Get free college & career mentoringSign Up Now

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.

College Budgeting for First-Years: Out-of-Pocket Expenses

Before starting college, I mainly worked jobs to save money for tuition and books since I knew that college itself would be a financial burden on my...

My Last (Amazing) Spring Break!

As an international student, spring break has always felt like one of those things you hear about in movies—but this year, I actually got to live...

New Year, New Me

Hola!  I am back to write another blog which will be about my new year resolutions. Can’t believe that we are in 2025. With this new year, I...

From Rest to Reset: Transitioning From Winter Break to the New Semester

The three week long luxury of sleeping in comes to an end in mid-January as we return back to school from a well-deserved break. In high school, I...

Freshman Year Tips

Hola!  I am beyond excited to write my first post! (It's ironic, isn't it, since this is the “I’m First blog"). But, on a more serious note,...

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