A First-Generation College Student’s Basic Needs
College always felt like an unattainable dream for someone like me. Growing up in a household struggling to make ends meet, relying on SNAP and Medicaid, college seemed like a distant reality. Unlike my peers, who went off to pursue their degrees after high school graduation a decade ago, I began searching for jobs. For seven years, I worked full-time before circumstances shifted, pointing me toward a college education. I understood that to afford school, I needed to become a full-time student to qualify for financial aid. Becoming a full-time, first-generation college student at 25 was intimidating, especially when it meant leaving the financial stability and health insurance provided by my full-time job. Transitioning to a part-time job with no benefits left me once again relying on food stamps and Medicaid to meet my basic needs. The constant anxiety over finances and my inability to provide for myself made me question whether staying in school full-time was feasible. During a particularly tumultuous period in my life, which forced me to move out of my apartment over winter break hastily, I turned to counseling through my campus’ mental health center. Without the guidance and support of my counselor, I’m not sure I would have made it through. Free weekly sessions provided a lifeline I couldn’t afford elsewhere. Unfortunately, the same upheaval resulted in my SNAP benefits being terminated. As I navigate re-applying for assistance during my spring semester, I am grateful for the resources offered by my school, such as weekly appointments at the food pantry. Access to these services has been crucial in sustaining me through this challenging time. When colleges prioritize the basic needs of their student body, they ensure that students can remain in school and achieve their degrees. More importantly, they save lives. In just one more year, I will become the first person in my family to earn a college degree, a feat made possible only through the support I’ve received during these difficult times. Jaimee Wieber (she/they) is a first-generation college student at the College of Staten Island, pursuing their BSSW with a Minor in Disability Studies. Jaimee is passionate about advocacy and strives to create meaningful changes within their community for underserved populations, particularly those with developmental disabilities.