Navigating college as a first-generation student is a challenge, but as a parent of a first-generation student, you may feel totally in the dark. Until now, you have provided your child with helpful insights and guidance throughout their educational process. Now they are about to embark on a new journey, and you may feel that you can't fully share with them because it is uncharted territory even for you.

First-generation can be defined differently, but the term refers to students from families whose parents did not earn a four-year degree. According to a 2018 National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) report, a third of college students are first-generation.

While you may feel apprehensive about this big next step, you are not alone. Your student will have many resources and avenues for support available to them. Still, there are also places for you to find information, support, and peace of mind as your student continues their education journey.

There Are Resources Available

You won't have the answers to all your student's questions. While you may want to help them through everything, you may be at a loss about how college works. You are not a bad parent for not knowing. Even many parents who graduated from college can be confused by the college scene.

Don't be afraid to ask questions or encourage your student to ask them. You can contact your student's college for more information about room and board, cost, classes, tuition, scholarships, and more! The faculty and staff are on-site to provide you and your student with the answers to your questions, no matter how simple you may think it is.

Fortunately, many other parents have been in your shoes. People have gathered resources to facilitate and support your student's college experience from the admissions process to graduation!

• I'm First: is an online community forum dedicated to first-generation students. Their website features video stories from first-generation students, student-authored blogs, and colleges with resources and programs to support their first-gen students.
• Rise First: is a website with over 1,200 programs, scholarships, and tools curated to help and support first-generation low-income students and professionals.
• Center for First-Generation Student Success: is a website especially designed for first-generation students and their parents to help provide resources to all your questions. They offer peer support, scholarship information, tuition information, and family support.

Attend Orientation and Information Events

While you may think orientation day is just for your student, you are probably wrong. Most colleges offer information sessions for parents during orientation. So while your student is probably learning about Title IX policies, academic resources, and possibly applying for on-campus jobs, you will have the opportunity to learn more about financial aid and the billing process, FERPA privacy laws, campus safety and security, academic support, and move-in day. Not only will it give you a chance to learn more about school policy, but you can also ask specific questions during that time.

Attending orientation will also give you the chance to explore your student's school in more depth. In addition to helping them move into their new dorm room, most schools offer campus tours throughout the day. Even if you already had a tour when you first applied, it is a good idea for you and your student to take advantage of the opportunity to get a better lay of the land and be more comfortable with the surroundings.

Remind Your Student You Are There

Just because your student is starting a new chapter without you doesn't mean they no longer need you. If your student is moving away, it will be more challenging to visit them or drop off a home-cooked meal, but in the modern age of social media, there are many other ways to connect. Stay in touch via phone call, text message, or Zoom. Ask how they are doing and all about their college courses and experiences!

A simple care package can go a long way. You would be surprised how something as simple as snacks or a reminder of home can mean so much to your student when you are far away. While phone calls and messages mean a lot, sometimes a surprise letter or package can mean the most to your student.

Let Your Student Be a Student

You are sending your child into an unknown environment with unexpected experiences. It can be frightening as a parent, and your instinct may be to monitor their situation and experiences. Even if you have the best intentions, becoming a helicopter parent will undermine your relationship with your student.

While you can still reach out to your students, you must trust them. There are so many new things that they will experience, and you want to be able to share that with them. You have to be comfortable knowing they are growing up and are independent. Even if you relied on your student while they were in high school, you have to give them more freedom when they are in college. Yes, it is a big adjustment, but in the end, you and your student will thank you.

Be patient with yourself and your student- this is a huge change for both of you!

Know That You Are Still Loved

Even though you can't share college stories with your student, it doesn't mean you are no longer helpful or loved. It can be easy to play a comparative game. However, just because your student will hopefully attain a college degree doesn't mean they are better than you.

College is not a replacement for family, and your student knows that. While you may not have the same experiences as your student, they will still need you and want you. Trust me, I have lived in enough dorms to hear how much young adults need their parents.

By always believing in them and encouraging them throughout their education, you will foster positivity throughout their college years. They made it this far with your support, and they will continue to succeed with your support. Make sure you share their excitement and make this journey with them.