Valuable Life Lessons from an Immigrant College Student: The Impact of Tutors, Mentors, and Friends

Standing at the top of the escalator, I gazed at the Penn bookstore filled with school gear—t-shirts, baby clothes, shot glasses. Excitement and nerves surged through me. “I’m finally here,” I thought.

It was move-in day at the University of Pennsylvania. The moment we arrived in University City, anxiety washed over me. I was one of the few students from my public high school in New York City to be accepted to such an elite school. As the first in my immigrant family to attend an Ivy League institution, I knew I had a big responsibility.

When I got my acceptance letter, my family gathered in our small kitchen. My mom screamed in joy, my grandma had questions, and my dad called a close friend back home in Bangladesh to share the news. I overheard him say, “You grew up in Salimuddin Market. Now, your child is off to Penn.”

This was a moment of triumph for my family, who had sacrificed so much to move to the U.S. when I was nine. Now, four years later, I graduated magna cum laude in Political Economy from Penn. Reflecting on my time there, I want to share what I learned as a student from an immigrant background.

Use Academic Resources Wisely

My first year was tough. The coursework was more challenging than I expected. In high school, I excelled easily, but at Penn, I felt behind. I learned to speak up about needing help. Thankfully, I found free tutoring through the Weingarten Center. This resource changed my academic experience.

Build Your Community

Finding friends who share your background can make a huge difference. I began to connect with organizations like the South Asia Center and Penn First Plus. These groups provided a sense of belonging and a chance to meet people who understood my experience.

Networking Matters

Unlike many of my wealthier classmates, I lacked professional connections. But over time, I found mentors who guided me, especially those who understood the challenges of being a first-generation student. Discussions in classes like “Psychology of the African American” offered valuable perspectives and inspired my career path. I also used LinkedIn to reach out to alumni who were willing to share their advice.

You Belong Here

It’s easy to feel out of place in a school filled with privilege. But I met many incredible individuals from similar backgrounds. We were all working hard to change the narrative for our families. It’s important to recognize the courage it takes to navigate an environment that may not have been designed for us.

When faced with dismissive comments, like those questioning affirmative action, I learned to stand firm in my presence and value. Advocating for myself and others is crucial.

Honor Your Journey

I often reflect on my family’s struggles. My mom worked tirelessly to support us, sewing clothes for neighbors back in Bangladesh. Sometimes, it’s hard to enjoy success without feeling guilt. Yet, I also felt immense pride in being the first in my family to go to a place like Penn. I pushed myself, made genuine friends, and never lost sight of future opportunities.

At its core, attending an Ivy League school was about more than academics for me; it was about creating a new path for my family and honoring our journey.

Jahin Rahman is a first-generation college graduate from New York City. He studied Political Economy at the University of Pennsylvania and is passionate about education policy and advocating for equity.

Source link

jahin rahman,university of pennslyvania,ivy league,first generation college student,graduation