Miguel Vazquez-Espinoza, freshman in engineering, shared a brief experience of being a first-generation student in a guest column for the Voices section.

My name is Miguel Vazquez-Espinoza and I am a first-generation college student.

My parents were not able to attend college because of their financial situation when they were younger, but they still worked hard so my sister and I could attend college, this is their dream as well as mine.

Being in this situation I feel more pressure to do well in college, so I can make my parents feel like their hard work is paid off and make them proud. I also use this as motivation whenever I am struggling and just want to quit, this is one of my top reasons as to why I am so determined to get a college degree.

To me being the first in my family to attend college means a better future for my family, the ability to provide support to my siblings and the beginning of a college education for future generations in my family.