Finding Your People in College: A Q&A with a First-Year, First-Gen Student

Wondering how you’ll find your people on campus? It’s a question almost every student has before arriving. Will I fit in? Will I actually feel like I belong here?

Annamaria Garcia, a first-year, first-generation college student, came to St. John’s University with those same thoughts in mind. As someone who considered herself more introverted, stepping into her first semester felt uncertain at first.

But over time, she found her place. By getting involved, showing up, and staying open to new experiences, Annamaria built a strong sense of community and grew more confident along the way.

In this Q&A, she reflects on her journey and shares honest advice for students who are still figuring out where they belong.

Can you introduce yourself?

I am a first-year student at St. John’s, majoring in psychology. I am involved in several areas on campus. I am a Catholic Scholar, a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, the first-year student representative for the Hispanic Ministry, and a member of the Sensación dance team. I am also a student worker in Campus Ministry.

As a first-generation college student, did you feel nervous starting your first semester?

Definitely. None of my siblings made it through college, so to say I am almost done with my first year feels amazing. I feel like I am on cloud nine.

At the same time, I do feel that pressure. My family has high expectations for me. They want me to succeed and “break the cycle” so I can have a better life than they did.

It can feel like a lot, but it also motivates me. It reminds me why I am here and why I need to keep going.

What helped you take that first step to getting involved on campus?

At first, I was not planning to get involved. I had the same mindset in high school. I was just going to class and going home.

But my Catholic Scholars moderator encouraged us to make the most of everything here. Join something, explore, and use the resources. I really took that to heart.

Then, people from Campus Ministry started reaching out about events, which made it easier. I did not feel like I had to figure everything out on my own. I slowly started going to things, meeting people, and easing into it.

Which campus experiences have made you feel most connected?

The St. Vincent de Paul Society definitely stands out. When we do service, such as going on a Midnight Run, it really changes our perspective.

I did not have expectations going into it, but afterward, I felt so grateful. It made me reflect on how fortunate I am to be in college and to have these opportunities.

Sensación has been another big one for me. In high school, I was very shy. I was the type to sit quietly in a corner and only talk if I had to.

Joining the dance team pushed me out of that. Everyone is so supportive. If I do not get something right away, they go over it with me again and again. They encourage me, celebrate small wins, and remind me that it is okay to ask questions.

It really feels like having a built-in support system.

How has working on campus shaped your experience and sense of community?

Working in Campus Ministry has really shown me how St. John's University opens doors for you. You start to find your flow over time.

At the beginning, I felt like a “new fish in a pond.” It was another community I didn’t even know existed until I became a part of it.

The experience has truly helped me learn from others, especially the graduate assistants in the office who have already gone through what I’m experiencing now. I can always go to them with questions about classes, professors, or just about anything.

A lot of them are Catholic Scholars too, so I also ask them about service and getting involved. They are always there for me. It really feels like having big brothers and sisters to lean on.

Everyone in the office is so welcoming. It genuinely feels like a family.

How has getting involved changed you personally?

I have definitely opened up a lot more.

Before, I was very “to and from.” I did not stay after school or do anything extra. Now, I actually have the time and space to be involved. Joining clubs and organizations at St. John’s gave me a reason to stay, talk to people, and build connections. I feel more confident, more social, and more willing to try new things instead of staying in my comfort zone.

Looking back on your first year, what is something you have learned that others might underestimate?

Time is a big one. People underestimate how much you can do with your time here. Every second counts. There are so many opportunities, and each one can open another door.

For example, becoming a student worker in Campus Ministry introduced me to a community I did not even know existed. I get to learn from older students, ask questions, and get advice.

It really feels like a family, and it has helped me grow in ways I did not expect.

What would you say to someone worried about finding their place in college?

I think everyone will find their place eventually, but you have to take that first step.

People can reach out to you, but you have to open the door. If you stay closed off, people will respect that, but you might miss out.

Even going to one meeting or event can make a difference. You might recognize someone, start small conversations, and build from there.

It does not happen all at once—but if you give yourself the chance, you will feel it.

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