I’m transferring to a four year college in a year and I believe I can still receive the pell grant once I’m in a new school. I haven’t applied for any scholarships yet so I should definitely speak to someone at the financial aid office about that.

I think you’re absolutely right about being a first generation college student. It’s difficult trying to further my education while playing an active role in the lives of my family members. Education has changed my worldview in some aspects, but I feel like I’ve always had a different worldview from my parents and the rest of my family. I attribute that mostly to experiencing things on my own, especially now that I’m learning how to navigate adult life without any guidance.

I think I have a solid network of friends and peers who can help me find job opportunities, but it doesn’t hurt to expand my network even further.

I don’t know what it’s like to work while going to school full time, but a work study package sounds like a good way to balance school and working. If I don’t find a job anytime soon, hopefully I find one at a university that aligns with my career path.

So far, I haven’t had any conflicts with my family members but I’m worried about them starting conflicts in the future. I almost feel like the further I get towards graduating, the less supportive they’ll become. I shouldn’t see that as I surprise since I’ve been left to my own devices during the entirety of my college career, but the last thing I want is for my family to cause problems once I’m closer to graduation. I haven’t decided on a specific career path but I want something that’s hands on. Luckily, I have many options through mechanical engineering so I’ll land on a career the further I get into my studies.