Jennifer is currently a junior with a double major in Business & Management and Spanish for the Professions, and a minor in Media Design. She is also interning in the Marketing and Communications office at Alverno and was asked to write an article about her experience. This is her story.
From a young age, I have faced and overcome adversity. Even though I was born in the United States, my family and I moved to Mexico for several years when I was three years old. Adapting to a different lifestyle and education system was hard, but after three years, we returned to the U.S. This adjustment was even more difficult as I did not speak English and had to adjust to a new culture and school environment.
Arriving in the middle of the academic year, I was nervous about making friends. Most of my classmates had already formed friendships while I knew no one, so I decided to focus entirely on my studies. To my surprise, I found a welcoming community, which helped me feel a sense of belonging. I had to take English as a Second Language (ESL) classes for several years, but through persistence and hard work, I became confident in my English skills and excelled academically.
As college application season approached, I was fortunate to have support from the Boys & Girls Club, my family and my teachers. Their guidance eased the process, but there were still some challenges I had to navigate on my own. Since my parents were unfamiliar with the application process, I took on the responsibility of explaining it to them.
My family encouraged me to attend Marquette University, as my sister was already a student there, but my heart was set on Alverno College. The school’s diversity and generous resources immediately stood out to me. From my first visit, I felt a unique sense of belonging that I had not experienced at any other institution. My enthusiasm grew with every tour, and I was eager to learn more about the school. Alverno also provided me with significant scholarship opportunities, and thanks to their support and external scholarships, my tuition is fully covered.
Choosing Alverno College was one of the best decisions I have made. For much of my life, I was in my sister’s shadow, but at Alverno, I have been recognized for my own potential. Many of my classmates are first-generation college students, which has allowed us to connect on a deeper level.
My first semester in college was challenging; I struggled to make friends and was only minimally involved in student organizations. However, during my second semester, I stepped out of my comfort zone. I became more engaged in campus life, co-founded First @ Alverno—a first-generation student organization, formed meaningful friendships, and actively participated in events.
Throughout my journey, I have encountered many obstacles, each making me stronger and teaching me valuable lessons. I have been fortunate to have support from others that has guided me in the right direction, but one of the most important factors in overcoming challenges has been believing in myself.
If I could offer one piece of advice, it would be to never give up, no matter how difficult the road ahead may seem. Trust your instincts and keep pushing forward. As a first-generation student, I have faced many challenges, but they have shaped me into a stronger, more resilient person. The reason I continue to achieve what once seemed impossible is because I stand strong and believe in myself.
