I’m starting my masters of communication in digital media
this fall and tomorrow I register for classes. I’ve come such a long way from
where I started undergrad 7 years ago. As I begin this next chapter in my life,
I can’t help but reflect on my college journey.

The purpose of
this post is to give you a glimpse of my college experience as a first
generation Filipino-American.

Whether or not you can relate to this college experience,
this post is just to share with you my
perspective, my point of view, and my experience.


Like many immigrant families out there, 
my parents decided to
leave the Philippines to give my sister and I better lives in America. “A
better life” meant access to an education system and first world quality level
of life. 

Though I’m thankful for the college experience, college was
probably one of the most difficult periods I overcame in life. Since my dad has
a high school degree and my mom received a college degree in the Philippines, my
family and I had no idea how to even get to college. 

High School:

My parents had always told me that I was going to go to
college. But when I became a senior in high school, my parents and I didn’t
know what that actually meant.

My family had no idea what FAFSA
was.

My family didn’t go on any college
tours (we didn’t know this was even a thing).

My family and I never had the
conversation of “fit” – like whether a larger university or smaller university
would be a better environment for me.

My family and I were blind sighted when it came to the college process.

I felt like I was barely keeping my head above water with AP
classes, planning dances and assemblies, and participating in a sport every
season. I was overwhelmed as I figured out the college process by looking
around at my friends around me. With the help of my friends, I learned how to use
the common app, I wrote essays and asked friends to proof read them for me, and
I learned how to fill out the fafsa.



When I finally got to
college, I realized my journey had just begun. 

Here are 10 Confessions of a First Generations Filipino American College Student:

1. When finances determine
your major…

I realized my senior year of high school that I would have
to finance my education through student loans. My family and I didn’t look at
the cost of college until I started applying and getting admitted to
universities. Since I knew I was going to pull out student loans, I made the
decision to ensure I would get a return on the investment of my education. I
decided to major in business to ensure I would have a job out of college.

2. $30 a week in
groceries

I’ve never been so financially stressed out in my life. I
budgeted and survived off $30 a week in groceries every week. I remember freaking out once because I
realized I had bought organic strawberries instead of normal ones, and
it put me over my budget. My friends thought I was so healthy for meal
planning and bringing a lunch to school every day. The truth was that was the
only food I could afford in a week. 

3. My Emotional
Relationship with the FAFSA

Every year when FAFSA gave out aid, I cried in anticipation,
sometimes happiness, but most of the time, in frustration. My junior
year, I remember receiving $8,000 in grant money and $2000 in scholarships and having enough to pay for tuition. I
only took out a few thousand dollars that year since I saved up all of my
Boeing internship money to pay for housing.
I bawled because I didn’t have to stress about paying for school that year.
Since I didn’t have to work part time, I spent junior year organizing the
TEDxUofW conference.


4. Academic Stress

I was a 3.11 average student. I was once asked if it’s because I didn’t
try hard enough…I gawked at the question because my 3.11 average GPA was
pouring my energy into my studies. I struggled to be the average in business
school classes (like accounting and finance) and excelled in my politics and
law societies and justice classes.

5. Fear of Rejection

I spent an incredible amount of time putting myself out there and
dealing with the fear of rejection. I spent the first two years of college
focusing all my efforts of getting into the business school. I almost didn’t
apply because I didn’t think I could get in with my GPA. It took my close
friends and advisors who encouraged me to just try and apply. I’m thankful for
my community, because if I hadn’t tried, I wouldn’t have gotten in.

6. Learning How to Overcome Failure

In addition with dealing my fears, putting myself out there also led me
to learn how to overcome failure. I literally tried out three times for the
University of Washington Cheer team, made it to finals, and was cut every year.
You can read about this experience here.


7. Work Ethic

I worked hard in high school and even harder in college.

I may have had the average GPA in college, but I was determined to make
the most of my education. In my four years at UW, I had worked a total of five
different jobs, completed four internships, and started blogging. I took pride
in running the Victoria’s Secret PINK program and co-organizing TEDxUofW. I was
also a part of Alpha Kappa Psi and UW Leaders. One of my best friend’s and
roommate in college said there was a fire that ignited in me. And I agree, I
was almost frantic as I threw myself into school and extra-curricular
activities.

My advice to any incoming freshman or current college students is to
ask yourself how to make the most out of this time in your life.

8. The Height of my Imposter
Syndrome

Though I’m thankful to develop a strong work ethic, I realize now that
the height of my imposter syndrome was in college. I over compensated in my
commitments and activities to make up for my insecurities of being in the
business school.

You can read about the truth of my imposter syndrome here.


9. Writing Became an Outlet

As I dealt with financial and academic stress, I turned to writing to
help deal with storms that would rage in my head. I began to write poetry and
journal – especially the height of my stresses. Sometimes I would share some
poetry with my mom or with my roommate. But most of my written pieces lived in
binders, study notes, and notebooks and was only read by my eyes only.


 

10. College was completely worth it

Even though college was financially, academically, and emotionally
stressful, I would not trade my experience for the world. I learned how to
stand up on my own, budget like crazy, and even run a business. College was a
space for me to learn how to fail and get back up. It was also a space for me
to pursue new interests and continuously challenge myself every quarter.

Most people go to college and expect they’ll get a degree and attend a
few parties along the way. I found that along that journey, I
also discovered my identity, I learned about other cultures, and realized I had
a voice.

I know I would not have the same perspective or be the person I am
today if I had not gone to college. I know it was a privilege for me to receive
a higher education. I know there many other prospective students out there who
wish they could go to college but may not have the resources or support system
to do so.

What are some of your college confessions?

Thank you for reading!

Love,

Emma

Photos: Miriam Subbiah