Para Mi Abuelo

Abstract

Alejandra Vargas grew up in a neighborhood in Los Angeles, California that consisted mainly of immigrant families, which meant she was never alone in her journey as a first-generation student. She was made aware early on of the challenges first-gens might face in the U.S. and was given access to an abundance of support resources. Still, it isn't easy to manage all the expectations placed upon first-gen students. Vargas recounts moments from her past to show there are many forms of success stories among the first-generation community, but also to examine the impossible standards first-gen students are expected to meet. Content Advisory: This narrative contains content that may be upsetting to readers, including references to depression, suicide, and sexual assault.