Challenges of a first-gen, low-income Ivy Leaguer 

I was feeling discouraged after researching the disadvantages low-income students have compared to the wealthy, but then I came across your video. I just want to thank you for sharing your experience. It has made me feel less alone knowing that someone out there has been through these struggles. It inspires me that despite the obstacles, you have overcome them. As someone who is currently entering the college process as a low-income POC, this video gave me hope, thank you.

I can't explain how relatable this is. As a Pre-Med, I honestly felt so underprepared for my University. However, I believe in you.

Wow, this was a great video! I really commend you for being real with the nuances that are often overlooked with the f-g/l-i experience. I related to this so much, especially being surrounded by a certain dominant class of people. I felt pressured to conform to a certain identity to fit in to network and make friends. Often times, it felt like I had a lot of transactional relationships and that kind of damaged my psyche. But it in the end it gave me tougher skin, and made me filter out and appreciate the friends/support system that were able to give me emotional comfort. I hope it gets better for you, because you are there and you definitely deserve it.

I almost cried bc this is so real and accurate. You hit the main points and I thank you for that!

Great video! It is hard being s firs-gen low-income college student, but it will all be worth it!

This is such an amazing video! Thank you so much for sharing this content. I admire your openness, honesty, and overall positivity. Things like this make me so proud that I am a questie and am surrounded by extraordinary individuals like you who are willing to share your experiences and take value to them, whether they are good or bad. Sorry for the long paragraph haha, but I wish you the best for this upcoming semester and am so excited for the new memories and challenges you will take on!! 😊

As a first gen and non-traditional student your story resonates with me. Thank you for sharing your story.

Thank you so much Emmanuel! God bless you and keep you in His Perfect Peace and may He guide and direct your steps and bring fruition to all your plans and dreams.🙏❤️

No freaking way! I knew I recognized you from something when I clicked on the Bank of America video! Thank you so much for making this video. It means a lot to me :)

Thank you!! You WILL be 👍 great!!

I stumbled upon this video after watching your Colorado college vid and I wanted to see where you ended up. This vid is really touching. I love how vulnerable and honest you are. Being so self reflective will surely help you on your journey. You have a bright future ahead of you! Hang in there!

Emmanuel, when you graduate you and your family will be so proud and this pride will be off the scale. Because of the obstacles that you have overcome will make your graduation the most amazing experience. Hang in there

Thank you, that’s all I can say thank you a lot of people needed to hear that

Absolutely love this :)

thank you for this! im going into my sophomore year and this really helped me feel like I'm not alone :)

Thank you for making this video! You are such a kind and hardworking person.

Thank you so much for this.

dude, i appreciate your honesty and vulnerability! i am also fgli and thinking about applying to dartmouth, thanks

this is really good and insightful. It gave me some perspective, thank you.

thanks for sharing 😊

I really enjoy listening to your perspective. My experience wasnt the same because I couldnt get into an ivy league. But I can relate about feeling like living in a bubble of immense pressure.

Truly an inspirational video! Super relatable since my family too is low income! Thank you for being open about the experience. Do you have any scholarships you could share? I enter college this fall and while I do have fafsa and hope, it is not enough to pay for my dorm and meal plan.

Thank you so much for all your videos, thank you Emmanuel!

Yes Manny. Yes. Preach your truth.

Thanks for the excellent video!

my moms in real estate. it can be a good income, but it’s unpredictable. 2016 was one of her worst income years but 2018 was one of the best.

If anything, higher education *needs* socioeconomic diversity among the student body. Given your circumstances, you have to be an independent decision maker in college. You're navigating it, essentially like a pioneer without a wide safety net. Don't get egotistical, but that's kind of great. However, truth be told, college is one of the easiest, most predictable, safest, and most encouraging/supportive places on earth. It's even better at Dartmouth, thanks to being surrounded by educated people that value this experience. You know, all that liberal humanities minded stuff is part of the culture norm there. It's great. You might experience post-grad culture shock after leaving the academic bubble for the real world. If Dartmouth doesn't have it already, maybe you can start a group that mentors first-gen students on campus. That's something a self-starter would do. You see a social issue, and you do something about it. Your video addresses this issue. Excellent! Truth be told, college is one of the most structured institutions ever. The entire trip is essentially an organization/time management game. Undergrad life is easy compared to the real world (it's easy, but can be a ton of work as you learn to navigate this system). You'll do great in school as long as you're involved, investigative/curious, resourceful, and adaptable. Really, college life is great. You're brilliant for choosing an Ivy League school. The resources/connections available to you there tends to exceed what you might have received if say, you had remained at a local state school. Looks like to me, you have quite a grasp on cultural awareness. That alone is observant of you. Think of yourself like an asset to this campus. You bring fresh insight into what is, dare I say it, a sheltered bubble. Great video! This issue seriously needs more awareness. ------- Aha, wait!!! Dartmouth has an office set up for this purpose. Fantastic! students.dartmouth.edu/opal/advising/advising-areas/first-generation-andor-low-income-student-advising

This video made me cry because of how reflecting and real it is... the advices will definitely help me and the struggles mentioned resonate with me as well. Thank you for sharing and please make more videos like this!

Thanks man. This was inspiring

Excellent Excellent video .

Hi good job. I feel good knowing your testimony exists. Do you feel motivated or inspired to start a company now. -Michael

thanks :)

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