First-gens: how is your experience so far?

We are looking into the sometimes tough - but magical - world of first-gen PhDs. Plus, the Music Highlight

Are you first-gen too?

Sounds kinda cool, right? What is it?

(Image created with AI)

If you are first-gen, you are a first-generation PhD which means that no one else knows your family has one.

You are the first! The great stuff:

• Your family - including yourself - can be very proud of you. I know I wouldn’t be anywhere though without the support of my friends and family!

• With your experience, you can help the next generation get a PhD - your kids, your nieces and nephews, your godkids or any younger people who come your way.

• You can be a great role model for others who want to do a PhD - it’s incredible who you can inspire.

You are the first! The challenges - and solutions:

• There is no one in your family - or immediate environment - who has gone down the road of obtaining a PhD, so some challenges arise: you may not know how to conduct proper research, you may not have access to simple things like books or resources and so on. Make sure you are near people who have done it! Reach out to people face to face - or don’t be afraid to do it on social media - and ask away. Share your concerns! Build a community. You will be amazed at how many people who have not even met you in real life will offer to help you! I’m so grateful for everyone who has replied to me and offered me so much help.

• You may have to move away from your family and loved ones in order to pursue a PhD. Make sure you keep in touch - in our world of so much tech we can now videocall and you won’t miss them as much! Build a community where you are - to make friends and have a support network, not only for your PhD but for any feelings of loneliness that may arise.

• You might feel like an outsider in the PhD environment. Remember - you definitely are not. Stick close with people you can trust and feel free to ask about anything. And also remember that you also know a lot and carry more experience in various aspects of life and work as well.

The Music Highlight

As I have mentioned in a previous post, I love Kendrick Lamar and I had his music on rotation all through my MA dissertation writing process. I know this specific song has been written for another very serious purpose, but I will use the title to let all you first-gens out there know: we’re gonna be alright!