The past week, FLI week, Amherst College celebrated first-generation and low-income students by hosting several events. The activities ranged from taking professional headshots, a fireside chat with Professor Brittney Bailey, a FLI dinner, and much more. This week is meant to recognize those at Amherst College and across the world who have endured such a difficult journey through the education system that has not always been in support of the historically underrepresented. This week is dedicated to making FLI students feel seen and heard and to acknowledging the barriers that come with being first-generation and low-income. I share my story with this community too.
One of the events throughout this week that stood out to me was the FLI dinner. A couple of questions were posed to discuss with everyone at the table you were sitting at. It was very heart-warming. Many of us share stories about being bilingual and how we navigated that at the early age of four and five. Some of us share stories about the lack of teachers in our public schools. Many of us share several emotions, such as heartache but also happiness. Our journey of seeking education beyond high school ranges from anger and furiousness, but we also share moments of overwhelming joy when we see our college acceptance letters. Within this community, we all encourage ourselves to push beyond the obstacles we see on college campuses. Let’s be clear: colleges continue to be predominantly white spaces, and several divides beyond that, like the athlete/non-athlete divide. We share our stories and hope our voices are heard. This week is a testament to a form of mobilization in first-generation and low-income communities. Baby steps, as my mother says, are how we go about life.
I write this blog with much care and sensitivity. I am thankful for the sacrifices my parents have made and continue to go through for me to attend Amherst College. I am eternally grateful for their immense support, like many of us in the FLI community, for family/guardians/friends for believing in them. Let’s continue our journey and let our voices be heard.