I am a first generation student reared in a community where attending college was advocated, but for many persons it was a dream. Generations before me had this desire. However, it can be difficult to materialize dreams, hopes, and aspirations when we perceive our circumstances are stronger than our desires. It is easy for individuals accustomed to adversity to become hopeless, and this generalization poses some validity because I was one of those individuals. As the poverty cycle continued to perpetuate in my community, my desire to achieve became stronger.
