Welcome to The Ultimate First-Gen

Calling all First-Generation College Students

Hey everyone,

I’m Shawn—a first-generation college student who’s made just about every mistake imaginable. I’ve felt the doubt of being a first-gen student during those “I don’t belong here” moments, and I’ve experienced many of the other struggles first-gen students often face, like working multiple jobs while being a full-time student. Through it all, I’ve made it to where I am today—graduated with my undergraduate degree and am now starting this Substack to help others do the same.

1. Why I’ve decided to write this

I’m creating this space because I never had something like it myself when I needed it the most. No one told me how to talk to professors, sign up for classes, or navigate financial aid. No one warned me about burnout—or how to prevent it while being a full-time student working multiple jobs. There wasn’t a roadmap to success for me to follow. And I know I’m not the only one. First-gen students are some of the most determined and resourceful people out there—but we often walk the path of higher education alone and without a roadmap. I want to change that.

This Substack is my way of paying it forward—by sharing the advice I wish someone had given me when I first stepped on campus.

2. What You Can Expect

100% free. Always.

Every Sunday evening, I’ll share a short, straight-to-the-point post packed with high-value content. These posts will avoid all of the fluff to save you time and energy while still providing tons of value. Think of these posts as a quick “head start” for your week. Plus, it’s completely free to subscribe, and all page content will be free for you to use. Each post will share the ultimate goal of helping you survive and thrive in college.

Here’s some of what I’ll be sharing:

• Practical tips you can actually use—no clickbait junk

• Advice on managing your time, money, and energy

• Personal stories from my college experiences

• Resources and tools to make college less overwhelming

• Insights from my book in progress (The Ultimate Guide for First-Gen Students)

Whether you’re just starting out or in your senior year, these posts are built to help you at any point in your journey.

3. If You’re Here, You Belong

You’re not alone in being a first-gen college student. This Substack is about more than just helpful advice—we’re building a strong community of first-generation students who can lift each other up.

This space is for you if:

• You’re the first in your family to go to college

• You’ve ever struggled, felt lost, behind, or out of place in college

• You want straight-to-the-point advice from someone who’s been down this path, fallen, and kept going

• You want to help support a loved one who is the first in your family to go to college

Thanks so much for joining me. I’m excited to build something meaningful with all of you.

I’ll see you next Sunday.

-Shawn