First-Generation College Student

I grew up in a tight-knit Cuban family. My parents immigrated from Cuba to the United States in the late 1960s.  Their primary goal was to provide their children, my two sisters and I, with a college education so we could have the opportunity to pursue any dream that we desired. 

My dream, the American Dream, was to become a first-generation college student.

Throughout elementary school, high school, and college, I confronted my own fears of failure. Having a family that instilled the importance of education from a very young age led me to aspire to succeed in college. My aspirations kept me motivated and enabled me to resist my own fears of failure. Ultimately, I graduated with an undergraduate degree from a well-known university.

Graduating from college opened doors to opportunities that I would not have had otherwise. I quickly realized the importance of having a college degree when I began to interview for jobs and the first question was “Do you have a college Degree?” It allowed me to have the option to choose any career I desired.  

In becoming a first-generation college student, I became the American Dream.  I made my parents and family proud. Most importantly, I am proud of myself for overcoming my fears and not giving up on this journey.  My actions will now set an example for my own children as they become older and learn to navigate the world around them. 

- Jose Tano