The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) has a large number of first-generation students, with 50% of fall 2025 registrants being the first in their immediate family to pursue a higher education degree. The National First Gen Celebration Day, celebrated on Nov. 8, recognizes their efforts, perseverance and impact.
Evelyn Rodriguez is a first-generation student who moved to the United States from Mexico with her family to attend college. Her admission to UTEP was a significant event for her and her loved ones.
“It was very emotional and special for me because I felt like it was something only I could accomplish. I‘m the youngest of four siblings, and my mom didn‘t even graduate from high school. So, my high school graduation was one thing, but getting into UTEP was a big deal among my entire family. Everyone was proud that I got into college,” Rodriguez said.
But the path was not without its hurdles. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form is one of the most stressful aspects of college preparation for many students. For those that are first-gen, the application process tends to be even more difficult.
“It was hard because I mostly did everything on my own. When I was in high school, others were helped by parents because they had already done it, or they had siblings or even cousins who knew how to do it. But I didn’t,” Rodriguez said.
She paid for her freshman year out of pocket, which taught her to be more frugal with money and prompted her to seek assistance from the university.
According to Rodriguez, first-generation students can’t afford to stay shy; despite the wish to do things independently, the lack of understanding of what is going on or what they need to do forces them to come out of their shell or risk falling behind.
Rodriguez is currently a work-study at UTEP, which has helped her maintain financial stability, expand her social network, and even grow her school spirit.
Being the only person in her household with a college degree and fluency in English, has come with additional obligations. Since her parents bought a home, she has been in charge of overseeing many legal matters.
“If [my parents] get a letter from the government, I have to read it and make sure I’m doing whatever they’re asking for. Like during tax season, I’m the one who checks everything and does things,” Rodriguez said. “They believe that I know everything because I’m in college, and sometimes I’m like, ‘I’ve never seen this paper in my life. I don’t know what it means, and I don’t know how I can help you,’ but since I’m in college and I understand English, they are like, ‘Well, you must.’”
Rodriguez has found a silver lining to the situation, as she now believes that having more responsibilities is showing her more ways to succeed in life. Her father initially pushed her to follow a medical-related career, but she soon realized that nursing was not for her and changed her major to organization and corporate communication, with a minor in education. This shift in direction has fueled her determination to demonstrate that it is worthwhile pursuing a career that she is truly passionate about.
“Sometimes I do get tired, but I’m proving to myself and my family that I can do it and that I‘ll be the first to do it [graduate college],” Rodriguez said. “I think that’s what keeps me going.”
For Daniela Felix, who is expected to graduate in December 2025, getting accepted into college meant a chance to create a new future for herself and for her family since they did not have the same opportunity to continue their education after high school as she did.
“My family is what motivated me. I really want to, like every Hispanic child—who doesn’t want to buy their family a new house or a new car? So, they have been my main motivation,” Felix said.
Just like Rodriguez, she struggled during the process to recieve financial aid, but juggling everything was, to her, the most challenging part. Felix was in the midst of her parents’ divorce when she began her college journey, taking five classes that left her with an average of nine to 12 assignments per week, as well as an internship and a job. There was no handbook she could follow, so she struggled both mentally and emotionally with the adjustments.
Felix made sacrifices, such as not attending many gatherings and not having enough spare time, but she would constantly remind herself that it’s all worth it because the time in college is temporary yet critical. Her parents aren’t particularly strict with her, but she does tend to put pressure on herself and worry about the future.
“Sometimes I‘m like, ‘I got this, no worries.’ But then other times I‘m like, ‘Oh my gosh, what am I going to do with my life?’ Like, am I even going to succeed?” Felix said.
To stay sane in the face of everything that is going on in her life, she routinely walks around her neighborhood park to distract her mind and tries to get a change of scenery as often as possible. She has also felt happier since joining IGNITE, an on-campus organization where she has developed close friends. Furthermore, she appreciates how much UTEP has laid out the groundwork for her career, as she intends to apply to law school following graduation.
Felix has gained a lot of wisdom over the years and offers some advice for those first-generation students who are just starting their college journey.
“Take your time. It’s hard. It’s something new. No one can prepare you for anything that you‘re going to experience here. Give yourself grace, be understanding with yourself, and take breaks. If you’re falling behind, reach out to someone. If it’s a professor or a classmate, they’re going to help,” Felix said.
For both women, their identity as first-generation students has impacted their college experience in ways that have tested their resilience, but as a result, they were able to realize how capable they really are. It has empowered and prepared them for the future.
To honor first-generation miners and help them thrive in their careers, UTEP held a resource fair for them on Nov. 5 at the Union Plaza Breezeway.
Brisa Silva is a contributor and may be reached at [email protected]
