Why I Want To Be A First Generation College Student

Research became an integral part of my life over the course of one summer when I took part in the McNair Post Baccalaureate Achievemnet Program. This program lasted approximately two months but that short amount of time drastically changed everything I had planned for my future. After the program, I changed my undergraduate major, I altered the extracirriculars I was involved in, and my career goals shifted drastically from the plan I had in place. As a first generation college student, my perspective of possible career options was limited an did not include continued academic pursuits. Through the McNair program, my eyes were opened to a new realm of opportunities. For the longest time I had a simple understanding of what "research" truly
I would like to pursue graduate education so that I can not only obtain the skills necessary to conduct higher level research but also, because study at a university like NC State will connect to the individuals who will provide me this quality education and who will open avenues previously closed to me. Despite my investment in my research projects, several statistics courses, and various experiences in presenting my research I am fully aware that I do not possess the full gambit of skills necessary, nor am I as proficient in the skills that I do have, in order to conduct higher level research. I had the chance to visit NC State this past fall and learn more about the program from faculty, staff, and graduate students in the Psychology department. The practical approach of various aspects of the program from the dissertation process to the focus of research projects quickly made the program my number one choice. I believe that my personal learning style would be served best by the NC State program and that I would emerge as a well-trained
I have had the chance to serve as a tutor, a peer advisor, and as a teaching assistant for a variety of courses while I was an undergraduate and in my current role as an AmeriCorps VISTA. Through these positions, I had to chance to lead class periods and I have found that I enjoy teaching at the university level, as compared to the times that I have helped with elementary and middle school classes. I fully enjoy seeing students finally understand a concept they have had trouble with and connecting students with their passion. Watching them take that spark and ignite it into something much larger than themselves has been one of the most rewarding