Attending college isn’t just about themselves: It’s about their families and future generations, say first-generation BYUH students
Being the first in her family to attend college comes with pressure and pride, said Lusila Lealii E’e, a senior studying Pacific Island Studies from New Zealand. She shared one of the biggest challenges is doing things independently. “Because I hadn’t had people before me [to attend college,] I had to figure out everything. It was hard because it felt lonely at times,” she said. Despite these challenges, E’e said she found ways to adapt and thrive as she accepted her mother’s advice to consistently attend the temple, surround herself with those she loved and do her best in her studies.
Thrilled but tested
Recalling her acceptance to BYU–Hawaii, E’e said, “I remember I got the acceptance letter around April 2021. It was just over a year after my mission and COVID was still looming. We were all living in uncertain times, and I wasn’t even sure I’d be able to go.” The acceptance letter brought a sense of purpose and excitement during a time of uncertainty, she added.
Haley Cowan, a senior majoring in elementary education from Taylorsville, Utah, said she feels her family’s pride and support when she decided to go to college. “Since being a student, I have felt how proud my family is of me. This goes back to even aunts and uncles, grandparents and even my ancestors,” she shared. The connection to her family’s sacrifices and hopes is a powerful motivator, she shared.
Cowan said she wasn’t accepted the first time she applied to BYUH, which was difficult because she felt strongly she was meant to be there. “After some time, I decided to apply again and was accepted. I can’t explain the spirit I felt confirming this was exactly where I needed to be,” she said, reflecting on the resilience that brought her to campus.
Being a first-generation college student felt overwhelming at times, she said, especially knowing her education could shape her future.
It’s been hard not having people in my family who have gone through the same experiences.
The homesickness and the weight of expectations were significant hurdles, but she said her determination kept her going.
Malia Ekuasi, a junior from Tonga majoring in business management said, “Starting school was super exciting because it felt like it was the beginning of a new chapter for me.” Reflecting on her challenges as a first-generation college student, she said, “No one really prepared me for all the endless homework, assignments, stress, hair loss and sleepless nights. It was a new environment and lifestyle that I had to discover on my own,” she explained. The transition was tough, but it also brought growth and resilience, she added.
Support systems and family connections
E’e’s friends became her family away from home, she shared, “They have helped me to stay focused in school but more importantly stay gospel focused,” she added. Through consistent check-ins, gatherings, ventings and time together through video calls and chats, she shared a strong sense of support and love, feeding my soul with words of encouragement daily. It has increased her confidence to keep pushing forward day after day, she said.
For Cowan, her parents were her biggest supporters. “They have helped me in more ways than I could’ve ever asked or hoped for. They are always checking in on me and encouraging me to keep going with my education,” she said. Their sacrifices and encouragement were a constant source of strength, she added,
College changed Ekuasi’s perspective on family. “Being in college opened my eyes to understand the world differently and also understand my family. It helped humble me and helped me connect and understand each and every one of my family members,” she said, and deepening her appreciation for her loved ones.
Advice for new students
Believing in the reward of perfect assignments when done ahead of time, Ekuasi’s advised students to avoid procrastination and be on top of deadlines when it comes to completing school work. E’e advised new students to enjoy every moment. “Prioritize school of course, but don’t let that hold you back from being in the moment and having fun. Time is so precious here and goes by way too fast,” she said.
Cowan’s advice is to embrace learning from every experience. “This goes deeper than just the education. It is the connections with people from all over the world, the work opportunities that connect you to new cultures, the spiritual experiences, and embracing the fact that things change and that’s okay,” she advised.