Are any of you feeling the stress and expectations that come from being the among the first in your family to go to college? If so, I am like you. I am a first-generation college student, the second in my family to go to college.

This in and of itself makes me a rarity among my family members, many of whom who don’t understand what I am trying to accomplish or need to get done so I can succeed.

These pressures weigh on me and often make me question my decision to go back to college.

However, there is help for students like us. TRiO is a service at the school that provides support for first-generation students.

According to the school’s website, TRiO/Student Support Services is a federally-funded support program “created to increase student retention and graduation rates and to facilitate student transfer from Madison College to a four-year college or university.”

The TRiO/SSS Program at Madison College provides a network of academic support services that include:

• Study skill development to help students achieve academic success.

• Tutoring and/or supplemental instruction to help students master course content.

• Individualized academic, career and personal advising to help students develop professional skills, build confidence, and promote academic and personal success.

• Goal setting and development of a Personal Education Plan (PEP).

• Financial aid, financial literacy and scholarship assistance.

• Student success workshops, career guidance, campus tours and panel discussions.

• A peer-mentoring program (connecting TRiO students with first-year TRiO students).

• Transfer assistance and advising.

So, my fellow first-generation students, you don’t need to feel alone. We aren’t many, but the few of us here are a group.

TRiO is here to help you reach your full potential, and I highly recommend it for all first-generation students.