My name is Denise Sanchez, and I am a second-year at Northwestern University. I am a coordinator for CLAVE and participate in Ritmo de Mis Ancestros: Ballet Folklorico: a Mexican dance group on campus. I am a first-generation, low-income (FGLI) student at Northwestern. I am here to share my experience as an FGLI student at Northwestern, and talk to you about the resources I have used throughout my first year.

Common Struggles for FGLI Students

Being an FGLI student at any institution has its difficulties. However, Northwestern has the resources to ensure that you are supported every step of the way. Within the first few weeks of stepping into campus, I met students with different backgrounds. While noticing that Northwestern has a growing diversity within its student body, I also realized that many students did not share the same socioeconomic status as me. My parents did not attend college, and my sister and I are the first people in my family to pursue higher education. Therefore, it was sometimes difficult for me to find people I related to. However, this did not stop me from meeting new people and joining extracurricular activities that matched my interests. In addition, Northwestern provides FGLI students with many opportunities and resources to make their adjustment to college life much easier.

Northwestern Assistance for FGLI Students

Within my first week at Northwestern, I learned about Northwestern’s Student Enrichment Services (SES). SES assists FGLI students with issues related to financial aid, academic support, and student wellness and even helps students obtain FREE winter gear for the cold winter months. SES also hosts FGLI Friday, where FGLI students reunite each month on campus and bond with one another while enjoying some delicious food. In addition, QUEST+ is a student-run organization that creates events for FGLI students throughout the school year. There are various opportunities for FGLI students to meet one another and go through their Northwestern experience with assistance from others.

Four Key Pieces of Advice for FGLI Students 

1. Ask for help: If you are struggling with academics, financial aid, and mental health, use the campus’s resources. If you have difficulty in classes, sign up for office hours, peer mentor groups, and assist open study groups. Not only will this help you be successful, but it will also help you foster relationships with professors and teaching assistants in your classes. It is also a great way to meet new people and make friends on campus.
2. Explore your non-academic interests: While many students choose to join clubs based on their study area, consider following your interests outside of school. With over 500 student groups and organizations there is something for everybody! For example, join a dance team on campus if you like dancing. Likewise, if you have a passion for arts or music, there are endless opportunities for groups on campus.
3. It is okay if you don’t find your people right away: If you don’t have an established friend group during the first week of college, that is okay!!!  There are many opportunities to meet new people on campus your first year. Between your classes, clubs, or organizations, you will have many opportunities to meet new people and make friends. It all takes time, do not stress yourself out too much!
4. Make sure you are ready for the winter: Winters at Northwestern are cold and snowy. When you pack your bags, make sure you pack a thick winter jacket, gloves, snow boots, and a hat. If you have trouble buying winter clothing, do not forget to contact SES for free winter gear!

Being an FGLI student can have its challenges. Just remember that you are not alone in this process. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me at nu.ambassadors.clave@gmail.com

 

GO CATS!
	Denise Sanchez CLAVE Coordinator Chicago, IL Second-Year SESP: Social Policy