Being a first-generation student is not an easy path. “It’s very nerve wracking. [It] makes you nervous because you don’t know if you’re going to be able to succeed because you don’t really have much of a role model… Even though your parents try their best and they might not have had the opportunities that you have now, you still don’t have something to go off of. So, you have to learn everything by yourself,” said Asialis Torres, an NECC student who is majoring in education with a concentration in elementary school.  

Sometimes the support comes from only one member of the family. 

“Just my mom” answered nervously Lemuel Del Valle, a computer science student, when I asked if he had family or friends who supported him as a  first-gen student.   

Emotional support is absolutely important when making what can be a life changing decision. “My mom and my grandma, especially my mom who lives in the area. She helped me the most emotionally … They want to make sure that I finish college because they want me to get better,”  Oscar Mejia, a computer science student, said with a serious expression like he was carefully choosing his words. 

However, there are situations where the person who inspires to pursue a professional career is not a family member.  

“I first started at 18, right after high school. I didn’t know what I was doing in college. I had no help. I had no navigation,” said Yulissa Diaz Arias, a business transfer major.  

Diaz Arias dropped out after two semesters, but she is back. Life seems to call for a second chance and she is determined this time. It took her five years, working in various jobs, and the voice of a teacher who worked in the same company. “She was the one who encouraged me to go back to school,” Diaz Arias said. 

Diaz Arias has two jobs, as cashier in a drugstore, and as assistant in a community organization that helps kids. 

These interviewees were part of a cohort of PACE students visiting Suffolk University on Friday Nov. 8, the National First-Generation College Student Day. 

After the tour around the Bostonian buildings of different schools of Suffolk University, the group was invited to join the First-Gen celebration. Food, music and bits of history about the TRIO program were served. NECC students and Suffolk’s undergrads enjoyed the camaraderie and good vibes, and some, including this reporter, joined the dance floor.  

TRIO gets its name from three programs: Upward Bound, Talent Search and Student Support Services. “Today, there are eight TRIO programs, all focused on supporting students who are first-generation, low-income, or have disabilities,” stated one of the fact cards placed on the nicely decorated tables around the dim light room.  

In NECC, PACE which stands for Pathways to Academic & Career Excellence, is a Student Support Services program funded by a TRiO grant from the U.S. Department of Education.  

In essence, PACE honors its initials by assisting first-gen students to achieve their career goals.  

After Torres reflected on her challenging beginning, she said, “Being in NECC helps me to have the support that I need. Especially with PACE you feel supported by people that know what they’re doing. They know how to help you succeed and make sure you get there.” 

Mejia share a similar start. “It was hard. I didn’t know I could withdraw from a class,” he said.  He was having a hard time keeping up with one course. “But then asking people and getting into PACE, they helped me out and I feel better now,” he said. 

Mejia added, “Actually I like PACE, it helps in different ways transferring. Especially now I have a complicated situation to transfer. Also, with going on field trips to realize which college I want to go.” 

Del Valle relaxed through the conversation and confessed with a smile “I go everyday (to PACE office) ‘Pa’comer’  (‘to eat’ in Spanish) on my lunchtime … and my favorite is Esther.”  

With “just her mom” as the one and only supporter and cheerleader, Del Valle is on a good track. He is a highly competitive athlete and is on the Dean’s List.  

Last September Del Valle’s participation in a competition held at Gordon College  for the NECC men’s cross-country team was mentioned, text and photo, on the Eagle Tribune newspaper.   

Del Valle also is on the Trace Track team for long distance. He aims to transfer with a full scholarship as an athlete.  

Looking for less commute, Torres is considering transferring to UMass Lowell, “probably it’s the most convenient, it would be only 20 minutes from home,” she says. 

In contrast, Diaz Arias considers Suffolk University a great option to transfer, and she’d love to have the city living/studying experience. 

“I just started, and I feel it’s better now than it was back then because I know what I want to do. I am more mature,” said Diaz Arias confidently.  

Esther Peralta, Dominican born same as Del Valle, together with Jessica Rocker and Christine Carbone led by Kristin Arnold, the PACE team is ready to help you. If you are a first-gen student, you are not alone, visit PACE for a snack or career advice or both at Student Center building SC213 in Haverhill campus. For Lawrence campus, please make an appointment at pace@necc.mass.edu.