Introduction
There are so many students going to college in the United States, and despite this, not all students successfully finish their post-education (“First Generation Student”); a large portion of the students, are First Generation college students, AKA Firgens- a phrase coined by Dr. Todd Hibbs (“First Generation Students”). The definition of Firgens has been long debated; therefore, for the purposes of this research paper, a Firgen is to be considered a student who comes from a family that has no prior history of post-education. They make up 43 percent of college students every year (Longwell-Grice, 1). Although large in numbers they are still considered to be a marginalized group, the reason being that many Firgens are not able to perform as well as continuing-generation college students due to a variety of internal and external factors they face before and in higher education (Longwell-Grice, 40; Terenzini,10). Thus far there has been no change in their situation (Longwell-Grice, 40; Terenzini,16). However, institutions, counselor, advisors, and advocates for equality in education
…show more content…
With these mind advisors should be patient and understanding, ergo they should provide them with many tips, pamphlets, and resources, most importantly a form of communication. Communication is key (Longwell-Grice, 42), if the Firgen hasn’t come to see the advisor, the advisor should approach the student to keep tabs; the environment can be so overwhelming that these students lose focus, give up or get overworked. The best time to start letting the ‘bird’ leave the nest would be after the beginning of the spring semester of their second year. With this student will hopefully and successfully finish their higher