Student Portal
Donate

Tag: First-Gen

Headshots of Elaine, Leti, Gigi and text for From internships to job offers
Career and Job Resources

From internships to job offers: financial and career benefits of internships during college

A first-generation college grad, Elaine Fernandez completed five internships during college to explore fields like finance, marketing, and real estate. With her college degree in hand without any student loan debt, Elaine is now an engagement financial advisor. She is sharing her college and career story and her advice for the next generation of college grads.

Read More »
Making Waves Education Foundation December 9, 2024
Headshot of Giovanna and blue wave with text for Voices of Making Waves
News and Stories

From Social Change Major to Marketing and Storytelling Intern

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.”

Read More »
Giovanna Barragan December 8, 2024
Photo of Jezebelle in black shirt with arms on hips and text for Voices of Making Waves
News and Stories

A Wave-Maker’s Journey Researching Machismo Culture and Mental Health

As a sociology major at California State University, Stanislaus, Jezebelle Maldonado (she/her) chose an undergraduate research topic that wasn’t just about academics. It was personal. Now a first-generation college graduate with a bachelor’s degree to her name, Jezebelle is working in the healthcare field as a behavior technician and is considering a master’s degree in the future. “One thing I am taking with me from college is to not be afraid to build connections,” she said

Read More »
Making Waves Education Foundation December 7, 2024
Photos of Avery smiling on campus and working on fashion design with text for Fashion is Exploration, Meet Avery Tomlin with play button overlay
News and Stories

Fashion is exploration

A first-gen college grad, Avery Tomlin (he/him) chats about changing his college major and exploring his different career paths and passions – including fashion design – during college.

Read More »
Making Waves Education Foundation December 6, 2024
Headshots of America, Estefani, Simren, and Monica with text for Making the most of your college experience
Career and Job Resources

Advice for making the most of your college experience, straight from your peers

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.

Read More »
Making Waves Student Advisory Committee December 3, 2024
Two people chatting at table with text for Free career resources for college students and how to use them
Career and Job Resources

Free Career Resources Every College Student Should Know About

What is career coaching and how can you make the most of FREE career support while you’re in college? Whether exploring your options, reviewing your resume, or connecting you with internships – your campus’ career center and our Making Waves team provide lots of support, unique to you.

Read More »
Kaitlyn Endo October 31, 2024
Career and Job Resources

YES! It’s OK to Change Your Major 

After switching from being a computer science major to a design major at UC Davis, Avery Tomlin Ricondo is sharing factors to consider when choosing the best major for you.

Read More »
Avery Tomlin October 23, 2024