Never Miss an Opportunity
A thought-provoking reflection on joining an international topics class as a first-generation college student
By Brook Buchanan
Can I really go on a week-long trip by myself to a place I’ve never been to with my classmates? Am I qualified enough to represent this project well? What about financials? What if I don’t have the money to pay for my trip?
These are all questions I asked myself prior to interviewing for MEJO 584: Internation Projects. But first, let me tell you a little bit about myself. My name is Brook Buchanan. I am a current junior double majoring in Political Science and Advertising & Public Relations with a minor in Women and Gender Studies. On top of all this, I am a first-generation student which I am very proud of.
When I found out about this class a week before the deadline to apply, thoughts started racing through my mind. One thing kept standing out to me: I could have a once-in-a-lifetime experience to show off my skills in a meaningful way.
Although I had the qualifications for one of the PR roles for the project, doubt kept creeping in. I was afraid that I would not be able to pay for it. But I’m here to tell you that money should not stand in the way of life-altering decisions like joining on a project that takes you to the Galápagos.
As a first-generation student, it is sometimes hard for me to seize all the opportunities that are presented to me. Sometimes I don’t know what I should be doing to develop myself holistically for my future in the workforce because I have nothing to base it off of. I have nobody to relate experiences to in my family since nobody has ever attended college.
In this class and in this setting, I have been able to prove my worth to myself more than anything that I am capable of. I am capable of making creative and important work. Most importantly, I have learned with the help of my fellow students and professors that my voice and opinion matter.
The thing that I am most looking forward to about going to the Galápagos is being able to tell my friends about the amazing work that I did with a group of friends that by the end of the class turned into my family.
About the Author
Brook Buchanan
Hi, I’m Brook, a junior double majoring in Political Science and Advertising & Public Relations with a minor in Women and Gender Studies Fun fact: I used to collect stamps as a kid so I have binders of unique stamps at home!
