“Sometimes lab research can feel very impersonal, but I really enjoy the interpersonal interactions and the community aspect of science,” shared Ysabel David (she/her), a first-gen college student and graduating senior at Scripps who is sharing about her path finding community and pursuing her passions for science, dance, and DEIB.
Giovanna Barragan, a first-gen college student at USC, celebrates first-gen student day. “For me, being first-gen is to be an example for the generations after me. It means showing them that they can go for their dreams and break barriers. It’s like a special title that honors my family’s sacrifices while also planting new seeds.”
College life can feel like an endless grind of classes, assignments, work, and social commitments. But don’t stress — there’s a way to balance it all while still making time for yourself. Here’s advice from the Making Waves Student Advisory Committee to help you crush your goals, avoid burnout, and make the most of your college experience.
Moderated by Bay Area reporter Stephanie Lin, this panel brings together college students and college grads who are sharing about their experiences building community in college, at their jobs, and beyond.
What do you want to focus on this term to help you achieve your bigger plans for college graduation and beyond? Dive into goal setting tips and student examples from Ayasha Tripp, senior college coach manager.
Whether you are entering your first or last year of college, or are somewhere in between, I hope these tips help you make friends and find community on your college campus.
The scholarships and coaching from Making Waves made attending UC Berkeley attainable for first-gen college student Ale Paz, who has found community on campus, studied abroad, and completed a global internship. “College has given me so much freedom to explore these opportunities and figure out what’s best for me. It’s been a great journey,” Ale said.
“I didn’t feel like I belonged in higher ed,” said Alejandro Diaz, a Wave-Maker and UC Davis graduate who shares tips for overcoming imposter syndrome in college.
Throughout 2023-24, the Making Waves student advisory committee provides feedback and solutions for Wave-Maker specific program initiatives, student engagement efforts, and program policies and procedures.
As Making Waves college coaches, we partner with students to help them navigate higher education. Common barriers include the hidden curriculum of higher education, imposter syndrome, and different types of learning in college, such as course schedules, office hours, and networking with professors. Here are tips to overcome these challenges to reach your college and career goals.
Our students partner with Making Waves coaches to navigate resources, reflect on their experiences, and chart a path forward toward their goals. All of this is rooted in agency and encouraging choice to reinforce informed decision-making. Coaches partner with you in pursuing options that feel attainable with support.
