LaTecia Yarbrough, Coordinator for Residential Education Residential Life and Housing, Rachel Carson College
What motivated me to go to college: I grew up poor with lots of love around me. I wanted a better life for myself and my children in the future and I felt college could do that.
What the biggest challenge I encountered was as a first-generation student and how I overcame it: College was like a walk through a dark maze with a blindfold on. I learned that asking questions, getting to know my professor and getting involved help me navigate college smoother.
How my background has helped me: I never took NO for an answer because once I got to college I had defeated all the odds as a poor first-generation multiracial black woman. There is always someone willing to help and show you the way. Share your story it will help you and others.
What I would tell my first-year self: You have nothing to provide…no need to walk around with a chip on your shoulder. God has a better plan for your future.
How being a first-generation student influences me (and/or my work) now: I always thought I was not smart enough because I was first-generation and had dyslexia but I am always one of the hardest working person in a room. I got through grad school not being the smartest but the hardest working finishing with 4.0 GPA. If you ask freshman me, if I thought I would have a master doing what I love, I would not believe you.
