There is something special about being the FIRST…

…especially being the first in your family to attend and graduate from college. I’m First!, an initiative of UStrive, is an online community celebrating first-generation college students.

Check out video stories from first-gen students, read student blogs and discover colleges that have special programs to support their first-gen students. We feature YouTube video testimonials from first-gen students and graduates from across the country. Watch some below or share your own story.

Farewell and Good Luck!

My time writing for the "I'm First!" blog has come to an end, but I am filled with gratitude for the past two years of writing for this incredible...

Keeping Motivation in Senior Year

Senior year has been so much fun and definitely the best year of my undergraduate experience. While it is the precursor to taking the next step in...

To work or not to work?

Coming into college I was unsure of what to expect in regards to time, part of me wholeheartedly thought that the only thing I would have time for...

Internships, Jobs, and Summer Break Plans, Oh My!

As I mentioned in my last blog post, now is the time to apply for summer internships and jobs! The best time is to start early, over winter break or...

The Importance and Benefits of Building Relationships with Your Professors

For first-generation students, there can be a fallacy about professors in college. The classic misconceptions about professors can be that they are...

Catherine, #firstgen student at @WUSTL, has some tips on getting letters of recommendations for college admissions, scholarships, etc.!: imfirst.org/tips-for-lette… pic.twitter.com/ctD4oHOYxy