Each year at Chicago Scholars, we bring on a group of Scholar Ambassadors to represent the best of our work, allowing newly accepted Scholars to develop their leadership skills and participate in recruiting the next class of Scholars over the course of a year.
This year, we’re excited for you to meet the Class of 2029 Scholar Ambassadors through a series of blog posts and content that we’ll bring you monthly, to share how the Ambassadors are navigating their first year as Scholars.
Today, in celebration of both National First Generation Day and our
New Scholar Application launching, we asked some of our Ambassadors about their experience as future first gen college students, what challenges they’ve faced so far as the first in their families to pursue college, and what they’re looking forward to.
Wisdom May, Chicago Scholars Class of 2029, Kenwood Academy High School
“Growing up life in itself was tough, and college wasn’t a guaranteed path for my family—it was more of a dream I held onto yet I never thought I’d achieve. My father, with such a poor academic career, didn’t give himself the chance to attempt college, while my mom, despite trying multiple times, struggled to complete even her first year of college. Watching their journey time and time again, I realized early on how significant it would be for myself and my family to pursue a higher education. For them, it was a door that was never fully opened; for me, it’s a door I’m determined to walk through, not just for myself, but to honor the paths they paved before me.”
“However, this journey has not come without its trials and tribulations. One of the biggest obstacles I’ve faced as a first-generation student is the constant feeling of not being good enough. It’s hard to look around and see classmates who seem to always have an advantage—whether it’s access to better resources, guidance from family members who’ve navigated college before, or simply knowing how the system works. I’ve often felt like I’m playing catch-up, trying to understand a process that others seem to know by heart. Additionally, navigating the college application process without much help from my home has added heavily to the amount of pressure. My parents, despite their support and encouragement, haven’t been able to guide me through the process and I’ve had to figure things out on my own—financial aid applications, personal statements, college information, and more—sometimes feeling behind compared to my peers with more informed support systems.”
“However, despite these challenges, I’ve made it to the finish mark and college is within my reach, earning scholarships and seizing opportunities that once seemed like an elusive dream I could have only dreamt. This journey has shown me that hard work, persistence, and self-belief can help overcome even the toughest obstacles. Looking ahead, I am excited to fully embrace my college journey and pursue my career as a psychologist. Despite everything, I will not falter in my pursuit of this dream because I know I am capable of achieving what I set out to do.”
Enrique Camacho, Chicago Scholars Class of 2029, Benito Juarez Community Academy High School
“Since I was little, experiencing college life has been both a dream and a goal for me. College life to me consists of joining different groups that cultivate my Mexican heritage, studying abroad in places around the world, being able to have a whole different social community at my disposal, and attending college parties. My parents always encouraged me to strive for perfection in school and give myself the best chance to break the barrier of our family’s inability to go to college. While I was encouraged by my dreams and wishes, it was momentarily difficult for me to navigate the complexities of financial aid and the fear of college rejections.”
“As a future first-generation college student, I strongly desire to become a role model for my younger sister, who will apply to college in four years. She’s entering high school next year, and I want to show her that it’s possible to achieve our dreams despite the challenges. There are times when I struggle with the fear of what I do is not enough or if I’m good enough to attend college. However, my parent’s unwavering support and my small victories, like being part of different clubs such as the Student Voice Committee and serving as the Vice President of the Spanish club, reinforce my belief that what I’ve accomplished is thrilling and that I should be proud of my achievements.”
“Additionally, being accepted into Chicago Scholars and serving as an ambassador, as well as mentoring incoming high school freshmen at my school, has given me further opportunities to lead and inspire. Being a first-generation college student allows me to break the cycle of generational trauma where no one in my family has gone to college. I aspire to earn a degree in sociology to become a social worker, helping others in need while also providing financial and emotional support to my family. This journey is not just about me but also making the path easier for my sister and future generations.“
See Chicago Scholars’ impact on college access and economic mobility in Chicago and beyond.
