Daniel, a junior at Mercy University specializing in computer science, believes that going to college has always been about more than just getting a degree.
It is a significant occasion for his whole family as well as for him. Daniel, a first generation college student, is juggling the burden of responsibility and the thrill of opportunity as he navigates a world his parents were never able to experience. Daniel was always interested in how things operated as a child. He was as interested in learning the coding underlying video games as other children were in spending hours playing them.
“Back then, I had no idea it was called computer science. I simply enjoyed solving puzzles and resolving issues.”
When it came time to select a major, computer science seemed like the obvious choice because that curiosity eventually developed into a passion. Stats show from Best college ” Nearly 40 percent of undergraduates in a bachelor’s degree program (about 38 percent) were first generation college students in 2020.
But picking a college was not an easy choice. Being the first person in his family to go to college, Daniel had to overcome obstacles outside of the classroom. Many facets of college life were unknown, from comprehending course prerequisites to completing financial aid forms.
He remarked, “No one at home could explain how it worked. I had to study a lot by myself.”
Mercy University swiftly established itself as a hub of opportunity and assistance. Daniel attributes his success to the support of professors, advisors, and campus resources. Because of the smaller class numbers, he was able to establish a rapport with his instructors, who encouraged him to raise questions and seek assistance as soon as possible.
Daniel remarked, “I never felt like just a number at Mercy. I promised not to disappoint my family.
Another difficulty has been juggling employment, school, and family obligations. Daniel has a strong sense of duty to make his family proud, just like many first generation students.
He clarified, “There is pressure, but it motivates me.”
I want to demonstrate to them the value of all the sacrifices.”
Daniel frequently spends late nights learning how to code and do troubleshooting applications, but he never loses sight of the end result. Daniel has been exposed to programming languages, data structures, and problem solving techniques as a Computer Science major, all of which he believes will be useful in the workplace. Projects that let him apply what he learns to actual situations particularly appeal to him ever since high school where his program involved a lot of coding and technology. He grinned and remarked, “It’s the best feeling when something finally works after hours of trying.”
Daniel wants to motivate those who are similar to him outside of the classroom. He frequently speaks with friends and younger students who are unsure about attending college and wanting to pursue something else.
He remarked, “I tell them that being first generation doesn’t mean you don’t belong.”
It simply indicates that you were the first to open the door. Daniel intends to work in technology in the future, either in cyber security or software development.
Additionally, he is thinking about going to graduate school, which was previously unthinkable.
“I didn’t even know people like me could think that far ahead before Mercy or even after high school,” he remarked. “I feel like I have more options now.”
Daniel’s path serves as an example of tenacity, resolve, and the value of education. His narrative is representative of the experiences of several first generation Mercy University students who are transforming not just their own destinies but also the possibilities for future generations.
Every project finished and class passed is more than just an academic accomplishment for Daniel. It is evidence that he is capable, that he belongs, and that he is creating a legacy that began with one courageous stride through Mercy’s doors.
