, and mentorship programs to peer support.
Advantages Of Being A First Generation Law Student
Scholarships Available For First-Generation Students
Scholarships available for first-generation students are:
- The Berkeley Law Opportunity Scholarship at the University of California, Berkeley school of law provides full-tuition funding to first-generation students who are awarded the scholarship.
- The AnBryce Scholarship program at the New York School of Law
- Suffolk University Law School provides at least $20,000 in aid to first-generation students.
Schools That Support First-Generation Law Students
The following are the schools that support first-generation law students:
- University of Chicago Law School: The University of Chicago law school understands the challenges of first-generation law students and they made available various resources like the Student Support Services, and the FLI(First generation, low-income immigrant) Network.
- New England Law School: The New England law school had in place first-generation programs that help support and welcome the first-generation students
- William & Mary Law school: The William & Mary law school establishes a first-generation student alliance that aims to provide social, academic, and professional support to William & Mary law students.
- UC Davis School of Law: The UC Davis school of law established a first-generation advocate program that provides diversity and maximizes the academic, professional, and personal success of students who are from low-income backgrounds and are the first to earn a professional degree in their families.
- Loyola University Chicago School of Law: The Loyola school of law established the First Generation of Law Students(FGLS) which aims to provide personal support to first-generation law students. Helping them with their academics and also providing professional support.
Things A First-Generation Law Student Should Do
A first-generation law student is a student whose parents did not complete a baccalaureate degree. In the law school setting, they represent students who are the first to attend a law school. It has been recorded that a large percentage of students whose parents are lawyers end up following their parent’s footsteps, be it willingly or forcefully, making it easier for them to blend in. It is a different case for first-generation law students, as their paths are filled with struggles and uncertainties.
However, first-generation law students must do the following:
- Get Support
There are various support programs available to first-generation students. Join and talk to support groups who are interested in you. Make sure to communicate, you will find organizations or individuals who are willing to help.
- Take Advantage Of Resources Provided By The University Or Law School
These programs and resources make you feel connected. Schools organize mentoring programs, advice programs, counseling, and even training programs.
- Try To Maintain A Balanced Life
It might be difficult to juggle work, academics, and social life but you must try your best to maintain a balanced life.
Conclusion
Prospective lawyers who will become the first to practice law in their families will face various challenges. Your challenge might not be mentioned in this article, but make sure you seek support. There are a thousand opportunities out there for first-generation law students, make sure you take advantage of one of them.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Am I A First-Generation Student If My Parents Started University But Could Not Finish It?
Answer: As long as your parents did not complete their University degrees, you are a first-generation student.
- Can I Lie In A College Admission Application About Being A First-Generation Student? Will I Have Admission Advantages?
Answer: No, you cannot lie. It is a waste of time. Even if you are considered for admission(which I doubt you would) the university can revoke such admission once they find out about your deceitful act.
