Chapter 29: Why Try to Fit in When You Were Born to Stand Out: Navigating College as a Low-Income First Generation Student

I have had to battle and fight to beat the odds multiple times during my educational journey; however the most intense and significant battle was fought as I proved my worth and my value as a female, first-generation college student of color at a predominantly White institution during my undergraduate years. In fact, my undergraduate years were equally the most enlightening and challenging years of my life and served as a crucial turning point during my trajectory of life. I was faced with numerous situations that helped shape me and mold me into the person that I am today. As a Black female from a low socioeconomic status background, I often faced microaggressions and other forms of subtle racism. Despite the quality liberal arts education that I received at Davidson College, the most important thing that I learned was something that was not taught by the professor. I learned that there was no need for me to be ashamed of who I was and where I came from.