First Generation Student Seeks Success to Support Family

Resilience. Built on Rawls.

Jacob Gordon  |  November 8, 2022

Personal Resilience

Ocanas had to figure things out on her own from an early age.

Ocanas’ biological mother had a history of incarceration, drug abuse and addiction, so Ocanas was raised by her aunt and uncle since she was two-weeks old. Growing up, she also had no relationship with her biological father.

And while Ocanas sees her aunt and uncle as parental figures, Ocanas always felt something was missing.

"Not having a relationship with my biological mother or father caused a huge identity crisis for me," said Ocanas. "It was a connection I always hoped to have."

Part of Ocanas coming to grips with her identity was her desire to go to college. However, neither her aunt or uncle attended college. Ocanas was left on her own to complete the admissions process.

This is also where Ocanas’ family dynamic created an unintended challenge for her.

"I think my aunt and uncle hoped my biological mom would get her life together and come and take care of me and my siblings," said Ocanas, who has two younger sisters and a younger brother.

While attempting to apply to several colleges, Ocanas found the application process difficult to navigate as a first-generation student. She would often call schools for guidance in completing applications but was offered little help.

Not at Texas Tech, though.

"Texas Tech was the only school that knew how to help because it’s a first-gen serving school," said Ocanas. "I’m not the only person they’ve had to help with all this stuff. They were the only school who understood and could help me with all my paperwork."

Ocanas sees her navigating the application process and getting admitted into Texas Tech as a significant accomplishment, but that didn’t make her first year as a college student any easier.

Academic Resilience

As a first-gen student, Ocanas had to navigate the differences between high school courses and college courses.

"That first year was pretty tough," said Ocanas. "I looked for support from my aunt and uncle, but they couldn’t help. I had to figure things out on my own."

Because of her experience navigating college, Ocanas can serve as a guiding presence for her brother, who is currently a sophomore at Texas Tech.

"I’m really glad I’ve gone through all of that, so I’ve been able to help him a lot," said Ocanas.

Beyond adjusting to college courses, Ocanas also had to rely on herself for any expenses.

"My aunt and uncle weren’t all that supportive of me going to college because they knew, financially, they couldn’t help me," said Ocanas. "I knew it was something where I was just going to have to do it myself."

Ocanas quickly developed an honest understanding of her spending habits and strategized ways to save what little money a part-time job could offer.

"I’m very strategic with what I put money toward," said Ocanas. "I know if I have money, I’ll spend it, so I pay everything in full first. For example, I don’t do monthly rent, I pay it all upfront."

Ocanas applied her strategic financial thinking to her education as well. She originally planned on majoring in hospitality management, but soon realized the major was not for her.

"I started to realize my return on investment was not going to be where I wanted it to be. I took what I really liked about hospitality – the people- and customer-facing sides of it – and I figured I would really enjoy a career in sales. I’m really outgoing, and I like talking to anyone."

Ocanas eventually completed the switch to marketing and is working toward a certificate in sales.

Professional Resilience

A summer internship with Steelcase Inc. one of the largest manufacturers in America, offered Ocanas a look at what her transition to the professional world will be like."

"I learned a lot about relationships in business while at Steelcase," said Ocanas. "I got to learn about the relationship between the selling process and how you need to support the people selling your products. The better you treat the people, the better they can sell the product."

As Ocanas prepares to begin her sales career, she sees her experience as a first-gen student giving her a unique perspective that many of her peers do not have.

"As a first-gen [student], people don’t realize how much you have to do on your own," Ocanas said, "and that’s not a bad thing. In sales, it’s not always rainbows and sunshine. I think [being a first-gen student] puts me in a good spot. I already know what it’s like when things are hard and how to overcome them. I’m very determined."

Ocanas also sees her resilience as being an asset in sales.

"You need to be resourceful," said Ocanas. "A lot of people say that about me. I will search until there is nothing left to search."

Ocanas is currently in the midst of the interview process and hopes to have a job secured by the time she graduates in May 2023. While she could see herself starting her own business one day – she ran her own bakery in high school – the driving force of her career goal is her family.

"My biggest goal is to repay my aunt for everything she’s done for me and my other siblings," said Ocanas. "She put her life on hold to raise us, and that’s not easy with little help or support. I hope to give her a good life one day."

Resilience. Built on Rawls.

As Ocanas prepares to graduate and reflects on her time at Rawls College, she has some key advice for fellow first-gen students.

"Rawls builds a good foundation to make sure every student is prepared," said Ocanas. "There are resources and people who can help you. Don’t be afraid to reach out or make mistakes."

She also encourages first-gen students to get involved within Rawls College. It’s advice she often gives on tours of the college in her role as a Rawls Ambassador.

"I always tell people when I give tours to get involved on day one," she says. "I have friends that aren’t in this college, and they’re immensely jealous of all the opportunities we have here."

But most of all, Ocanas wants fellow first-gen students to lean on their inherent determination and resiliency.

"First-gen students need to build a really strong mindset, but it’s going to pay off in the end," Ocanas said. "Everything will be a lot more meaningful. Just don’t give up. Want it really bad."