ASU First Gives Insight for First Generation College Potentials

Kimberly Borrego, a sophomore at Ozona High School has big plans for her future, plans that involve the Lion becoming a ram, and maybe even a red raider.

“I’m a first-year student, I would want to push myself to graduate college because that is something that would make my parents proud,” said Borrego.

Like the rest of the ASU First attendees, Borrego is part of a group of students that will be the first generation in their family to attend and/or graduate college. Organizations like the Multicultural Center at Angelo State University put on events such as ASU First to give high school students a new perspective on college.

“We got a chance to connect with them,” explained Emily Banda, ASU senior and student leader. “They definitely got the student perspective from the student leaders.”

Banda and other student leaders gave the potential freshman tours, as well as answered any questions they might have had regarding ASU or college in general.

“I think that’s important for that interaction and to ask us why we chose ASU,” she stated. “It might not be the right fit for you, but it was to us, and we explained that to them.”

ASU First did not simply give a tour, but covered a myriad of issues that plague potential freshman, such as admissions, financial aid, FAFSA applications and campus jobs.

One thing in particular that many praised was the "College: 101 Student Perspective," in which Student leaders answered diversified questions.

“We learned about the college life and what made it different from high school,” said Borrego. “Here you have to learn what to do with your time.”

One example she gave was that her parents will not be going to college with her and telling her to do her homework--it’s something she must do on her own. However, Borrego relishes the challenge and is excited about the new academic and social opportunities

“I’m excited about the different people to meet, the friends to make,” she smiled, then mentioned that the academic challenges and life lessons would be fun to learn.

Borrego’s excitement was the same as Banda’s, though from a different perspective.

“It was not a recruiter, it was not 'come to ASU,'” Banda stated. “The majority were interested in campuses and colleges in general, but at the end of the event, most of them were excited about applying to ASU.”

While Banda was joyful at the potential new rams, she reiterated the importance of visiting campuses and discovering what college life will be like for upcoming freshman.

“Don’t settle, go out there and see what fits you best,” said Banda with  assurance.