Geo Flores Peralta’s First-Gen Journey

What Does Being First-Gen Mean to You?

Being “first-generation” signifies much more than being the first in my family to attend college. My definition of first-gen is being the first in my family to understand that I am unique; the first to fully grasp that I need to work for what I want; the first to fight against the stigmas and preconceived notions within my family; the first to understand that anything is possible; the first to achieve the successes my ancestors could only dream of; the first to be able to get an education and use it for good; and the first to be born in this country and pave my own path rather than fall into the “cookie-cutter” mold of other paths.

Being a first-generation person, to me, means finally breaking free from the chains that said I couldn’t earn a college degree and that I was destined to work a menial job for the rest of my life.

I am a first-generation Mexican American who wants to give my future kids a better life than the one my dad and uncle grew up in. Being first-gen means being the first to show the world that it is possible to thrive despite all the obstacles placed in the way of families like mine as we work to achieve our dreams.

Being first-gen means embracing el orgullo hispano (“Hispanic pride”) after years of trying to suppress my background. It means being able to proudly say, “Soy de papás mexicanos” (“I am the son of Mexican parents”) without caring about what others will say.

Being the first generation to be able to flaunt my Hispanic/Latino identity and knowing that I won’t be the last—that others will join me and be able to identify with me. Being first-generation is an identity with many meanings, but this is my definition of being first-gen, and let me tell you, what an orgullo (source of pride) it is to be one.

When Did You First Recognize Yourself as First-Generation?

The first time I realized I was first-gen was in middle school, when I was elected as a state officer for our state student council. I was elected to the only middle school position on the board; the other eight positions were for high school students.

As I went through the year, I realized that the other students had experiences and opportunities I wanted to pursue, with one difference: They had everything they needed to achieve their goals.

I knew that I would have to work and advocate twice as hard to get what I wanted and reach my goals. This was also my first exposure to college and life beyond high school. It was then that I realized I wanted to pursue higher education, and I understood that I would have to learn everything there was to know about getting into college on my own.

How Has Being First-Gen Shaped Your College and Life Experiences?

Being first-gen has positively impacted my college experience and life overall. It has shown me that I have to work hard to achieve what I set out to do and advocate for myself when others won’t do it for me; that I have to be the author of my own story. It has also taught me to choose wisely whom I want to emulate while also being someone others look up to. It has shown me that I have to plan and have backup plans as well.

When figuring out financial aid, classes, social life, and more on my own, I have to tell my parents, “Don’t worry, this is the life of a college student,” when they don’t understand why I do what I do. I have to explain everything to them so that they understand and, hopefully, are proud of me.

Life in general is also a new experience. I have to figure that out on my own as well: what health insurance to have, what a 401(k) is, where to live, how to budget, and more.

I need to figure out how to be an adult and a functioning member of society on my own, and I have to find my own village that understands that. I don’t have anyone before me to say, “This is what you should do.” This will be something I find out on my own, but I am ready to trailblaze through it.

What Experience at St. John’s Has Made You Feel Especially Proud of Your Journey?

The highlight thus far has been growing as a student leader, particularly as an orientation leader (OL) this past summer. Welcoming the next class of Johnnies and showing them what St. John’s has to offer was something I truly took pride in, and it felt even more meaningful when I shared that I was a first-generation student. I also loved sharing the experience with the rest of the orientation team. We truly had a great summer, and I was able to make so many close friends and expand my network along the way. Having people from all around campus recognize me because of that role has made me so proud to be an OL. A special shout-out to Samuel Baah and Elise Faulk for giving me this opportunity and for being the best bosses!

What Would You Tell a Student Who Is About to Become the First to Attend College?

Don’t be afraid. It will be overwhelming at first—but trust me, it will get better. Don’t let imposter syndrome get the best of you. You know where you belong, you know what you want to be, and you know why you are where you are. You belong just as much as anyone else. You have made great strides to get here, so always recognize and celebrate that you are achieving something so great and wonderful.

But also, be true to yourself. Don’t think you have to change who you are just to fit in. You will find your community and your people who will embrace you for who you are. Never settle for being someone you truly aren’t. Be proud of your first-generation status and be proud that you are achieving something greater for yourself and your family!